Will NYC 'Housewives' Be as Good Without Bethenny?

By Rob Shuter Posted Dec 16th 2010 02:37PM

As the cast of the 'Real Housewives of New York City' busies themselves with shooting the next season of the reality hit, Bravo insiders wonder if the show will still be ratings gold without its breakout star, Bethenny Frankel.

"Bethenny is the biggest star the franchise has ever produced," a Bravo insider tells me. "She not only connected with the most fans, but she also allowed the audience to laugh at how ridiculous the other ladies are. Without Bethenny making fun of the cast, the show just won't be as much fun."

For Bravo, a main concern is who will play foil to rival Kelly Bensimon and her oft-erratic (but always entertaining) behavior on a Bethenny-less 'Housewives.'

"Without Bethenny on the show, Kelly's strange behavior is no longer funny, it's just annoying," my source concedes.

Insiders tell me that after Bravo caught a glimpse of how the new season is going, they have asked Bethenny to return for more than the six appearances she is contractually obligated to make. But she wants to phase that part of her life out.

"Bethenny is done with that show," a friend of the new mom and wife (to Jason Hoppy) tells me. "She is focused on her own show, writing her books and being the best mom and wife she can be. Every time she thinks about going back into that toxic environment it makes her feel physically sick."

I'm told Bethenny loves Bravo and is very appreciative at how the network changed her life (and made her rich), and that she will probably agree to make more guest appearances on 'Housewives.'

"But in her heart she wishes she could just move on," a friend tells me. "To tell the truth, she doesn't even want to watch the new season let alone be forced to be part of it."

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Tags: Bethenny Frankel, real housewives of new york city

Comments

(133)

Sunday 19 December

By Diana B

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Are you serious? I wouldn't watch that show if Bethanny was still on it. She has a big nasty mouth,repeats herself over and over again and says nothing. Her own show is just plain boring. good riddance to Bethanny

By Emilly Gorman

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I love Bethany. I can see how being around Jill and Kelly would make her sick. They are so gross, Their enough to make anyone sick. I can't wait to see Bethany's new series. I did like Alex, I wish she could stay with Bethany.

By Stevie Ray

Bethany who?

By SPACEMAN

FRANKEL'S BETTER OFF WITH THE ADAMS FAMILY , AS LURCH'S BRIDE ..

By kluji

pulled pork?

By contessa

I get a little "Ramotional"....Just give me Bethany ...all day...everyday! xo

By dwb

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I won't be watching. The Devils Triangle of Jill, the Countless & Kelly Benwhocares will be unwatchable without Bethany. I'll watch Bethany's show, but not this...

By Suzanne

Bethenny made that show with her acerbic and always hilarious humor. As often as not, her humor was self deprecating.

My favorite of her zingers was when she met Jill at a contstruction site. Jill shows up in a very flashy duster (ankle length coat) and Bethenny says to Jill, "Cher called and she wants her coat back."

I fell down and laughed for five minutes. She's queen of the zingers. Love her. I do like Sonya but no one could replace Bethenny. She's just smart and funny. Kelly is a mental case and not entertaining at all. She's just a freak.

Tuesday 21 December

By JB

I dont understand the big deal about Bethenny. The chick looks like a dragqueen with the worst boob job in the history of the world. I heard her new husband is gay which makes sense because honestly i think she is a man, i mean really look at that jawline. On top of that she is annoying.

By kathleen williams

I don't care for frankel either. I think she has much of her father in her and she needs to get over herself! I will not miss her being on the housewives at all.

By joyce

im glad shes out couldnt stand her she got to big in her own mind hope she doesnt raise her daughter like that teasing and bulling everyone !!!!

By marianne

Bethany is a true survivor! She has made it through many life problems and came out on top. She is funny and even can laugh at herself. She is now having the last laugh and has a cute husband to boot. Kudos to her. Can't wait for her return. Bethany you go girl!!!!

By Junieb

I love Bethanny and will miss her on RHofNY. I hope she does her own show again this season.

By Not a Fan of One-Liner Bethenny

I am glad the show makes her ill. I am also glad Bethenny (keeping fingers crossed) will not be appearing as much on the show- to hear her speak is like hearing fingernails running across a chalkboard....talk about annoying New Yorker....HATE IT! So long & good riddance!

By hey you

I have seen her, dealt with her for 5 hrs...and may i say this, YUK...........

By Penelope Phiffer

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WOW..........She resembles The Joker big time! Her wrinkles are scary around the mouth area ...how old is she,in her 50's? Besides, she has a very nasty attitude with everyone especially Skating With The Stars judges.....atrocious behavior!

By Andi Leonard

Bethanny is a huge link in that show....and her own series was entertaining as can be...At least she laughs and isnt grouchy all the time like the other housewives....

By CC

WHO IS THIS WOMAN? SHE LOOKS LIKE "SpongeBob SquarePants"

By Cherie

I'll miss Bethanny but, she isn't obligated to stay. I do like Jill,despite some of her personality issues. Both those women were family oriented and capable of reaching beyond themselves in meaningful ways. Too bad they clashed. The others were too much about themselves CONSTANTLY. Superficial about charity, little time for their children or family,and cookie cutter types like the other housewife shows.

Write a book, record a song, have a cancer scare in the family, get a divorce, search for a biological parent,get drunk,be mean or flirty: it got very predictable and therefore seemed less than "real" anything.

By Martha Ann Henry

I don't watch ANY of these shows, no matter the location. I can't imagine Bethany would be an advantage to any show, much less this one. If I see she is a guest on any show, I avoid it. I find this entire franchise disgusting.

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