In The Real Housewives universe, not too many Housewives leave their position only to come back again. Typically when a Housewife leaves (or is fired), they come back on the show as a guest or a friend so that fans are still up-to-date with that Housewife's life but she's not full-time anymore.
However, there are rare occasions when a Housewife leaves the show but they're so beloved by fans and Andy Cohen, there's always the option that they could come back one day. Many of these Housewives needed a break from the other women while others left to try different career paths. Regardless of their reasons for leaving, these Housewives found their way to Bravo screens.
Heather Dubrow (RHOC)
Actress Heather Dubrow starred in seasons 7-11 before taking her talents elsewhere on The Real Housewives of Orange County. While talking to Bravo back in 2017, Dubrow said "At this point in my life, I have decided to go in another direction and do what’s best for my family and career." She continued her reasonings, saying, "Should I change my mind, I thank Andy Cohen, Evolution, and Bravo for telling me that the door is always open." Dubrow was loved so much by fans that she could never become a forgotten Housewife. Ironically, she was one of the first Housewives to be signed on for season 16 after taking four seasons off.
Nene Leaks (RHOA)
Nene Leakes was an original Houswife for The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She started the franchise and is one of the longest-running Housewives. However, after season 7, Nene signed on to RHOA as a guest. According to Bravo's The Daily Dish, Nene wanted to be a part of the series but also wanted to focus on other projects, which fans supported.
After season 8, Nene skipped out on season 9 before coming back in season 10. She was on for another three seasons before leaving yet again. This time, Refinery29 noted that in a YouTube video, Nene said, "I have been on an extremely, extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation, There has been a lot of emotion flying from both sides. it has been hard and I have made the very hard and difficult decision to not be a part of Real Housewives of Atlanta season 13." But considering she's done this before, she could make an appearance in the future.
Dina Cantin (RHONJ)
Dina Cantin (née Manzo) was an original Housewife on The Real Housewives of New Jersey for two seasons. Her presence was important to the series and she is still missed today. What made her an important part of the franchise was her true friendship with Teresa Giudice — whom she is still close with today.
The Things noted that Dina left the series behind after the drama between her, her family, and the Giudices became too much to handle. She took time off to focus on her family. However, after coming back in season 4 as a guest, she came back as a Housewife in season 6. But just like before, Dina left Bravo behind after that because she moved from New Jersey to California.
Bethenny Frankel (RHONY)
Bethenny Frankel is one woman who just can't keep herself away from The Real Housewives. With Bethenny being friends with the women off-screen, she still communicates with many of them and sees them at mutual gatherings. Her iconic lines and confessionals are what fans miss most.
Bethenny got her start on the series from seasons 1-3 before taking a short break. As she told US Weekly, "Last season was scary and painful. It took all the joy out of it." She took a break for three seasons before coming back again for seasons 7-11. But just like before, Bethenny needed time away and declined to come back for seasons 12 and 13.
Shereé Whitfield (RHOA)
Shereé Whitfield was one of the most likable Housewives and was a part of the most important seasons of RHOA, Seasons 1-4. During this time, fans were getting to know the women of Atlanta and were glued to their dynamic. However, Shereé got to a point where the show no longer served her. She told Wetpaint, "After four solid seasons of helping Bravo build the show into its most successful Housewives franchise, I have decided to leave. The direction the show is going in is no longer a fit for my lifestyle. I’m tired of the fighting and the cattiness." Shereé came back to RHOA, however, as a friend in season 7 before joining as a Housewife for two more seasons.
Jacqueline Laurita (RHONJ)
Jacqueline Laurita had a unique tie to the early seasons of RHONJ because she was Teresa's best friend and Caroline and Dina's sister-in-law. Her relationship with Dina and Caroline's brother Chris was one of the best in the series, as fans saw them raise their kids and grow their businesses together.
Jacqueline was on for five straight seasons before joining as a guest for season 6. Reality Tea noted that it was rumored that Jacqueline was asked to be a guest for season 6 because she didn't offer a real storyline in season 5. She eventually came back in season 7 but left due to "personality clashes."
Lydia McLaughlin (RHOC)
Lydia McLaughlin wasn't the most interesting of Housewives when she joined in season 8, but her dedication to her faith, her family, and her business made her an interesting contrast to the rather rambunctious group. But after just one season, Lydia took a break from the show. According to The Daily Dish, Lydia said, "As I prayed about the decision, I didn't feel in my heart of hearts that I was called [by God] to do another season of the show."
MacLaughlin came back for a final season in season 12 but yet again, she noted " I feel like I can only handle this show one season at a time."
Kenya Moore (RHOA)
Kenya Moore was a breath of fresh air when she joined the cast in season 5. She was colorful, full of life, and wasn't afraid of stirring the pot, which is why she makes a great Housewife.
While Kenya had her villainous moments on RHOA, she also had a big heart and was there for her friends when they needed her. However, after six seasons of being a Housewife, Kenya joined the cast as a guest for season 11. According to News Week, Kenya took some time off due to contract negotiations and a few health scares related to trying to start a family. She eventually came back in season 12 and is still going strong.
Danielle Staub (RHONJ)
Danielle Staub is one of the most controversial Housewives in the franchise due to her villainous past, but fans supported Danielle's desire for a new image on the show. After two seasons, however, Danielle left the series. According to Entertainment Weekly, Danielle had to ask herself "Do I stay on a show where people really hate me? Where I don’t even think they know why?" She decided to leave the show for her own safety but she came back as a friend for seasons 7-10 before leaving after losing her ally, Teresa Giudice.
Porsha Williams (RHOA)
Porsha Williams was a Housewife for seasons 5-6 before being demoted to a friend. The Porsha fans met in season 5 is a completely different Porsha that fans know today. Porsha has come a long way since her divorce, becoming a mother, and a successful entrepreneur. In season 8, however, Porsha came back as a Housewife and has been a sound, entertaining member ever since. It's hard to think of the RHOA franchise without thinking of Porsha.