Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County is the series that started the Real Housewives franchise, and while cast member Tamra Judge didn't join the proceedings until season 3, she was (and remains) an RHOC legend. In January 2020, Tamra revealed during an Instagram Live with Andy Cohen that she was fired from the show. Her departure changed the series' dynamic, and not for the better.
The world was treated to the beginning of The Real Housewives franchise in 2006. Inspired by soaps like Desperate Housewives, the show aimed to present viewers with a real-life look into the lives of wealthy, glamorous women. In 2007, for season 3, Tamra Judge (then Tamra Barney) joined this group of women, and managed to keep her full-time role on the show for the following 11 seasons. Overall, her RHOC stint lasted for more than 12 years. Her presence, and approach to confrontation, were just two of the reasons why she lasted as long on the show as she did.
While appearing on the show, Tamra presented audiences with countless iconic moments. Season 15 was the first without Tamra, and Vicki Gunvalson was also absent. In many fans' eyes, they were two of the best housewives in the series' history. That season began filming right before the beginning of COVID-19, cursing it from day one. The focus was shifted so it was more like a documentary about wealthy women surviving during a pandemic. Production brought Elizabeth Lyn Vargas and Jen Armstrong into the fold, but that wasn't enough. The RHOC flavor was missing, and the pandemic contributed to its disappointing 15th installment.
Before anything else, Tamra is renowned for being the first-ever franchise housewife to throw wine on another woman. The wine throw is an iconic The Real Housewives trope. It's a moment that rarely happens, and when it does, it causes a huge stir among the cast members and online. The context of the discourse around this wine throw is another reason why Tamra's time on the show was so memorable: Her rocky marriage with Simon Barney gave audiences a textbook look at a troubled relationship. It helped viewers to recognize red flags, and characteristics of an abuser that were harder to spot. It was real, it was scary, and it was sad to witness. When Tamra was finally free, her entire persona changed, and she blossomed. Tamra's anger at another woman (Jeana Keough) for victim-blaming and siding with Simon was justified.
Tamra's journey out of her marriage and into fulfillment was inspiring, but just as gripping was her approach to confrontation with the other women, particularly after her RHOC marriage with Simon ended. While it was still classic Tamra, it was more calculated and less fueled by outside elements. Tamra's outbursts have made history, including. "THAT'S MY OPINION!" She could present her side of the story, and even if she was in the wrong, she'd expertly maneuver her way out of drama. Her takes on certain topics have been sorely missed during recent seasons. Fans wonder how she would've handled particular moments, such as Braunwyn Windham-Burke's issues with alcohol in season 15, or Heather Dubrow's return in season 16.
Tamra Judge will always be referred to as an OG of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Her frank and direct communication methods, amid tension, are no longer facets of the show. They are leaving a noticeable gap, particularly in group situations. Fans are looking forward to seeing her (and Vicki) back onscreen for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip season 2.