RHOBH Executive Producer Says Lisa Rinna Is Irreplaceable

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills executive producer voiced his opinions lately and thinks Lisa Rinna is irreplaceable. RHOBH executive producer Alex Baskin said finding a replacement for Lisa is impossible. Find out why he said so in the aftermath of Lisa’s exit from the show. 

RHOBH Executive Producer Thinks Lisa Rinna Is Irreplaceable

“I think you never look to replace someone who just departed — because there is only one Lisa Rinna,” Alex said on Monday during a panel at the 2023 Realscreen Summit in Austin, Texas.

The reality TV exec continued his explanation, describing what kind of woman would be suitable. “I think you look for someone who is going to both fit in and stand out,” he said of the kind of woman he sees mingling with Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, and Erika Jayne.

Nonetheless, Bravo has one or two spots to fill, considering Diana Jenkins also exited the show at the same time Lisa did. Filming for season 13 will start soon, but since Lisa Rinna is irreplaceable, it might be difficult to get a full cast by then. 

Finding such a gem can be “really hard,” Alex continued. He mentioned that the likely candidate should have a relationship with the other housewives and be true to them. Meanwhile, they must also have a unique personality that will stand out. 

Earlier this month, Lisa announced her departure from the Beverly Hills franchise after eight consecutive seasons on the hit reality show.

Lisa and Bravo reached a mutual agreement to walk away after her contract expired at the end of Season 12. The season was a very contentious one that saw her repeatedly face off with Kathy Hilton. 

The conflict was also dissected throughout an ensuing three-part reunion, which Alex reflected on at Realscreen. “It was horrible,” he said with a laugh.

The Real Housewives Franchise Has Evolved Over The Years 

At Page Six‘s Realscreen summit on Monday, January 23, the Bravo producer confessed that the franchise has evolved. He also admitted that reunions are becoming a bigger challenge than before. 

“They’re harder and harder. I think we cover more and, in general, nothing is off-limits with the shows. Because the audience is so involved in the reunions … everything under the sun is thought of and asked,” he observed. 

The reality show vet confessed that they “take a lot of stamina.” He likened the seasons to “marathons” and the reunions to a “sprint,” which makes “you dead-tired at the end.”

Other Housewives creators joined Alex on stage at Realscreen, including Pamela Gimenez, VP Unscripted Current Production, NBCUniversal Television, and Streaming. Lorraine Haughton-Lawson, SVP of Current Production at Truly Original, and Kathleen French, SVP of Current Production, were also there. 

The panel examined the Real Housewives phenomenon and discussed their experience working for the franchise. They also illustrated how it has become ubiquitous in pop culture with dozens of iterations and spinoffs. 

“It’s a great franchise. We’re really proud of it. The people who work on the shows love the shows,” said Kathleen, who works on RHOBH and The Real Housewives of Miami.

Kathleen believed that the housewives themselves are proud of what they do just as much as she is of the franchise. 

The Real Housewives franchise has entertained millions of people over the years. Several fans will also miss Lisa when the show resumes. Nevertheless, Lisa Rinna may be irreplaceable, but other gems can fill the vacant spot.