Which RHONJ Are Returning For Season 7?

With news breaking yesterday that casting is underway for the seventh season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, fans are wondering which of the housewives from years past will remain. While we can’t confirm anything specific, what we’d like to offer is a list of reasons why EACH of the past women (sans Danielle Stuab, who we previously detailed reasons she shouldn’t be allowed to return) deserves consideration to return. 

Caroline Manzo– Known as the matriarch of the Housewives, Manzo has always kept the “Italian Mother” image in the picture. She’s got opinions that she’s unafraid to express. She’s protective over her children and her family. She tells it like it is, whether you want to hear it or not. And, at many points in the show’s history, Manzo has been the peacemaker of the group, typically trying to settle problems. Whether you like her or not, every Housewives franchise needs a peacemaker, and Manzo always played that role, as well as the motherly role. For these reasons, she deserves to be considered to return.

Jacqueline Laurita– Laurita brought realness to the show. She unabashedly showed struggles with infertility, mother/daughter issues, friendship problems, was open about her plastic surgeries, and more. In addition, she showcased her son’s autism in a way that was sensitive, honest, and real. Laurita was never afraid to show emotions at the time she was feeling them, and she was never afraid of a confrontation if one had to happen/one ended up happening. In addition, Laurita always stood her ground. Think back to the reunion where she didn’t show up- that was completely her choice and she did it because of how she was feeling at the time. Oh, and let’s not forget season six ratings went up when she reappeared for a cameo. For these reasons, she deserves to be considered to return.

Dina Manzo– This is a tricky one, as we’ve not always had the best relationship with Dina personally. However, taking the personal out of it, she is one of the original cast members which buys her some points. In addition, no one can deny that she’s pretty and has attitude to go along with it. If Manzo is to return, we’d like the season 1 version, as she felt more authentic in the way she acted (think back to when she made comments like “Does she want to skin me and wear me like last year’s Versace?”). For these reasons, she deserves to be considered to return.

Kathy Wakile– When Wakile joined the show in the third season, she immediately had an interesting spot, as she was Teresa Giudice’s cousin. However, Wakile proved the fact that she earned a spot on the show. She had a funny husband, a real interest in family time and baking, and was also unafraid to speak her mind. Going on a show with family can be very difficult, but Wakile kept it classy, even when confronting her cousin. Wakile also brings along her sister Rosie Pierri and husband Richard Wakile, who both are hysterical. In addition, ratings went up season six on the episodes Wakile appeared on. Finally, watching Wakile’s nearly grown up children on the show was a fresh breath of air for reality television, as they were well-mannered teenagers, something you don’t see very often on reality tv. For these reasons, she deserves to be considered to return.

Melissa Gorga– Gorga came on the show with a bang, as in the first episode she was on a chaotic fight that would go down as one of the most intense ones in the Housewives franchise broke out at her son’s christening party. She handled this like a champ, and continued to show her ability to stand up to Giudice, something that wasn’t easy. Fans got to watch her on her multi-year journey of family issues, something she wasn’t afraid to discuss. Gorga also released some catchy songs while on the show, and has an adorable family and very attractive husband to boot. For these reasons, Gorga should be considered to return.

Amber Marchese– Although Marchese has only appeared on one season thus far, she more than proved her wroth in the last season. Think about it- during season six, without Marchese and her unafraid to say what’s on his mind husband, Jim, there would have been little to no drama or conflict on the show. The selling points of a reality show typically revolve around drama, and from the get go, both Marchese’s were unafraid to bring that. They also have an amazing family, one who I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a meal with before. In addition, Marchese was unabashedly honest about her journey with cancer, up to showing the scars she still had from it. This took viewers on an emotional journey they would not soon forget. For these reasons, she (and her husband!) deserve to be considered to return.

Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano– Who could forget the twins? They’ve got adorable accents, they’re funny, they’re chatterboxes- and they’re pure entertainment on the screen. Never before has a franchise had a pair of twins on a Housewives show. While some may think it’s gimmicky, we found it entertaining to watch the two of them interacting. They also were able to bring some New York attitude to the show, as they were born and raised there before moving to Colts Neck, NJ. For these reasons, they should be considered to return to the show.

While we do realize we likely will be parting with some of these women, as there currently is a casting call for the show, we are hopeful that what we’ve written above will at least be considered. Each of these women has proven their worth to the franchise in multiple ways. While we understand sometimes “new blood” is good, we simply do not want to have to part with all of these women.

(Note: We did not mention Teresa Giudice, as, at this point, it would be impossible for her to film this year).

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.