All the Wives 'Do Well for Themselves,' Says Bravo Exec Andy Cohen

By Rob Shuter Posted Sep 2nd 2010 10:00AM

Andy Cohen, the adorable Bravo exec who gave himself his own talk show ('Watch What Happens: Live'), sat down with me to answer some of my burning questions about his uber-hot 'Housewives' franchise. Find out what secrets he reveals about part two of the 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' reunion show, airing Monday. He's the brave host. Plus, learn why the ladies should NOT need a pay increase any time soon and why Bravo passed on doing a gay version of the franchise.

What can we expect on Monday night ... come on Andy, give us a tease!
More engaging dialogue, Kim G., a show-and-tell from Danielle, a surprising plea for forgiveness and a shocking conclusion.

[Sources tell me one of the ladies leaves the show FOREVER.]

Why do you think the 'Jersey' show is the most popular?
I think people love the women, the drama and the family dynamic.

Who is your favorite housewife. Who do you hang out with?
I really don't have a favorite. I love them all and see them all out and about.

How do you decide whom to invite back. Is it all focus groups?
It is dictated usually by what they have going on in their lives and with each other.

The 'Housewives of DC' doesn't seem to have the same buzz as the others. What's your honest take on it?
I am so excited about the 'DC Housewives.' It surprises me every week because it touches on issues previously unseen in the franchise -- race, politics, genealogy, DC society and hierarchy. There's a really compelling and surprising debate about gay marriage coming up.

Some people complain there are too many 'Housewife' franchises out there, and that Bravo is diluting the brand. What would you say?
Actually, the brand has never been more popular, and we are very careful about where and how we expand it.

Why did Bravo pass on the gay housewife idea that another network (Logo) has picked up on?
It didn't interest us.

Which housewife calls you to complain the most?
I take the fifth.

Are you team Jill or Bethenny?
I am team everybody. They're both amazing.

Which housewife do you think leaks the most stories to the press?
I think the New York women run the leakiest ship in town, but they live and breathe in the center of the media universe, so they're way more exposed to the press on a daily basis.

Do all the housewives earn the same? How much?
They all do well for themselves.

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Tags: Andy Cohen, real housewives

Comments

(72)

Thursday 02 September

By Nanny 66

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I have been a fan of the "Housewives" for better or worse for quite a while. New York was good. New Jersey was more ethnic, (Italian) as am I, Atlanta was different and blew open the doors on mostly African-American housewives with money. DC is different, again. All shows are different, almost different cultures.

In DC, Cat seems to have the impression that just being British qualifies her to be critical of everyone else. She keeps talking about others being rude. I guess they do not teach being insulting to others and thinking you are better than others (especially when you clearly are not) in that finishing school she surely played hoockey from.

Eventually it seems, all the idiosyncrasies of all of these women is what draws viewers into these shows. The unflattering
revelations that always are exposed for all of these women is a lot like housewives everywhere, maybe on a different scale.

The villains change, usually......except for Danielle. She is a constant and I think , certifiable and dangerous, especially for her children. That is sad to watch!

By ling-ling

I hope Danielle is off the show because I can't stand to watch her poor daughters cringe when she talks. She clearly needs some help. Threasa is not much better and it will be interesting to "watch what happens" when she is forced to move into a home/appartment where someone else has already lived...remember that quote? Joe, her husband, is like watching a time bomb ...waiting to explode at any moment.

By MARIE ARMSTRONG

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I'M GLAD SOME HAVE RECOGNIZED THERESA AND CAROLINE FOR WHAT THEY ARE. THERESA SETS UP DANIELLE AND CAROLINE TAKES THERESA'S SIDE. GIVE ME A BREAK. DANIELLE IS WHAT SHE IS. MAKES SO BONES ABOUT IT. AND, HAS LOVELY DAUGHTERS. CAN'T SAY THE SAME ABOUT ASHLEY.

I'M A JERSEY GIRL AND PROUD OF IT.

By LA Housewife Lover

NJ Housewives are a bunch of bullies. Very hard to watch 3 on 1 with Andy officiating. I think they are almost all alike. Hateful and spoiled, never worked a day in their lives. lways looking for a way to take from others either emotionally or financially. Caroline and clan are mob members and think they can bully their way thru life. Danielle and Teresa would be on the same level if Teresa had 2 brain cells that actually had a spark. Ashley is a nothing spoiled brat and not much to look at either. Might need some work kust like the rest have had.

By Gucci

Why hasn't DC Housewives gotten as much buzz? BECAUSE IT SUCKS!!!! I watched the first few episodes and literally couldn't stomach it anymore. I am a loyal fan to all of the housewives show and this is ONE that I will not watch and couldn't care less about when they will repeat any episode.

Friday 03 September

By aword

DC Housewives are just bad actors..there trying to hard to be outlandish. The fact the one ended up in front of a Washington panel for crashing a party so how far they will go to get attention and shows how far they are from being on the inside. I predict Kat to be divorced by season two. Mary will too or go bankrupt. Blondie and Dagwood will be in jail but will sue someone first not before she writes her cook book how to be naturally too thin. And the black chick who runs around accusing everyone of being a racist will out her white mother who doesn't want her or anyone to know about her.Just because she can.

And the midget will record a dance song, hawk some bracelets and skin care product.

By Barbarad

If these jerks......Jersey girls, and Snoop Dog can get on T.V.--ANYONE CAN! I can't believe that anyone watchs these FREAKS.....A cult phenomeon.....Where are the parents.? Turn OFF the T.V. and "hit the books"!

By Anna

What did the interview tell us? Absolutely nothing. I wasted my time.

By barbie

People from New Jersey are proud to be from New Jersey, myself included. This show represents one Italian family and their way of life! There is so much more to NJ and the people who live here, they just choose to stay out of the spotlight! I will not be back to watch season 3, they are portraying violence and danger and that's not me or my life! Teresa whoa, she's a manaic.

By amiwright

They have nothing else to do but get on TV and act like idiots. Are they paid for this to?

By Nia

This was the most pointless interview. I learned nothing. In fact, I could have done that interview and given those generic answers.

Sunday 10 July

By AutumnLeaves

Seems like this is just a fluff-interview meant to enhance the credentials of "Rob".

Nothing to see here. Move along.

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