For any new Real Housewives fans out there who aren't sure how casting works, there's a difference between being a housewife and a friend or guest of the show. Housewives are the main mast who is shown in the introduction with a tagline. They're in every episode and are apart of the major storylines. Friends or guests, on the other hand, are friends of the housewives who pop up now and again and add fuel to the fire.
Not every friend of the ladies is dramatic but they do add extra cushion to the series. From behind the scenes, it's been rumored that friends of the show are women who could have potentially been on the main cast but didn't bring enough edge to the series. Being a friend on the show is either their demotion or their tryout. But one thing remains true — these friends have some of the best moments in the franchise.
Katie Rost (RHOP)
Like Danielle Staub, Katie Rost is another woman who used to be a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Potomac but was later demoted to a friend.
Rost was a well-known socialite in Potomac with a very prestigious family name but was fired after the first season because her story wasn't exciting enough for the show. She wasn't as dramatic or vocal as the other ladies, so she got demoted. However, even as a friend, Rost is still great TV. She has been very involved in the scandal between Michael Darby and the Bravo cameraman and has pulled plenty of punches on the girls' trips.
Sutton Stracke (RHOBH)
Sutton Stracke first appeared on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills as a friend in season 10 and has signed on again or the newest season. Lisa Rinna introduced Sutton to the group and she instantly ruffled feathers.
Due to her Southern upbringing and connection to those in high places in the fashion world, Sutton holds herself to a different standard than the other girls. She got into arguments with Dorit, Teddi, and Kyle before learning her place and getting to know the girls. It will be fun to see what Sutton brings to the table in season 11.
Barbara Kavovit (RHONY)
Barbara Kavovit is another woman who has been apart of the franchise for years. She was a guest on the show since season three before becoming a friend in season 11.
She originally entered the group as one of Luann's friends but when Luann was too focused on her second marriage and on her cabaret, Barbara became closer to the other women. Her storyline with—and against—Luann was huge but she never came back for season 12. It could have been because she was far too timid and nervous around the other women.
Elyse Slaine (RHONY)
Elyse Slaine was a breath of fresh air on The Real Housewives of New York. As a friend of Ramona's, Elyse was cast as a guest in seasons eight and nine but became a friend in season 10. At the start of season 10, Elyse was in most episodes and traveled with the ladies to the Hamptons and to Rhode Island.
However, once she and Ramona had a falling out, the claws came out. Elyse sided with the other ladies instead of Ramona, which caused plenty of tension in the group. Elyse didn't hold back though; she spoke her truth against Leah and Ramona and solidified her part in the group.
Shamea Morton (RHOA)
Shamea Morton has been apart of the series since season five thanks to her good friend Porsha.
As a popular Atlanta socialite, Shamea is now friends with most of the women in the group but has been vocal about her distaste for Eva and former housewife, Phaedra. However, it looks like Shamea doesn't need a peach because she's comfortable with the life she has now as a host, actress, singer, and new mother.
Jeana Keough (RHOC)
If fans of The Real Housewives of Orange County can think back to the beginning, Jeana Keough was at the start of it all. In fact, it's because of her that The Real Housewives series began!
Jeana Keough was a main cast member for five seasons before being demoted to the role of a friend. Cameras followed Jeana as she was divorcing her husband and raising her three wild kids. Unlike some of the other women, she was a realtor who was working more to keep up with her lifestyle once the divorce was settled. One of Jeana's biggest moments was when Tamera threw her drink in Jeana's face in the driveway.
Rosie Pierri (RHONJ)
Part of what makes Real Housewives of New Jersey so special is the family ties. Between the Guidice's and the Gorgas, there was enough family drama to fire the other housewives and have the franchise focus on Melissa and Teresa.
Rosie Pierri is the cousin of Teresa Guidice and the sister of former housewife Kathy Wakile. She was a guest and friend of the series from seasons three through seven. Rosi was best friends with the guys and extremely protective of her family. Even though Teresa wanted nothing to do with the Wakiles, Rosie always tried to stay positive. Her honest outlook on everything that went down was refreshing.
Danielle Staub (RHONJ)
Danielle Staub is one of the few that started out as a main cast member before getting booted from the series entirely. However, she did come back as a friend in season eight and has been popping up throughout the series since then.
Danielle is one of the most notorious villains in the franchise and has been the main topic of storylines — even as a friend! Fans have seen her running in the parking lot holding her weave to getting married with Teresa Giudice (of all people) as a bridesmaid. Danielle has come full circle.
Faye Resnick (RHOBH)
Faye Resnick is so iconic that it's shocking she isn't a main cast member at this point. She's been apart of the series since the first season as one of Kyle Richards' closest friends. She's invited to all of the events and parties because she runs in the same circle as the women on the show. Even as a friend, she was part of one of the most exemplary moments in RHOBH history: The Dinner Party From Hell.
Camille Grammer identified Faye as "the morally corrupt Faye Resnick" and it was downhill from there. Nevertheless, Faye is a welcomed friend and fans would like to see more of her.
Marlo Hampton (RHOA)
Marlo Hampton was introduced to fans in season four as a close friend of NeNe Leakes. Unlike other friends on the show, Marlo made her name and her thoughts known, no matter how controversial they were. Over the years, Marlo has made plenty of enemies but has also become close with the other housewives as well.
So, why hasn't she been given a peach yet? According to Cheat Sheet, the reason why Marlo won't be a main cast member is because of a derogatory word she used when in an argument with Sheree. It looks like she'll forever be that one dramatic friend of the group who's always stirring the glorious pot.