Dorinda Medley on Her RHONY Legacy Return: What She Said About Bethenny Frankel and the Future of the Franchise

In a much-anticipated exclusive interview, reality television icon Dorinda Medley recently shared her candid thoughts with HollywoodLife regarding her potential comeback to the beloved *The Real Housewives of New York City* franchise. With fans eagerly awaiting news about the spin-off, *RHONY: Legacy*, Dorinda didn’t shy away from discussing the buzz surrounding her return, as well as speculating on whether *RHONY* alum Bethenny Frankel might also make a surprising reappearance on the small screen. Her insights offer a compelling glimpse into the future of one of Bravo’s most iconic series, promising a revitalized dynamic for longtime viewers.

The excitement reached a fever pitch at BravoCon 2022, an event that became a hotbed of speculation for *Real Housewives* enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. During the highly popular “Ask Andy” panel, Andy Cohen, the executive producer and mastermind behind the *Housewives* empire, seemingly confirmed Dorinda Medley’s place in the upcoming *The Real Housewives of New York City: Legacy* series. This new iteration promises to feature a constellation of former stars from the franchise, bringing back the familiar faces and dramatic dynamics that viewers have missed since the original series underwent a hiatus. Dorinda herself took to the microphone during the panel, directly questioning Cohen about when she would be “off pause” — a poignant reference to her departure from the show two years prior. Andy’s direct and reassuring response, “Your time is coming,” sent ripples of excitement through the audience and across social media, signaling a clear path for Medley’s return. This moment was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about highlights of the entire convention, solidifying the anticipation for the *Legacy* project and Dorinda’s central role within it.

Reflecting on that pivotal BravoCon exchange, Dorinda Medley expressed her sheer delight in an EXCLUSIVE interview on HollywoodLife‘s Pay Attention Puh-Lease! podcast, where she was promoting her latest partnership with Amazon devices and Ring. “I’m thrilled,” Dorinda beamed, emphasizing the profound impact of Andy’s confirmation. She went on to reveal the spontaneous nature of her appearance at the “Ask Andy” panel. “It’s so funny, I did that on the spur of the moment. That wasn’t planned,” the reality star and successful businesswoman explained, highlighting the authentic and unplanned magic of the moment. This unexpected interaction added an extra layer of charm to her potential comeback, resonating deeply with fans who appreciate her genuine and unfiltered personality. Her excitement is palpable, indicating a readiness to jump back into the world of reality television that made her a household name. This eagerness showcases her enduring connection to the *RHONY* brand and her loyal fanbase, proving she’s more than ready to “make it nice” again for Bravo viewers.

Andy Cohen basically confirmed Dorinda Medley will be a part of the #Rhony legacy cast! #Bravocon pic.twitter.com/LrlZo5J11d

— Christopher Rogers (@ChrisRogers86) October 16, 2022

While the buzz is undeniable and Dorinda’s return seems all but certain, it’s important to note that, as far as public knowledge goes, official invitations to join the *RHONY: Legacy* show have not yet been extended to any of the former *RHONY* stars. Despite this, Dorinda Medley’s prominent role at BravoCon and Andy Cohen’s direct statement position her as a definite frontrunner, a “shoe-in” for the much-coveted cast. Dorinda herself articulated the collective sentiment surrounding the legacy project: “Andy loves his girls. Everyone wants to see the girls come back.” She was referring to the myriad of *RHONY* alums who have left an indelible mark on the franchise through years of memorable moments, iconic catchphrases, and intense drama. Names like Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, and Sonja Morgan consistently top the list of fan favorites that viewers are desperate to see back on their television screens. The prospect of these iconic women reuniting promises a potent blend of drama, camaraderie, and genuine *New York City* glamor, fulfilling a long-standing wish for many dedicated viewers. The *Legacy* show isn’t just a spin-off; it’s a nostalgic journey back to what made *RHONY* a phenomenon, and Dorinda believes the original cast members are key to its success.

The landscape of the *Real Housewives of New York City* franchise underwent a significant transformation with the announcement of the new cast for Season 14 at BravoCon. This completely fresh lineup introduces a new generation of New York women to the Bravo universe, consisting of Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Dana Lichy, Jenna Lyons, Lizzy Savetsky, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield. This strategic move by Bravo aims to revitalize the main series with new perspectives and stories, catering to a changing viewership while still honoring the show’s roots. According to Dorinda Medley, this announcement for the main *RHONY* reboot is a crucial development for *RHONY: Legacy*. She confidently shared with HollywoodLife that she expects the casting process for *RHONY: Legacy* to “move quickly” now that the new cast for the flagship show has been officially unveiled. This suggests that with the new *RHONY* established and its direction set, Bravo can now fully focus its attention and resources on assembling the dream team for the highly anticipated *Legacy* spin-off, potentially speeding up production and casting decisions, much to the delight of fans who have been patiently waiting for the return of their beloved OGs.

Elaborating further on her vision for the *RHONY: Legacy* ensemble, Dorinda Medley articulated her strong desire to see a reunion of the show’s original and most iconic personalities. “I’d love to see all the old girls,” Dorinda reiterated, emphasizing the importance of bringing back the familiar faces that defined the early success of *The Real Housewives of New York City*. She specifically referenced “the girls that I was on with,” indicating her preference for a cast composed of women with whom she shared significant history and on-screen chemistry. Medley believes that a larger cast would only enhance the viewing experience, allowing for a richer tapestry of interactions and storylines. “I think the bigger [cast] the better. I hope we have a lot of the girls from the past.” This sentiment underscores a common desire among fans: to witness the complex relationships, unresolved feuds, and enduring friendships that characterized *RHONY*’s golden era. A substantial roster of returning alums would not only provide a rich tapestry of narratives but also ensure that *Legacy* lives up to its name, celebrating the enduring impact of these women on reality television and bringing back the magic that captivated millions.

One of the most burning questions among *RHONY* devotees, and a topic Dorinda Medley addressed, concerns the potential return of her friend and former castmate, Bethenny Frankel. Frankel, a foundational figure of the franchise, has famously departed the show twice, making her possible comeback a subject of constant and intense speculation. Dorinda, reflecting on Bethenny’s enduring appeal, remarked, “Bethenny is great reality TV.” This statement acknowledges Frankel’s undeniable talent for generating compelling, authentic, and often dramatic content, which captivated audiences for many seasons and cemented her status as a reality TV legend. Medley delved deeper into the essence of the original *RHONY* cast, explaining what made their dynamic so special and why Bethenny was an integral part of that magic. “When I look back on the old cast photos, what I loved is that…each one of us, it didn’t matter who was better, who was bigger. It was just that we were all very different. Together it was a beautiful paint box,” she beautifully articulated. This “beautiful paint box” analogy perfectly encapsulates the diverse personalities, backgrounds, and opinions that blended to create the show’s unique chemistry. Bethenny, with her sharp wit, entrepreneurial spirit as the SkinnyGirl founder, and unfiltered approach to life, was undeniably one of the most vibrant colors in that “paint box,” and her presence would undoubtedly reignite a familiar spark within the *Legacy* series, should she choose to return. Her absence has been felt by many, and Dorinda’s words highlight the unique contribution she made to the franchise’s iconic status.

Beyond Bethenny, Dorinda Medley also shared her thoughts on other notable former cast members, providing a comprehensive look at her ideal *Legacy* lineup. When it comes to Tinsley Mortimer, Dorinda expressed skepticism about her return, largely due to Tinsley’s current lifestyle and geographical separation from New York City. “Dorinda isn’t sure if Tinsley Mortimer will come back since she mostly lives in Florida these days,” she noted, acknowledging the geographical and lifestyle shift that might make a permanent move back to New York, and thus a return to *RHONY: Legacy*, less probable for Mortimer. However, despite past on-screen conflicts, particularly during Season 2 of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip, Dorinda displayed an open-minded attitude toward the potential return of Jill Zarin. “Dorinda would welcome the return of Jill Zarin to the franchise,” she stated, indicating a willingness to move past old tensions for the greater good of the *Legacy* show. This speaks to Dorinda’s broader vision for the spin-off – a reunion that prioritizes the iconic dynamics and history of the original series, even if it means navigating old rivalries and fostering new connections. The inclusion of figures like Jill Zarin would undoubtedly bring back a layer of original *RHONY* flavor and add another compelling dimension to the *Legacy* cast, offering fans a chance to see how these relationships have evolved.

As the anticipation for *The Real Housewives of New York City: Legacy* continues to build, Dorinda Medley eagerly awaits concrete details regarding the show’s format and official cast announcements. “I would love to be told, ‘This is what we’re doing, this is how it’s gonna look,’ and then we can all start getting our hands on it,” Dorinda expressed, highlighting her readiness to actively engage in the next chapter of the franchise, not just as a cast member but as a true advocate for its success. Her enthusiasm is not just for her own potential involvement but for the broader revival of the *RHONY* spirit, which has been a staple of reality television for over a decade. She envisions a future where fans have not one, but two exciting *RHONY* offerings to look forward to: the revamped main series with its new cast, and the much-desired *Legacy* spin-off featuring the beloved OGs. “We can not only look forward to this new show, but look forward to the other one. Which I hope there is. I pray there is,” she concluded, underscoring her profound hope and belief in the viability and success of the *Legacy* concept. Dorinda’s fervent wish mirrors that of countless fans who are desperate to revisit the golden era of *RHONY* through a fresh, yet familiar, lens, cementing her role as a key figure in shaping the future narrative of this iconic Bravo staple. Her insights confirm that the future of *The Real Housewives of New York City* is indeed looking vibrant and full of potential, with Dorinda Medley ready to make it nice again.