After an eight-year hiatus, Carole Radziwill, a veteran of The Real Housewives of New York, will return to the show as a “friend.” She is the only legacy star set to return ahead of the upcoming Season 16. Reports state that filming will begin in New York City this week.
Bravo confirms Carole Radziwill’s return to RHONY in Season 16
Bravo has revealed the cast for The Real Housewives of New York Season 16, and in a notable development, RHONY veteran Carole Radziwill will return to the show this year. Radziwill previously appeared on The Real Housewives of New York from Season 5 through Season 10.
Radziwill was known for her dry humor during her time on RHONY. An author and journalist, she built a strong fan following during her run on the series. Recently, she has appeared publicly and on social media alongside Erin Lichy, who is part of the current cast. Along with Sai De Silva and Jessel Taank, Lichy is among the returning cast members from the previous season of the rebooted series.
In the marathon of life, loyalty is everything. And because of Bravo fans’ loyalty, Carole Radziwill is returning to #RHONY as a friend-of for Season 16!!! ? pic.twitter.com/bzNIJUqFnU
— Bravo (@BravoTV) March 2, 2026
Brynn Whitfield and Ubah Hassan have already exited the show, and Racquel Chevremont reportedly does not plan to return. Additionally, Jenna Lyons announced last year that she would not be returning, and Rebecca Minkoff shared a similar update.
During her original run, Carole Radziwill exited following a challenging tenth season. Throughout that season, she was involved in a public feud with Bethenny Frankel.
At the time of her departure, she said in a statement (via Variety), “My original curiosity about reality television has waned over the years, and I am focusing on TV and writing projects that better suit my more steady temperament.”
Given the circumstances surrounding her exit, her return marks a new chapter with Bravo.
