What 20 Years Of ‘The Real Housewives’ Has Taught The Cast Of ‘RHUGT: Roaring 20th’

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 4:10 PM

In a new interview, the principal cast of "Real Housewives UGT" opened up about what they've learned after 20 years on TV. The What 20 Years Of ‘The Real Housewives’ Has Taught The Cast Of ‘RHUGT: Roaring 20th’ first appeared on The Blast

20 years ago, Bravo aired a show following five women living their best lives in Orange County, California. Today, that series has expanded into several cities across the United States and has featured over 100 women. To celebrate the milestone, Bravo is airing a new season of “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip,” starring seven veteran cast members who will travel to different cities to meet up with past and present cast members to reminisce about franchise-defining moments. In a new interview, the cast of “RHUGT: Roaring 20th” opened up about the special project, living their lives in front of the cameras for years, and what they’ve learned after two decades in the spotlight.

What Have These ‘Real Housewives’ Stars Learned Since Being On The Show?

The “Roaring 20th” special will air on Bravo on August 9 and will be available to stream on Peacock the next day.

Speaking with PEOPLE, the show’s cast, which includes Vicki Gunvalson, Porsha Williams, Kyle Richards, Lisa Barlow, Luann de Lesseps, Teresa Giudice, and Gizelle Bryant, reflects on the upcoming season and also takes a trip down memory lane.

When asked what being part of the series has taught them, they all shared moving statements, letting fans know just how they’ve grown since their first seasons.

“I became much more resilient to the conflicts in life, and I realized it will pass,” Gunvalson said, while Giudice said being part of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” only confirmed what she already knew to be true. “I only know how to be one way; it’s being real. I’m not calculated. Everyone actually saw the last 20 years of my life,” she stated.

Bryant And Williams Open Up About The Lessons ‘The Real Housewives’ Franchise Has Taught Them

Porsha Williams at the 2021 Peoples Choice Awards
OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Bryant, star of “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” said that being part of the Maryland ensemble has allowed her to challenge her thinking, noting that in the past she cared only about her perspective.

“I realized that’s not okay. That’s not okay for me to go through life not caring, not giving a d-mn. So I’m here for the conversations. I’m here for conflict. I had to learn to listen and I think I’m a better person because of it,” she said.

For Williams, a “Real Housewives of Atlanta” veteran, she’s learned the power of reinvention and taking control of your own narrative.

“[My first season], I used to see myself one way, as a wife through my husband’s eyes. And [after my divorce] being so young at 30, I went right into how the audience saw me. And over the years when you just release all of that, then you realize, ‘Wait, I get one damn experience. It’s mine, and I can do with it what I want. I’m in the driver’s seat.'”

What Did The Cast Of ‘Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip’ Think When They Were Presented With The Opportunity?

Gizelle Bryant posing on the red carpet.
MEGA

According to a previous report from The Blast, the upcoming season of “RHUGT” will follow “a group of beloved Housewives from across the years embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, making their way through some of the most memorable locations in the franchise’s history.”

To be chosen as one of the principal cast out of 100+ women is something special—at least that’s what Williams said.

“I was just glad to be picked. When I’m around these ladies, it’s therapeutic,” she said, while Bryant said she had fun filming with the ladies because they are “authentic,” unlike some of the women on her show.

Richards, meanwhile, admitted she was hesitant to sign on the dotted line, telling PEOPLE that when she got the call, she told the network she’d have to think it over.

“But then when I knew it was the OGs and the 20-year anniversary I’m like, ‘I cannot not be a part of that.’ It was an honor to be asked. When we started this, people were like, ‘Is reality television even going to be around for long?’ And look at this! How could we not want to celebrate that?” she said.

Who Can Fans Expect To See On ‘RHUGT’?

NeNe Leakes
MEGA

“RHUGT: Roaring 20th” will also include over 80 All-Star housewives from the past and present to celebrate two decades of the series.

Joining the principal cast throughout the episodes will be franchise staples such as Melissa Gorga, Alexia Nepola, Dorinda Medley, and NeNe Leakes.

Leakes’ appearance will be her first on Bravo in over 4 years. “People are very happy about it. Listen, we are going to be celebrating 20 years of Housewives, and it would be hard not to without her, and so I’m happy about it,” Andy Cohen said about her return.

Leakes also commented on her comeback on Instagram, saying, “This has been a really long, long journey, and gosh, I’m happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo. I almost can’t believe the words that are coming out of my mouth. I’m so happy. I’m excited to see all of you girls. It’s going to be a time. Yes! B-tches, I am back. Now pick your faces off the floor. OK!? See you on Bravo. Love you.”

What Do The Bravo Executives Think About The Show Lasting 20 Years?

In addition to the upcoming “RHUGT” special, Bravo just began airing season 20 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Per The Blast, Bravo executive Frances Berwick said she’s extremely grateful that viewers have enjoyed the series for as long as they have.

“Just feels incredibly gratifying and fun and joyous,” she said. “The fact that it’s still making people really happy to watch the show, that they love being part of this Real Housewives community, it just makes you feel good.”

The What 20 Years Of ‘The Real Housewives’ Has Taught The Cast Of ‘RHUGT: Roaring 20th’ first appeared on The Blast

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