Since 2008, The Real Housewives of Atlanta has been a staple for fans of reality television. One of many series in the Real Housewives franchise, it has seen massive success in the years since its debut. With thirteen seasons under its belt, RHOA has had plenty of episodes that fans enjoy, but not all of these are iconic.
IMDb users have rated their favorite moments, and this system can give an idea of the best episodes of the series in general. If fans are looking to revisit some of the most beloved moments from the show (not including the Reunion episodes), these episodes are a great way to do so.
Season 1, Episode 3: "Who's Your Poppa?" - 8.2
After a tense opening to the series between NeNe and Shereé, NeNe receives some shocking news regarding her family. She also assists DeShawn in preparing for a black-tie event for DeShawn's foundation. Furthermore, Kim wants to take a chance and try to start a country music career.
Though this is only the third episode of the series, the show is already in full swing, and Episode 3 turns up the drama and intrigue in ways that will have consequences for some time to come. Kim is one of the most forgotten housewives, but her passion for her career is something that audiences could certainly relate to.
Season 2, Episode 7: "Throwing Shade" - 7.8
The seventh episode of the second season features the cast members trying to move forward in their business lives. After Kim asked Kandi to produce a song for her and NeNe in a previous episode, Kandi approaches professionals about making it happen. The idea of their music careers taking off has been a topic of the show for several episodes now, and it is enjoyable to watch steps being taken to turn it into a reality.
Lisa, Shereé, and Kim are all looking to release fashion lines, but certain obstacles stand in the way for some cast members. This episode shows the business prowess of some of the people involved in the series, and it helps the audience to root for them more.
Season 3, Episode 10: "Auto-Tuned Up" - 7.1
After Kandi rewrote a song for Kim in a previous episode, Kim is now ready to sing it with help from a critical vocal coach. This decision is engrossing to the audience because Kim had been unsure of herself, and this shows her determination to fulfill her dreams.
In addition, Shereé takes steps to start her acting career, also showing that she is determined to pursue her passion. Meanwhile, Phaedra and Apollo adjust to being parents, which provides for some tender moments that the audience can appreciate.
Season 4, Episode 2: "Surprisingly Rich" - 7.7
In Episode 1 of Season 4, NeNe and Shereé had a confrontation, which, in Episode 2, compels NeNe to take Cynthia and Kandi on a trip to Miami to get away for a bit. Back in Atlanta, Shereé and Kim talk about the latter's relationship, which provides some nice conversation that is more heartfelt than many other moments in the episode. Also, other cast members plan a lavish birthday party for Kim.
While certain aspects of the episode have a dramatic air around them, others are quite thoughtful, making it clear why "Surprisingly Rich" is a popular episode.
Season 5, Episode 8: "Fools Of Engagement" - 8.0
After seeds of doubt have been planted in Kenya's head regarding her relationship, she begins to question it herself. She is also still angry over a confrontation she had with Porsha the night before, which happened in front of others. Kenya hopes for her boyfriend to propose, but as time goes on, the doubt in her mind grows.
Some cast members make up after previous altercations while others refuse to apologize, further increasing the dramatic appeal and making this episode one of the most interesting to watch from the fifth season.
Season 6, Episode 13: "Pillow Talk Or Pillow Fight" - 8.3
Though one of the most shocking episodes of the season, "Pillow Talk or Pillow Fight" starts off with some less tense moments. These include Kenya visiting a fertility doctor, Kandi planning her musical, and Phaedra trying to introduce her child to society in a fun way.
In the final moments of the episode, though, a night that was meant to be enjoyable turns violent when a verbal confrontation turns into a physical one. This episode has garnered attention for this reason, and it has had effects on the show moving forward from this point. It also has one of Kandi's most iconic scenes from the show.
Season 7, Episode 20: "From Zen To Sin" - 8.0
As the seventh season approaches its close, the cast members bond after the events leading up to this point. NeNe, however, is separate from the rest of the group and preparing for her role on Broadway. The other cast members are in the Philippines, enjoying each other's company.
This is a welcome change of pace from previous episodes in the season, many of which were much more chaotic. "From Zen to Sin" reminds the audience of the friendships some of the cast members have, and it helps the viewers to empathize with them.
Season 8, Episode 7: "Miami Spice" - 8.0
On a trip to Miami that was supposed to make up for drama from a previous vacation, new tensions come up between cast members. As a result, some of the cast decide to return to Atlanta, leaving the rest to continue their vacation, albeit with the tense atmosphere still looming.
This shows the audience that despite attempts to brush away conflicts, there are still issues between certain people on the show that have not been fixed. This leaves viewers hopeful that bridges can be fully mended but worried about the relationships in the series.
Season 9, Episode 17: "Aloha And Goodbye" - 7.7
In the previous episode, Phaedra tried to fix friendships between the cast members, which did not go as planned. In this episode, many of the people involved must figure out how to move forward in their relationships, both romantic and platonic.
Some revelations are upsetting, which makes audiences feel for the cast members, and there is still plenty of drama to keep the other portions of the episode interesting. Building to the season finale, this episode keeps viewers invested.
Season 10, Episode 16: "Driving Miss Kim" - 7.8
In the thirteenth episode of season 10, Kim and NeNe began a feud that started when the latter said comments about the former to the other cast members, leading Kim to retaliate by sending the cast members a video meant to hurt NeNe. In the sixteenth episode, this feud makes its way to social media.
Returning from a vacation in Barcelona, most of the cast members try to get back to their lives. This includes Kandi, but certain factors complicate her plans. This episode features all the factors that fans crave from the reality show, and the drama continues for the rest of the season.
Season 11, Episode 16: "Bye Wig, Hello Drama" - 7.7
This episode covers the cast members going about their business, including Eva preparing for her wedding. The episode is so well known, though, because of what happens close to the end. At a party at NeNe's house, many of the cast members are bonding, but when a few of them choose to walk into NeNe's closet, chaos ensues.
This happens soon after other drama occurs, leading the cast members to be unsure of what to do next. Season 11 may not be considered the best season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but this episode helps to make up for some of the shortcomings.
Season 12, Episode 15: "Kenya Vs. Ken" - 6.8
After previous episodes showed Cynthia's growing concern surrounding Mike, Cynthia must determine what she wants to do with their relationship. The episode also features tensions growing between other members of the group, particularly Kenya and Porsha.
On the other hand, the cast members also play a game of kickball to relieve some stress. The episode is a mix of intense drama and fun that keeps audiences invested and eager to see how issues within the group will play out. "Kenya vs. Ken" may not be one of the best episodes of RHOA for new fans to watch because it requires context to fully appreciate, but for followers of the series, it is an excellent option.
Season 13, Episode 1: "No Justice, No Peace" - 7.2
As the first episode of the season, "No Justice, No Peace" catches up with the cast members and their current situations, including Cynthia and Mike planning their wedding and Kandi getting ready for Riley to leave for college.
The main focus of this episode, though, is on Porsha, who travels to Louisville, Kentucky, and is involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. Porsha is vocal about her support for the movement, and though the series often features drama between cast members, the shift of focus to this cause is an important change of pace.