What separates The Real Housewives of New Jersey from other cities in the Real Housewives franchise is its foundation on family. There have always been family ties throughout the series, which has made storylines all the more dramatic because of how real they were. However, something changed in season 9. The show was no longer solely based on the women and by extension, their families. The husbands of New Jersey really stepped it up once Margaret Josephs, Jennifer Aydin, and Jackie Goldschneider entered the scene.
The husbands all clicked in more recent seasons and were seen together as much as their wives. For once on RHONJ, the men couldn't wait to do things together because they genuinely liked each other. What ensued were bromance moments that live rent-free in every RHONJ fan's mind.
When Joe Gorga Protected Joe B From Marty
In the ninth season, Danielle Staub was back on the series as a friend, stirring up trouble wherever she went. With her wedding being in this season, most of the girls played nice because Danielle was the bride after all. But when Joe Gorga and Joe Benigno tried warning Danielle's fiance, Marty, about marrying her, Marty didn't handle it well.
He and Joe B. got in a heated argument, where Marty said some nasty things about Joe B.'s wife, Margaret. Joe tried fighting Marty but Joe Gorga held him back and calmed him down like the good friend that he is.
When The Guys Realized How Many Arguments Begin Over Dinner
The men of New Jersey had never been closer than they are now in season 11. While at the Gorga's shore house, the husbands sat together and vented about how often their wives fight with each other.
Evan mentioned that everything happens around a dinner table full of food, so maybe they should stop dining out. Hilariously, a light bulb went off in Frank Catania's head. He couldn't believe how true that statement was and began wondering if they should stop going out with the girls.
The Growing Bond Between Frank & David
People might not always understand the unique relationship between Dolores and her ex-husband, Frank, but it works for them. They were married for many years but divorced when Dolores found out Frank cheated on her. Surprisingly, they stayed friends because of the two children they had.
Over 20 years later, Frank and Dolores are best friends and still live with each other. This raises a few eyebrows because Dolores has been in a relationship with David Principe for years. The three are so close that Frank built Dolores and David's house, and Frank even lived with David for a short time when he was healing from an injury!
The Fishing Trip
Bill Aydin is a busy plastic surgeon who took his time with the group. But by season 10, he was one of the boys. When the men took a fishing trip, Bill really let loose and admitted he had a drunk alter ego named "Tony the Turk."
He got so drunk that the fellow husbands had to carry him off the boat and place him into bed. It was fun for viewers to see a goofier side of Bill as opposed to his typical serious demure.
Bobby & Joey Gorga
In season 6, Joe Gorga finally had a fellow husband that he got along with and could have fun with, Nicole Napolitano's boyfriend, Bobby.
After years of drama with his brother-in-law, Joe Guidice, it was nice to see Gorga let loose and have fun with a new guy. Sadly, Bobby and Nicole didn't last long on the series but their bromance was nice while it lasted.
Nono's Memorial
Joe and Teresa were devastated when their father passed away. After their mother passed away not too long ago, the loss of their father was a low blow. In season 11, the one-year anniversary of death was approaching, so the Gorgas threw a memorial party in his honor. Everyone dressed in white and gathered in love.
Adorably, all of their friends attended the somber party, including the husbands. Seeing the like of Bill and Joe B. support Joe Gorga in his time of need and gift him presents was incredibly sweet.
Their Season 9 Taglines
At the season 9 reunion, Andy Cohen asked the men what their taglines would be if they had the opportunity to have one on the show. Viewers could tell the men thought long and hard about their answers and had fun with the question.
One by one, the husbands of New Jersey giggled with each other over their potential taglines. It's safe to say they helped each other out behind the scenes as well.
Their Season 10 Entrance
After Bill's fishing trip fiasco in season 10, the guys had fun with it and reenacted the scene at the season 10 reunion. When Andy Cohen called out the husbands, they stormed the stage carrying Bill in the air just as they did in the summer.
Seeing them have fun with each other while their wives watched on was one of the best parts of the reunion. The men of New Jersey definitely know how to keep it light.
Team Work Makes The Dream Work
After Teresa's booze-filled pool party in season 11, it became obvious that the Aydins don't always know how to control themselves when liquor is involved. After downing one too many tequila shots, Jennifer became so drunk that she couldn't stand.
Luckily for her, she was in a safe environment and was lifted in the air by the husbands and sent safely home with her husband. Watching the men laugh together while placing Jennifer in the car was one of the best moments in series history.
Their Poker Nights
Season 10 and season 11 saw the husbands gather around a poker table and have some fun. While the women were away doing their thing, the guys got together to talk about their wives' drama, eat snacks, have some drinks, and play games.
There's nothing funnier than see the guys chit-chat and become closer over a few carrot sticks. Season 11's guys' night, in particular, raised a few eyebrows after they too joined in the gossip over Jackey's husband's possible wandering eye...