After a two-year hiatus, Bravo's BravoCon was back for a memorable weekend (October 14-16), giving every Bravo fan and Bravolebirty what they've been waiting for. Now that the three-day event is over, there are still countless videos swirling on social media from beloved Bravolebrities, and rumors running wild about hookups and feuds.
One of the most exciting things were the Bravolebrities (and their friends) who weren't expected to be there but actually showed up, delighting fans in the best way. From previous cancelations to announcements to surprise appearances, BravoCon was a weekend of bliss for reality TV fans.
The New Cast Of 2023's The Real Housewives Of New York City
The last couple of seasons of RHONY were not great, according to fans and the show's reviews. The cast was dated and the new members that were sprinkled in weren't exactly what fans had in mind. After a low-rated season 13, Bravo paused the show to get season 14 right.
It's been a full year without RHONY but in a surprise announcement at BravoCon, Andy introduced the new cast of the Big Apple! Along with a live introduction, he assured fans that the series would be back in 2023. There were a lot of facts to know about BravoCon '22, but this was one of the best surprises of the weekend.
Luke Gulbranson & Ashley Darby
Summer House & The Real Housewives Of Potomac
Luke Gulbranson has been one of the better castmates on Summer House over the years, and it's because of the ups and downs of his love life paired with his nonchalant attitude.
At BravoCon, it's rumored that some single Bravolebrities find themselves in the arms of other single Bravolebrities, and thanks to a few interviews, one of those possible relationships was between Luke and The Real Housewives of Potomac's Ashley Darby. According to People, the two didn't know each other before BravoCon but Andy Cohen assisted with this pairing. Darby later shocked audiences by saying "We actually went to the Bravo After Dark party. Turns out we have a lot of common interests." She finished her confession by saying, "A girl doesn't kiss and tell. Can I plead the fifth?" This surprise love connection shocked and delighted fans.
Kathy Hilton
The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills
After a bumpy season 12 of RHOBH, no one was sure where Kathy Hilton fit in the group of women. In season 11, Kathy was one of RHOBH's funniest cast members and became a loved friend of the cast. In season 12, however, her storyline took a dark turn when she feuded with Lisa Rinna and her sister Kyle.
Because of how raw her issues were with some of the women in the group, it was rumored that Kathy wasn't going to BravoCon. But in a shocking twist of fate, Kathy was seen at a DirecTV party the night before BravoCon doing a conga line with Housewives from other franchises. She later made an appearance at BravoCon but didn't do some of the panels, according to Nicki Swift.
Caroline Manzo
The Real Housewives Of New Jersey
Caroline Manzo was a former OG Housewife on RHONJ but hasn't been on the series since season 5. With season 13 done filming, it has been years since fans were updated on the Manzos' lives on camera.
In many ways, Caroline was done with the show and its drama and wanted to focus on her family instead. Because she hasn't been a part of Bravo in years, fans were stunned when Caroline showed up at BravoCon to support her kids who were a part of photo ops and a Bravo Kids panel. She also took part in Andy's Legend's Ball and a panel called Squash the Beef against former nemesis Teresa Giudice.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave
The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave hit the ground running in her first season of RHOBH on season 8. She was one of the voices behind one of the more important RHOBH episodes, PuppyGate, and later struck up deep friendships with Housewives like Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley.
Although Teddi is still a friend of the show and is mentioned from time to time, no one expected her to be at BravoCon because of fans' reactions. Fans have said that Teddi wasn't the most interesting Housewife and many called her boring for having small storylines. However, Teddi showed up to support her podcast with fellow Housewife Tamra Judge. Funny enough, Teddi surprised fans more when she interviewed Andy at BravoCon for her podcast and she asked him why she was fired from the series, according to Heavy.
Patricia Altschul
Southern Charm
Patricia Altschul is the fearless leader of Southern Charm's group of friends. As the matriarch and mother to Whitney Sudler-Smith, Patricia was the group's moral compass and host of countless dramatic dinner parties.
While there have been some fake things reported on Southern Charm, there is nothing fake about the way Patricia lives her high-class Southern lifestyle. Because of Patricia's quick wit, fans were excited to see her at BravoCon, but no one expected her to be part of a sea of Bravolebrities and fans because it's not the style she normally projected. Patricia has declined multiple events because she didn't want to associate herself with those in attendance, but it looks like she made an exception for BravoCon.
The Old Lady Gang
The Real Housewives Of Atlanta
Kandi Burruss has been the nucleus of sorts throughout her long tenure on RHOA. Fans have seen Kandi start and close businesses, get married, have kids, and even be a part of spinoffs that included her family.
Kandi's mom ("Mama Joyce") and her aunts (Nora and Bertha) have been a part of RHOA over the years, especially after Kandi and her husband Todd opened up a family-themed restaurant called the Old Lady Gang, which was inspired by the three women. Because of this, Bravo fans were excited to see the hilarious women take part at BravoCon. The three even had a half-hour carved out for photos at BravoCon. Kandi and her family members even joined the panel Bravo Family Game Night where they went head-to-head against other Bravo families.
Lisa Rinna
The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills
After a tumultuous season for Lisa Rinna, People explained that Rinna wasn't going to appear at BravoCon '22. In season 12, Rinna lost her mother, was in hot water for supporting Erika Jayne in the midst of her legal battles, and was in the middle of a deep-rooted argument between Kathy Hilton and Kyle Richards.
Over the years, Rinna has been a part of some of RHOBH's best fights, but fans agreed she went overboard in season 12. Because of this Bravo fans were dazed when Rinna showed up at BravoCon for multiple appearances, photo ops, and panels. However, her surprise appearance only made fans love her more.
Bravolebrities' Biggest Fans
There are some amazing Bravolebrities, but there are also awesome celebrities who are fans of Bravolebrities. BravoCon wasn't just a place for Bravo stars and its fans, it was a place for celebrities to be a part of the Bravo magic as well.
Longtime Bravoholic, Chrissy Teigen showed up at BravoCon to soak in the magic as a guest. Meanwhile, stars like Jerry O'Connell, Hoda Kotb, and Savannah Guthrie were all hosts for various panels. Other Bravoholics that surprised audiences in attending were comedian Andrea Lopez, broadcaster Anderson Cooper, TV personality Brad Goreski, and actress Susan Lucci, among many others!