NeNe Leakes is making her return to reality TV, but it isn’t quite what you’d think. The beloved Real Housewives of Atlanta alum — part of the original cast, is finally living out her hosting dreams.
The Incomparable Atlanta OG is Making Her Comeback on the Zeus Network
NeNe Leakes is coming back to reality TV in a fun hosting gig, taking on the ladies of Baddies East as she co-hosts their reunion with Janeisha John.
ITS OFFICIAL! I am hosting “Baddies East Reunion” along with @janeisha_missvi @thezeusnetwork. We are about to get down downnnnnn and keep the baddies on point. Send me some love y’all💕
@neneleakes/Instagram
Baddies East is an unofficial spinoff of Oxygen’s now-defunct Bad Girls Club. Created by Natalie Nunn and Tanisha Thomas, the show has enjoyed small-scale success thanks to faithful fans of the former series. One of the show’s previous reunions was hosted by another notable figure from Atlanta — Tamar Braxton.
Fans Aren’t As Excited About the News as You’d Expect
The reaction to NeNe’s news in her comments was divided. While some were excited to see NeNe make a return to TV and thrive away from Bravo’s influence, some felt the move was “beneath” the reality OG.
Nene is gonna walk off that damn set with them damn wild ass ladies! Lol”
@iamseanhaan/Instagram
A check is a check but this is BENEATH you, girl 🥴.”
@montoyaee93/Instagram
It’s Been Nearly Four Years Since NeNe’s Falling Out with Bravo
In 2020, NeNe and Bravo went back and forth in contract negotiations for months before she ultimately decided not to return to the series. The multi-hyphenate reality star starred in the series from season one through season seven, returning for seasons ten through twelve.
After her departure from the show, NeNe sued Bravo for discrimination, ultimately dropping the lawsuit in mid-2022. Last October, NeNe appeared on fellow Bravo ex-pat Bethenny Frankel’s podcast, where she said she feels like Bravo blacklisted her in the entertainment industry.
Sharing her belief that the network has engaged in retaliatory actions as a result of her lawsuit, she said, “They shut my work down.”
I do everything. So you mean to tell me, as a talented person, that there was nothing for me to host?” she questioned. “There was nothing for me to act in, sing in, dance in, jump in, clap in? Nothing?”
NeNe Leakes, ReWives with Bethenny Frankel
