Casting rumors for Season 15 of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” have swirled ever since the franchise was first put on pause in August 2024. At first, Bravo fans worried that the series would never return; then, earlier this summer, Andy Cohen finally confirmed that things were in motion.
In early September, reports surfaced that Melissa Gorga, Dolores Catania, and Margaret Josephs were “test-filming” with a few potential new cast members.
Luann de Lesseps shared her thoughts on what’s really going on with RHONJ on Page Six Radio earlier this week.
RHONY OG Believes Jersey Franchise Is Filming for Real
GettyLuann de Lesseps was a long-time cast member of the “Real Housewives of New York.“ That means that she most definitely knows how things work at Bravo. In a new interview, she had a hard time believing that they would waste the resources on test shooting.
“Are they test shooting or are they actually shooting? I think they’re probably actually shooting, if you ask me.” The countess believes that the new girls who were filming may have been testing, but that the footage captured would be used.
“[You think they’d] waste their time and crews? You need sound and you need lighting, you need crew.”
Luann’s Thoughts on RHONJ Without Teresa Giudice
Andrew Eccles/BravoThe one person who was not included in any of the early filming is Teresa Giudice. That fact has fueled speculation that she may not return to the series that made her a household name.
When asked if she thought that RHONJ could work if the focus were on Melissa Gorga, Lu said, “Listen, it can go south in a second. So I’m saying, you just never know.”
According to Ok Magazine on Aug. 29, 2025, Margaret Josephs is the new focus.
“There are lots of rumors trying to be put out that Teresa filmed test footage for RHONJ, but the truth is she didn’t. But [only] Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, and Dolores Catania filmed with new women … It’s really looking probable that Bravo is moving on without [Teresa]. Bravo has decided to pursue building the show around Margaret as the main character for the time being,” explained a source.
Do you believe that RHONJ is actually already filming? Which of the ladies do you want to see return for Season 15? Do you believe that the franchise can work without Teresa shaking things up and flipping tables?
