After an unprecedented two-year hiatus, The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) is finally back, debuting its Season 16 premiere on March 9, 2025. Dubbed the “Sweet 16” season, this installment of RHOA comes after a long and highly anticipated break, with Bravo promising a fresh start, a revamped cast, and a return to the drama and opulence that made the franchise a fan favorite.
With so many major cast shake-ups and a record-breaking 546-day wait since the last new episode, expectations were sky-high. Did Episode 1 deliver? Let’s break it down.
The Long Hiatus: A Necessary Reset or a Sign of Trouble?
Before diving into the episode itself, let’s address the elephant in the room: why did RHOA take so long to return?
Unlike past seasons, where Bravo maintained a fairly consistent schedule, Season 16’s hiatus was the longest in RHOA history, spanning nearly two years. The previous biggest gap between seasons (Season 13 to 14) lasted about 17 months, but even that doesn’t compare to this breakexecutives admitted they pressed pause on the show to “get the right cast together”, after Season 15’s underwhelming performance . They saws a chance to revamp the series with fresh faces and bigger personalities—essentially, a soft reboot.
But the question remains: Was the extended break worth it?
Who’s Gone? The Biggest Cast Shake-Up in Years
If you tuned into the Season 16 premiere expecting the same RHOA veterans, you were in for a surprise.
Several longtime Housewives did not return, making way for new energy and unexpected dynamics. Here’s who was not brought back:
- Kandi Burruss – The longest-running Housewife in RHOA history chose to step away after 14 seasons . While fans were heai’s decision was largely based on Bravo’s long delay interfering with her other business commitments.
- Shereé Whitfield – A three-time RHOA veteran, Shereé was not asked back after an uneven run in Season 15 .
- Marlo Hampton – Marlo, secured a peach in Season 14 after years as a “friend,” also exited the series after Season 15 .
- Sanya Richards-Ross – The Olympic tratly departed after just two seasons .
Notably, Kenya Moore was initially set to return mid-filming following a behind-the-scenes controversy . As a result, Kenya is barely visible in Episode 1, seemingly erased her from the narrative.
Who’s In? Meet the “New Era” of RHOA
While Bravo cleaned house, tught back fan favorites and introduced fresh talent**. Here’s the new lineup:
- Porsha Williams – After a two-season break, Porsha returns as the main star, reclaiming her peach and bringing plenty of personal drama .
- Shamea Morton – A longtime friend-of-the-show, Shamea finally earns full Housewife stn her deep connections with the group, she quickly emerges as the nucleus of the new cast.
- Br” Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley – Three newcomers join as full-time Housewives, each bringing their own flavor to the mix .
- Cynthia Bailey – Returning in a “friend of” role, Cynthia provides a bridge between the past and present a (Coming Soon!)** – Although she doesn’t appear in Episode 1, Phaedra’s return later this season is already set in stone.
Episode 1 Breakdown: Shade, Drama, and a Fresh Start
1. Shamea’s Grand Entrance
Right out of the gate, Shamea steals with an introduction that screams luxury. She shows off her $9 million Atlanta estate, nicknamed Sterling Hall, and flaunts a brand new Rolls-Royce gift from her husband .
2. Porsha’s Divorce Drama
The biggest personal storyline of Episode 1 revolves around Porsha Williams navigating her messy divorce cameras follow Porsha as she reacts to a legal threat from Simon, leading her to vent about it at a strip club—a classic RHOA moment .
3. Brit Eady Stirri
New Housewife Brit Eady wastes no time inserting herself into the drama, calling out Porsha’s past relationship scandal in her very fiene .
4. Kenya’s (Almost) Erasure
Though Kenya Moore’s presence was drastically reduced, her name was trending on social media due to her controversial mid-season removal .
Reactions: Mixed Reviews
- Some fans LOVED the fresh start, with many celebrating Shamea’s promotion and Porsha’s return.
- Others were skeptical, feeling the drama was too rushed with Brit Eady’s immediate confrontations.
- Critics were divided—The Daily Beast called it “one of the worst Housewives premieres” due to stant fireworks, while Reality Tea praised it as “a solid reset” .
**Final Verdict: Did Season 16 Premier
The Season 16 premiere was more of a slow burn than a full-blown explosion, but it successfully set the stage for the new era.
🎯 Overall Circle60 Rating: 7/10
While not a top-tier premiere, Season 16 lays the foundation for an exciting season ahead. The key question is whether the new dynamics will create long-lasting storylines or if this reboot will struggle to find its footing.
🔥 Is RHOA officially back? Time will tell. But for now, the Peaches are stirring the pot, and we’ll be watching every sip of the tea.