Bethenny Frankel Shares New Thoughts on Her 'Housewives' Future & Teases 'Tricks Up Her Sleeve'

It was recently announced that five former "Real Housewives of New York City"stars were reuniting for a brand-new show. Currently titled "The Golden Life," the as-yet-unfilmed series will air on E!, featuring Luann de Lesseps and Ramona Singer, among others. Now, following the announcement, former "RHONY" star Bethenny Frankel is opening up about her feelings on doing "Housewives" again.

Frankel took to her TikTok account on February 5 to share how she feels about reality TV, specifically "Housewives." She began, "Am I going back to Housewives? So, I have made a conscious effort to protect my peace. I'm really happy. I'm really settled. I am significantly more successful than when I created Skinny Girl because I've chosen to do things the way I want to do them."

From there, she spoke about the "freedom" she's created and her love for working with various brands and doing philanthropy. Regarding doing a show like "Housewives," she said, "I have been asked. Just so you know, and I don't know that that particular formula is the best for me spiritually, physically, emotionally, I've done it, and no one's ever been more successful as a result of it."

In the end, she said, "Don't worry. I've got a couple of tricks up my sleeve."

Frankel also discussed "The Golden Life" during her TikTok update. The former "RHONY" star said, "I'm so happy for the women, and I'm happy for E!. I think it's disruptive. I think it's interesting. I think it's business. I think it's so many things." Regarding her calling the show disruptive, it's worth noting that E! is no longer under the same NBCUniversal umbrella as Bravo, meaning it has no contractual ties to "The Real Housewives of New York City."

Frankel echoed similar sentiments recently when she reacted to the initial reports about the upcoming E! series. She said on TikTok, "What do I think about the Housewives going to E! in a new reboot, OG style? I’m glad you asked. I think it’s fantastic. E! came in, savage, baracoota style and said, ‘These [ladies] aren’t expired, so you know what, let’s put ’em back on the shelf."

She continued, "And Ramona is going to come out of hibernation like a bear. Ready to eat something. Jill, the machinations, she’s been turning the wheels, making this happen. Jill had something to do with this ending up in the end zone."

Many "Real Housewives of New York City" fans have reacted to Frankel's comments about returning to the show or being on the new one. Many believe she should film with her former costars, and some would even like to see her return to Bravo. One person said, "PLEASEEE, we need to see you humble Kelly again."

Someone else replied, "Honestly, just do it. We only have one lifetime; they’d pay you a bag, and you will never have this chance with that same group of women again." Another person said, "It won’t be the same without you and Dorinda." A different fan wrote, "I didn’t hear a no."

A different "RHONY" fan stated, "Please, please go back. We need you to deal with Kelly. Let her know she's down there and you're up here! Finally, someone else had a suggestion. They said, "Girl, I get it frankly. But you COULD host the reunion!!!! Andy would absolutely die.

Page Six first reported in January 2026 that Sonja Morgan, Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, de Lesseps, and Singer had signed a deal for a new show on E! The report also stated that the ladies and the network hoped to have the new series on the air by the end of 2026.

Several days later, on February 3, E! finally confirmed that the rumors were true. Per the show's synopsis, "Bound by decades of shared history, fallouts and friendship, this fan-favorite group of New Yorkers are starting fresh together in the Sunshine State."

It continued, "In this new 'golden' era of life, the longtime friends are thriving in and around Palm Beach with fabulous second homes and a bustling social scene. With their signature humor and non-stop hijinks, the series will follow the group as they navigate dating, family, and career milestones."

Reports say the ladies will begin filming the show in the spring.

Frankel may not be returning to "Housewives" anytime soon, but she is advancing her career in other ways, including with a new dating app, The Core. She spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in January 2026 about the new platform, which recently hosted its first event in Miami.

Regarding how her private dating platform is different, she said, "It’s mostly men on dating apps. [The Core] has mostly women, which is why all the good men are coming. We have more amazing, high-quality women than men, so the cream-of-the-crop men follow. Every woman in the room was high quality — not trying to get your money or ask what your net worth is, whether you rent or what car you drive. It wasn’t like that at all."

Platform memberships start at $7,500.