As the eighth spinoff of the long-running reality-TV series Real Housewives, Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP) has become infamous for its unparalleled level of drama. With five seasons and 89 episodes aired on Bravo since 2016, the show revolves around the caring and catty relationships among esteemed housewives Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Charrisse Jackson Jordan, Karen Huger, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Monique Samuels as they all attempt to find a peaceful personal and professional balance while living in the greater Maryland area.
The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 5 concluded on December 27, 2020. According to Bravo, Season 6 of the show is poised to return to the network in the summer of 2021. Until then, here are the best seasons so far.
Season 2
While it featured a major casting shakeup when Katie Ross left the show and was replaced by eventual mainstay Monique Samuels, RHOP Season 2 took a slight step back from the inaugural season. Much of the drama revolves around Gizelle and Charrisse's tumultuous relationship, which becomes even more combustible when Gizelle airs Charrisse's marital business to the entire town.
The high point of the season came in episode 10 when the ladies took a trip to Bermuda, where Karen cruelly excludes some of the other women from cashing in one an opportunity of a lifetime. Meanwhile, an intense confrontation between Gizelle and Monique takes place before the women make amends and enjoy a sunset island cruise. However, the lowest moment of the season came in episode 9 when Karen sold her Potomac home and Gizelle was banned from Monique's summer party.
Season 1
Season 1 of RHOP functions more as an introductory series of episodes that establishes the characters' profiles, the format of the show, and how it is designed to differentiate from the other Real Housewives spinoffs. As such, an emphasis is placed on societal decorum, etiquette, and proper manners. However, as the seasons progressed, incendiary fireworks began to fly among the housewives.
The most buzzed-about episode, "Desperately Seeking Marriage," aired on Valentine's Day in 2016. In the episode, Charrisse drops an absolute bombshell secret about her marriage that leaves the other wives in utter shock. Meanwhile, Katie secretly renovated her house after learning that Andrew doesn't want to get married anytime soon. In contrast, the low point came in Reunion Part 2 when Katie leaves everyone in the dark regarding her relationship status with Andrew.
Season 3
Season 3 is when RHOP really started to find its footing and hit its groove. While fans reeled over the departure of Charisse Jackson-Jordan as series regular (although she still recurred), they were given amplified drama via her replacement, Candiace Dillard Bassett. The season also expanded from 14 to 20 episodes for the first time in series history.
The season begins with Ashley Darby giving her marriage to Michael a second chance. As Monique and Chris acclimate to their new Potomac neighborhood, Robyn and Juan Dixon relocate to a nearby condo. A juicy subplot of Season 3 revolves around Gizelle's new boyfriend, Sherman Douglas. However, the most memorable moment came in episode 18, "Unsolved Mystery," in which Karen finally admits to what happened with a pizza delivery boy. Elsewhere, Ashley gives Michael an ultimatum over having a baby.
Season 4
Upping the episode count by one, the 21-part Season 4 of RHOP really began to hit its stride. With no major cast changes, the drama between the familiar faces cut wide and deep by further delving into the wives' personal and professional lives. The only difference is that Katie Rost was made a recurring character rather than a series regular.
The season kicks off with Candiace's impending nuptials, which does not make her as anxious as her mother's volatile nature. Gizelle attends therapy to deal with her breakup from Sherman, while Ashley finally prepares for motherhood. However, the high mark of the season came in episode 10, "Showdown at the Hoedown," in which tempers reach a boiling point when Robyn brazenly confronts Gizelle about betraying Ashley during a lady's night event. Meanwhile, Candiace and Chris have a massive row that ends in spectacular fashion.
Season 5
While the first few episodes started off with a whimper, the back half of RHOP Season 5 includes some of the most beloved moments in the history of the spinoff series to date. The primary cast returned for Season 5, with newly named housewife Wendy Osefo joining the party. Unfortunately, Monique Samuels announced her departure from the show after the season finale aired.
The season begins with Gizelle reconciling with her ex-husband Jamal, while Ashley deals with her postpartum depression. After a few episodes of Gizelle trying to curry favor with her estranged daughters, the show ramped up when Monique invited the women to a lady's getaway at her picturesque lakehouse. With ample time to speak candidly about their marriages, the women are soon visited at the lake by their husbands, which creates all sorts of tension. However, the biggest drama of the season came in the pre-reunion finale, Deck the Halls with Drama, in which Candiace presses Karen over setting her up.