Entertainment

The Former Real Housewives Who Really Need To Return

by Marenah Dobin
Michael Buckner/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Real Housewives cast members come and go. Sometimes it's for the best since not everyone can cut it as a Housewife. But other times, it's upsetting to the fandom when women leave the franchise, meaning there are some Real Housewives stars who need to come back to the show.

The women who left and desperately need to come back are ones who blessed the viewers with iconic moments and quotes that will be repeated forever in GIFs, memes, and merchandise. While devoted viewers will watch and discuss the shows regardless of who is on them, loyal fans would love to see fan favorites back on their television screens. A returning cast member is definitely preferred over getting to know a new addition on the show.

The only good thing about a fan favorite leaving the franchise is the possibility of a dramatic return to the series and a sassy tagline to go with it. Instead of bringing on new faces, it would be so much better to have some returning Housewives back in action.

From the ladies who everyone loves to the women fans love to hate, these are the cast members who fans need to see back on Real Housewives.

1. Danielle Staub

Thankfully, this one is about to become a reality when Real Housewives of New Jersey returns for its new season on October 4. Nevertheless, it's been way too long since original cast member Danielle Staub has graced television screens. Her antics helped put RHONJ on the map. From that infamous book written by her ex-boyfriend that was the talk of Season 1, to discussing her 19 engagements, to pushing everyone's buttons, Danielle always had a story line worth watching.

2. Camille Grammer

Camille Grammer got a lot of hate during Season 1 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills thanks to her rivalry with Kyle Richards. She provided the franchise with some iconic moments from bringing her psychic to a group dinner to Kyle calling her a "f*cking liar" to out dancing everyone on the show. Camille has appeared here and there at group functions after she left the show following Season 2, but it's just not the same as seeing her as a full-time cast member.

3. Kim Zolciak

Leaving Real Housewives of Atlanta to have a spinoff show with her husband and six kids is an opportunity that no one would pass up. Kim Zolciak gets the luxury of being a Bravolebrity without enduring the drama of being a Real Housewife. Nevertheless, it was great seeing her on the Season 9 RHOA finale shading Kenya Moore. She provides the lighthearted drama that this show really needs for Season 10 after taking a very dark turn during Season 9. Fortunately, Kim will appear on RHOA next season, but she will not be a full-time cast member.

4. Jeana Keough

Bringing Jeana Keough back to Real Housewives of Orange County is a great idea. Jeana is still close friends with Vicki Gunvalson and went to her birthday party that aired during the a recent Season 12 episode of RHOC, Tamra Judge can't stand her and infamously threw wine in her face during the Season 6 finale, and she is an expert pot stirrer. A Jeana return is the refresh that this show desperately needs.

5. Jacqueline Laurita

Jacqueline Laurita was at odds with Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga during Season 7 of RHONJ, so it's not too surprising that she will not be back on the show for Season 8 — it's just upsetting. Even though some fans are #TeamJacqueline and others are #TeamTeresa, almost every viewer can agree that their interactions are always entertaining. The up and down relationship between Jacqueline and Teresa brings a sense of authenticity to the show that will be missed. Let's just hope she comes back for Season 9.

6. Brandi Glanville

The past two seasons of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills have been lacking strong story lines. Brandi Glanville hasn't been on the show for two seasons. Coincidence? Not at all. Brandi is good TV. She knows exactly what to say to get a reaction out of her cast members and keep the fandom captivated. From the wine throwing to feuding with Lisa Vanderpump (and every other cast member), Brandi always bring controversy to the table. Last season centered around Erika Girari not wearing undies one time. A dose of Brandi would recapture the excitement that this show used to have.

7. NeNe Leakes

NeNe Leakes made RHOA a show worth watching. Yes, the OG has made cameo appearances here and there, but thankfully, NeNe will be back as a full-time cast member for Season 10. From her fierce fashions to her cutting insults, NeNe is always serving it up and doing the most.

8. Dina Manzo

Sure, it doesn't make the most sense for Dina Manzo to return to RHONJ since she lives in California now, but there are two Real Housewives shows in The Golden State. Why not return to the franchise as a cast member in Orange County or Beverly Hills? Or at the very least she can visit her girl Teresa in New Jersey for some guest appearances.

9. Kim Richards

Even though Kim Richards is not a cast member on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she might as well be. The women are either talking about Kim or waiting for an excuse to bring her up. Even when she was "off" the show, she was the center of every story line. It's really a no-brainer to bring her back. She is hysterical, she's Kyle's sister, and she deserves to share her side of the story on a more consistent basis.

Real Housewives shows will always be great, but they would be even better if the most beloved cast members made a return.