Entertainment

13 Of The Happiest 'Real Housewives' Episodes

by Marenah Dobin

The Real Housewives shows are famous for their feuds and over-the-top drama, but that's not all that they have to offer. I have to admit that I live for the scandal, but there have been some truly heart-warming moments on the various series that I enjoyed watching even more. If you love the franchise and need a pick-me-up, then I suggest you watch the happy Real Housewives episodes below.

After so many years on television, I've really gotten to know the Real Housewives, so as much as I love watching the drama, it does make me feel good to see them have some genuinely happy moments. Some "happy" Real Housewives episodes are ones that show the cast members achieving important life milestones like getting married, having babies, and getting engaged, but some are just about having a good time and "whooping it up," as Vicki Gunvalson likes to say. Even if fans can't actually party with the Real Housewives cast members, there's nothing like having a vicarious good time through the television screen.

If you are in the mood to smile, these are the Real Housewives episodes that you need to queue up.

1. Teresa Comes Home

I cried tears of joy during the Season 7 premiere episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey. I mean, how could I not? Teresa Giudice returned home to her four daughters after being in prison. Regardless of your feelings on Teresa, this was a sweet moment. I watched it over and over again.

2. Shannon's Surprise Vow Renewal

Season1, Episode 8 with Shannon Beador's vow renewal was pretty much drama free. I have to admit that I got pretty choked up with some happy tears watching Shannon's husband plan a surprise wedding ceremony for her birthday.

3. Bethenny Finds Out She's Pregnant, Ramona Wants To Renew Her Vows, & Luann Gets A Boyfriend

Typically, there's no shortage of drama on Real Housewives of New York City, but there have been a couple exceptions, including Season 3, Episode 7 of RHONY in which (queen) Sonja Morgan makes her debut, Bethenny Frankel takes a pregnancy test in front of the cameras, Luann de Lesseps reveals a new boyfriend, and Ramona Singer shares a desire to renew her vows. Now, we know that those last two relationships didn't work out, but at the time, pretty much everyone in the cast was pretty happy during this episode.

4. Kim Meets Kroy

Most Bravoholics are obsessed with Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann's family on Don't Be Tardy, but all started during Shereé Whitfield's dancing competition on Season 3, Episode 7 of Real Housewives of Atlanta . It was such a cute and hilarious moment with Kim obsessing over Kroy's booty on the dance floor. The sparks were flying, that's for sure, and it's so cool that this pivotal meeting was captured by the cameras.

5. Yolanda Wears Lingerie To Dinner; Brandi & Kim Become BFFs

Season 5, Episode 2 is the only Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episode without controversy. Yolanda Hadid (then, Foster) wore lingerie to have dinner with her then-husband David Foster, which ended up being a pretty famous scene. Meanwhile, Kim Richards and Brandi Glanville became BFFs after a season of feuding and celebrated by spying on Brandi's crush. There was even a happy family vacation for Kyle. It was smiles all around in this episode.

6. RHONJ's First Episode Ever

Things weren't always so chaotic in Jersey. The calm didn't last for too long, but if you want a carefree TV viewing experience, just watch the episode that started it all. We got to meet all the ladies and everyone did hilarious things without screaming at each other or flipping tables.

7. Tamra & Eddie Get Engaged

Eddie Judge's surprise marriage proposal to Tamra Judge was one of the sweetest scenes in RHOC history. During their Season 7, Episode 18 trip to Bora Bora was so real and perfect. There's no way you could watch this episode without a smile on your face.

8. Ramona Renews Her Vows

I feel a little awkward referring to this as a happy RHONY episode since we now know that Ramona Singer's marriage ended in divorce. Nevertheless, if you put your current knowledge on the back burner, Season 3 Episode 14 can really warm your heart.

9. Kim & Kandi Finish Recording "Don't Be Tardy"

I was absolutely living for Kim Zolciak's attempt at a singing career during Season 1 of RHOA, so I was very happy when things came together when Kandi Burruss joined the cast the next year and helped her finish off one of my favorite Real Housewives songs. Season 2, Episode 10 is such a fun episode, and I'm still obsessed with the song.

10. Teresa, Jacqueline, & Caroline Go To Italy

For the most part, nothing really happened during the Jersey girls' trip to Italy. Sure, Teresa brought a lot of luggage and Caroline Manzo got tired from walking so much, but the trip was good time for the cast and the viewers. It's definitely worth watching Season 2, Episode 15 again if you just want a break from the family drama that typically comes with RHONJ.

11. Lauri's Wedding

Lauri Peterson really went through a lot in front of the RHOC cameras. After struggling to rebound from divorce, Lauri found her (wealthy) prince charming and had the most perfect wedding during the Season 3 finale. How could you not love this episode?

12. Phaedra Takes The RHOA Ladies To Washington; NeNe & Cynthia Make Amends

This Real Housewives of Atlanta episode was all about moving forward in a positive direction. Phaedra took some of the ladies to Washington to support her Save Our Sons organization. Back in the ATL, NeNe and Cynthia finally made up after their rift. Everyone was all about bettering themselves during Season 8, Episode 11, so it's definitely a good one to watch.

13. Sonja's Fashion Show

Everyone was hating on Sonja Morgan and her aspiration to be a fashion designer during Season 7 of RHONY, but she showed up everyone. Not only did Sonja actually produce clothes, but the line was amazing and the show was way better than anyone expected. The rest of the cast ate their words, apologized to Sonja, and flooded her with compliments. All of #TeamSonja and her fans were vindicated thanks to Season 7, Episode 18.

Unfortunately for the cast members, the "happy" Real Housewives episodes are few and far between. Thankfully, for the viewers, that means there's a lot of drama for them to enjoy. Still, there are obviously a few episodes that are very positive if you're not in the mood for feuds.

Images: Bravo (13)