When The Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered on Bravo in 2009, the world was instantly drawn into the fabulously glamorous lives of five New Jersey housewives, but, for the past few seasons, the show hasn't been as much fun. The fourth installment in Bravo’s staple Real Housewives franchise was met with great praise from viewers, as they got to know Teresa Giudice, Caroline Manzo, Dina Manzo, Danielle Staub, and Jacqueline Laurita. Right from the start, the show's scenes became some of the best and most entertaining in any of the franchise's installments.
From Teresa’s iconic table flip in season one to Danielle pulling Margaret’s hair in season ten, the moments of entertainment were at an all-time high, as the women kept delivering with each passing season. However, when Teresa’s brother Joe and sister-in-law Melissa joined the cast, the family drama took a turn for the worse. Punches were thrown, harsh words were hurled, and sibling rivalry took on a whole new meaning. Audiences were captivated by the juicy The Real Housewives of New Jersey drama between the siblings, as well as their road to make amends. The action continued up until Teresa’s emotional departure, so she could start serving her prison sentence.
RHONJ has been one of the best-performing, highest-rated series in the franchise over the years, but for some reason, its seasons are also the shortest, and many fans want to know why. The show has had its fair share of ups and downs, thanks to a metaphorical revolving door that ushers in a host of new wives, including controversial women and more popular RHONJ stars. However, since season twelve wrapped this past May, audiences are wondering how long this show can go on for. Producers seem to be grasping at straws in order to make the twelve-episode mark.
RHONJ still has drama, and is somewhat entertaining, with the women continuing to give fans their weekly dose of shadiness with a side of classiness. Although, for the past few seasons, there have only been twelve to thirteen episodes, not including reunion episodes. Also, just as the drama climaxes, the season ends. The drama builds across each installment, but every episode seems to falter at the end, as nothing gets resolved. There is still much more to discuss that the producers save for the RHOBH reunion.
It appears as if the show's producers are not sure how the women should help the series to evolve, since there are powerful storylines, such as Jackie’s struggle with her eating disorder, and juicy, drama-filled arcs, such as Margaret and Teresa facing off in Nashville during the season twelve cast trip. The seasons only touch on these plotlines before they end for the year, and so much is left unsaid. Fans wonder whether or not the show should get some sort of rebranding, with certain housewives leaving since they have nothing left to offer the show, entertainment-wise.
While The Real Housewives of New Jersey remains one of the best shows in the Real Housewives franchise, it is quite a letdown that there doesn't seem to be enough quality content to fill up the episodes. Fans are struggling to identify with wives like Melissa and Margaret, but still love the original New Jersey housewife, Teresa, in addition to Jennifer Aydin and Dolores Catania, who bring more to the table. However, it may be time for the women to take a bit of a hiatus, so that the producers can regroup and make plans for the future. Hopefully, those plans will include a facelift.