After debuting in 2006, The Real Housewives franchise has been producing hit after hit in terms of reality TV content, polarizing figures, and iconic moments that are both hilarious or outright shocking. Other networks have tried to emulate The Real Housewives and the power the franchise brings, but many have failed. Bravo has tapped into something entertaining and expanded incredibly.

As of the publication of this article, the franchise has eight cities. What makes a series a great one is one that has a deep dynamic within the cast. The reboot of The Real Housewives of New York is an example of what’s not working with fans — the cast barely knew each other before they started filming. The most iconic moments come from arguments or fun times between cast members who have known each other for years and have a history that allows themselves to be vulnerable and authentic.

Current Cities In The Real Housewives Franchise

• The Real Housewives of Orange County
• The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
• The Real Housewives of Atlanta
• The Real Housewives of Miami
• The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
• The Real Housewives of Potomac
• The Real Housewives of New Jersey
• The Real Housewives of New York

A Look Back At Iconic Real Housewives Moments

With over 20 years’ worth of The Real Housewives content, there are a few moments that are so iconic that, no matter how much time has passed, they’re talked about across the franchise.

The Real Housewives of New York: “It’s About Tom”

In Season 8 of RHONY, Bethenny Frankel had hard news for Luann de Lesseps: her (then) fiancé, Tom D’Agostino, was seen kissing another woman. Luann was tired of the Housewives questioning her relationship and begged Bethenny not to talk about Tom. But in a dry, emotional voice, Bethenny says “It’s about Tom.” Luann spiraled and was outraged by Tom’s behavior. Shockingly, the two still got married (but divorced seven months later, according to E! News).

Honorable mention: Dorinda Medley had the Housewives over to her home in the Berkshires for a nice weekend and was devastated when Luann and Bethenny argued, taking the fun away from the group. Things got worse when Dorinda heard Luann mocking the women, including Dorinda’s homemade birthday cake from her mother. “I cooked all day! I decorated! I did it nice! If no one can behave themselves, then you all go home!”

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: A Trip To Amsterdam

One of the most iconic moments in Real Housewives history was when the women of Beverly Hills traveled to Amsterdam for a cast trip. After a long day, Kim Richards and Lisa Rinna got into an argument over Kim’s sobriety. Tensions ran high and ended with Lisa throwing a wine glass at Kim after Kim threatened to air Lisa’s husband’s dirty secrets to the public. Lisa’s aggression towards Kim (and the public never finding out what the real rumor was about Lisa’s husband) made this an iconic moment.

The Real Housewives of Orange County: MKE Vs. Brooks

The Housewives didn’t trust Brooks Ayers in Season 10 when Vicki Gunvalson started dating him, especially after Meghan King Edwards (MKE) did some research and found out Brooks wasn’t being entirely truthful about his cancer diagnosis. After making some calls and talking to different doctors, Meghan wasn’t convinced Brooks wasn’t sick. Years later when he and Vicki broke up, Brooks told People that he did, in fact, lie about his illness. “I have made my share of mistakes which I regret. I pride myself in apologizing when I am wrong or have wronged others either intentionally or unintentionally.”

Vicki dating a con man who pretended to have cancer for sympathy was a storyline you couldn’t make up or find on any other TV show.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Who’s Gonna Check Shereé?

RHOA is filled with iconic moments, but one moment in history was when Shereé Whitfield got into a screaming match with her party planner in Season 2. According to Bravo, Shereé was tired of her party planner making promises without doing what she asked. “And after a while, we were going back and forth and he said something like, ‘You better watch yourself before you get checked.’ And just out of nowhere I’m like, ‘Who gon’ check me, boo?’ and it just went viral.” Shereé’s response was so quick and fierce that a fight ensued.

Honorable mention: NeNe Leakes poking fun at Kenya Moore’s white refrigerator

The Real Housewives of Miami: Is Larsa’s Job More Important Than Dr. Nicole’s?

It’s no secret that Larsa Pippen and Nicole Martin had their ups and downs on RHOM, but things took a weird turn when Larsa slammed Nicole for not having a “real job.” Ironically, Nicole is a board-certified anesthesiologist with a trusted resume. Larsa, on the other hand, made a living from selling photos and videos on OnlyFans. “I have a real job, okay? Not like you, putting people to sleep,” she said. Saying a literal doctor didn’t have a real job was an iconic Housewives moment for its lunacy.

The Real Housewives of Potomac: Pregnant And All

Monique Samuels and Candiace Dillard are well-known in the Bravo fandom for not getting along. Their physical interaction in Season 5 lost Monique her job and is known as one of the worst fights in the franchise. Season 4 essentially gave fans a preview of what was to come in the following season when Monique threatened to “drag” Candiace at Katie Rost’s Hoedown while she was pregnant. “Don’t start! I will still drag you, pregnant and all!” Monique shouted. The fear of Monique fighting Candiace while pregnant was a very real possibility for Bravo fans.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey: Teresa And Danielle Teamed Up

In Season 10, RHONJ villain, Danielle Staub, came back to the series to stir the pot. While she initially hated Teresa Giudice, the two were civil and friendly in Season 10. The Housewives questioned Teresa’s friendship with Danielle, especially after Danielle pulled Margaret Josephs’s hair. When Teresa eventually told Danielle she couldn’t remain friends with her, an angry Danielle wasn’t ready to let Teresa get off unscathed. In a sit-down with Melissa Gorga, Danielle told her that Teresa was the one who encouraged her to pull Margaret’s hair. The cast was shaken when they realized what Teresa was capable of.

When Iconic Real Housewives Arguments Go Too Far

Bravo fans love a quick comeback, a sassy greeting, and a petty argument. Where things go wrong is when the pettiness goes too far and things get aggressive.

There have been plenty of physical altercations in The Real Housewives franchise. Some alter friendships forever, others get a Housewife fired. Considering how influential and self-sufficient many of these women are, the last thing the franchise needs is a bunch of grown women physically fighting each other.

Teresa Giudice’s table flip and Brandi Glanville’s slap on Lisa Vanderpump were entertaining without being damaging, but moments like Porsha Williams and Kenya Moore’s reunion brawl or Candiace Dillard and Monique Samuels’ hair-pulling went too far. These kinds of altercations set a bad look for The Real Housewives franchise and take away what the show is really about: feminism, motherhood, amusement, and friendship.