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Impending Bravo series RHONY: Legacy is now a doubt. According to insiders, this is due to RHONY: Legacy contract disputes between the cast and the franchise executives. Get the details below
Bravo Is Revamping RHONY
Last year, Bravo execs announced a massive RHONY overhaul, the second longest-running of the Housewives series. This will be achieved by practically splitting it in two.
They promised to revamp the main Real Housewives of New York City show with a completely new, racially diverse cast. At the same time, the network pledged to launch a second show known as Legacy. The show’s premise was meant to be a feature for fan favorites from previous seasons.
The casting shortlist, released in November, included Kelly Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Jill Zarin, and Dorinda Medley. Bravo Network also reportedly courted Tinsley Mortimer but had not concluded then.
Meanwhile, veteran cast member Ramona Singer revealed she was bowing out of the show even before casting began.
RHONY: Legacy Contract Disputes May Halt Production
The continuation of RHONY: Legacy show is in doubt, according to Page Six, and contract disputes are to blame. Sources say a dispute about how much the cast should be paid has jeopardized the show’s future. Insiders also claim that in the meantime, Bravo has “hit pause” on contract negotiations.
Moreover, the network appears to have “lost interest in pursuing the Legacy edition” amid the deadlock. There are two major issues in the RHONY: Legacy contract disputes. The first is the money the network is offering the talents per episode, which the cast wants more of. The second challenge is the number of episodes it is willing to guarantee each cast member per season.
Typically, main cast members are guaranteed around 12 episodes per season, which usually run about 24 episodes. However, Bravo is only willing to promise around four episodes to each cast member for the first season of Legacy.
A source close to the cast claimed that “it’s not worth it.” They added that it was an insult to the women since they ought to get credit for the show’s popularity.
“They don’t deserve to be nickel-and-dimed,” the source concluded.
On the other hand, a source close to the production said Bravo gave the women “generous offers,” but some of them want what “the cast of Friends made in their heyday.”
The Friends cast, including Jennifer Aniston, were famously the first cast members to be paid $1 million per episode.
Meanwhile, a production source says Bravo may no longer pursue the Legacy edition.
“It seems producers are more focused on the RHONY reboot which we are hearing is fun, funny, and aspirational,” they said.
Although viewers are eager to see their favorites on screen again, RHONY: Legacy may not hold if both sides don’t agree. Hopefully, the network and cast members reach a compromise that works for all soon.