Melissa Gorga, a star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” agrees with fans and Bravo that the show needs a cast shakeup due to a “toxic” atmosphere in season 14, highlighting behind-the-scenes issues with two unnamed cast members. Amidst this tension, the season will forego a traditional reunion, with executive producer Andy Cohen promising a satisfying resolution in the season finale, which he describes as dramatic and akin to a “Last Supper” for the cast.
Melissa Gorga agrees with viewers and Bravo that “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” needs a cast shakeup due to a toxic season 14 and a canceled reunion, citing behind-the-scenes issues with two unnamed cast members.
Melissa Gorga is all in for a change. She’s echoing the sentiments of many who watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey, believing a cast shakeup is overdue. The show’s latest season? Toxic, to say the least. And with the reunion axed, it’s clear something’s gotta give.
"I agree with Bravo that there needs to be changes … I agree with that 100 percent," Melissa spilled the tea to Entertainment Tonight. This was during the NYC premiere of Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black. "I think things have gotten really toxic," she added, not mincing her words.
Behind the scenes, it’s messy. Melissa hinted at two cast members stirring the pot in secret. "It’s all coming out because it always rises to the top, it always comes out in the laundry. It’s been years, so it’s all coming forward." Who could she be talking about? The suspense!
Melissa Gorga. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Then, there’s the family drama. Melissa and Teresa Giudice, her sister-in-law, haven’t shared a scene this season. Their feud’s so intense, it’s splitting the cast into camps. With names like Dolores Catania and Margaret Josephs in the mix, it’s a full-on loyalty war.
Sources whispered to Us Weekly that there’s no reunion for season 14. "The reunion is supposed to be about resolution and it’s clear there’s no resolving any issues between the women," one insider dished. So, no neat bows to tie up this season’s drama, it seems.
Andy Cohen, the executive producer, promises a resolution of sorts in the season 14 finale. "The main thing is this will all make sense once you see the finale," he assured on SiriusXM’s Reality Checked With Kiki Monique. According to him, the finale is a blend of the usual episode and a reunion, all rolled into one.
"It’s in the great tradition of absolute shocking, dramatic Jersey finales and they have this final epic group encounter, which is like, it feels like the Last Supper and is just so Jersey. And it’s shocking and it’s dramatic and it’s amazing TV. I’m telling you, when you see it, I think that you’ll feel complete," Cohen continued.
As for rebooting RHONJ with a new cast, akin to The Real Housewives of New York City, Cohen’s playing his cards close to his chest. "We are gonna cross next season as that comes," he shared, hinting at a period of reflection for the producers.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs on Bravo Sundays at 8 p.m. ET and on Peacock. Whether you’re team Melissa, team Teresa, or just here for the drama, it’s clear RHONJ is at a pivotal moment. Will the promised changes revive the show? Time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Jersey never disappoints.