Season 20 of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County” premieres on July 9, with Shannon Beador among the returning cast members. Recently, ahead of the first episode, the 62-year-old “RHOC” fan-favorite opened up about what fans can expect and why the season felt reminiscent of when she first joined.
Beador’s comments about the upcoming “Real Housewives of Orange County” season come weeks after her beloved dog, Archie, passed away.
Shannon Beador Says She Stayed Clear Of The Drama In ‘RHOC’ Season 20
Beador attended the premiere event for season 20 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” on June 30. While on the red carpet, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Bozoma Saint John interviewed her for ExtraTV. During the chat, Beador was asked if she thought she’d enjoy herself at the premiere.
She responded, “I am, and I’m about to enjoy this season because it’s been a rough couple.” After that, the “RHOC” star said fans will see the “silly” side of her and that she’s “laughing a lot.” Saint John then joked with Beador, saying, “Some people told me that you’re 90% of the drama in the last 10 years.”
From there, she reflected on the season, saying, “Sometimes you walk in, you start a season, and you go, ‘It’s just gonna be light and breezy.'”
The Beloved Bravo Star Also Explained Why Season 20 ‘Felt Nostalgic’
Following Beador’s initial comments, Saint John asked, “So, this season felt peaceful to you?” The “RHOC” star considered the question, then said, “You know what, it felt nostalgic for me before it’s my 12th year on the show, and it was reminiscent of when I first started and we just kind of had silly fun.”
Beador went on to address how “dark” some of the show’s more recent seasons became. According to her, “And in the end, we come back together. It got a little dark the last couple of years, so I’m grateful that it’s not that way anymore.”
Saint John then mentioned Vicki Gunvalson, who is returning as a main cast member for “RHOC” season 20. When asked for her thoughts on Gunvalson’s return, Beador said, “Well, she’s one of my best friends, so we talk every single day.”
She continued by revealing what she loves about Gunvalson. According to her, “You can go in and think you’re gonna have a conversation about something, and it turns into something completely else.” Beador then called her onscreen chemistry with Gunvalson “a constant banter,” stating that it’s “always fun to film with her.”
Fans Are Mixed On ‘RHOC’
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” remains one of Bravo’s most popular shows. However, following the events of season 19 and Katie Ginella‘s firing, many have doubts about the series’ future. This was compounded by what many fans of the show called a boring trailer for the new season.
First, regarding Beador’s description of the season, one person stated, “We love a silly Shannon!” Someone else said, “We love Shannon.” However, in terms of the season itself, a fan wrote, “I’m kind of over the OC, which is crazy as I’ve been watching since the beginning. It’s just too contrived.”
A different social media user said, “Seriously?? The most boring trailer I have seen in a while.” Someone else criticized the preview, saying, “The only thing that sparked any emotion was Jennifer’s son saying he was being treated badly while crying. That’s heartbreaking.”
Lastly, another person said, “It’s time for a new cast; it’s too recycled and forced at this point… too aware of cameras.”
Shannon Says She’s Not Dating
In a different section of Beador’s ExtraTV interview with Saint John, she was asked about her dating life. She responded, bluntly, “No, I don’t date. I haven’t been on a date.” After that, Beador revealed that her costars, Heather Dubrow and Gina Kirschenheiter, had previously tried to set her up with someone.
When asked what she’s looking for in a man, she stated, “It’s not a long list. Someone with a kind heart that has good family values and is fun.” Beador also said that she wants someone who “believes in their faith” and is “decent looking.”
The ‘RHOC’ Star Previously Opened Up About Her Love Life
Beador appeared on the first season of Bravo’s “Love Hotel.” Over the course of the season, she became quite close to contestants Adam Rubin and Phillip Westbrooks. In 2025, the “Real Housewives of Orange County” star gave an update to Page Six.
She said of where she stood with the two men, “Let’s make it clear: They are only friends. I eliminated Adam, but we are good friends. He and Phil live in California, so I see them often.” She also stated that she keeps in contact with some of the other contestants from dating series.