BravoCon 2025 delivered one of its biggest surprises yet: the first trailer for “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
During the “Ask Andy” panel on Sunday, November 16, Andy Cohen unveiled the newest addition to the network’s powerhouse franchise, officially confirming the cast and offering fans their first taste of the Ocean State drama set to hit Bravo next year.
BravoCon Drops RHORI Trailer
Bravo first announced the franchise expansion back in May, describing Rhode Island as home to “a tight-knit circle of Rhode Islanders who have deep community roots and families that go back generations.”
At BravoCon, the network echoed that theme, calling the group “a fresh, charismatic cast whose lives intertwine across the storied coastline of New England luxury.”
The season 1 cast, according to Deadline, includes Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi. “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Dolores Catania will appear as a friend of McGraw, marking an exciting cross-franchise bridge for fans.
In the teaser, the women laugh about their tiny but mighty home state. “Rhode Island is a blip on the map,” one Housewife jokes, “but to us, it’s the center of the universe.” Another adds, “Smallest state with the biggest attitude — what are you gonna do?”
The preview also highlights the intensity of long-established relationships. “Everyone has deep roots here,” Carmody says. “If they didn’t see you in kindergarten, it’s a problem.”
Meet the ‘Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ Cast
Alicia Carmody is described as “Rhode Island to the core.” A self-proclaimed runaway bride, she has been engaged to her fiancé, Billy Kitsilis, for 8 years but still isn’t ready to walk down the aisle — even for their daughter, Celina. When she isn’t avoiding wedding bells, Alicia helps run Billy’s restaurant, Pizza Mamma.
Rosie DiMare is a former local news anchor who reinvented herself as a DJ and lifestyle host. She’s been married for one year to entertainer Rich DiMare, who performs in the classic Frank Sinatra crooner style.
Ashley Iaconetti, known from “Bachelor in Paradise,” now balances her growing social-media career with raising sons Dawson and Hayden alongside husband Jared Haibon. Moving to Jared’s home state brings new dynamics — and new tensions.
Liz McGraw, dubbed the “cannabis queen,” co-owns The Slater Center, Rhode Island’s largest cannabis dispensary, with her husband. She is also a devoted stepmother to Miranda, Briana, and Skyla.
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli is a certified financial planner, wealth manager, and mom of two young children, married to well-known podiatrist Brian Pontarelli.
Kelsey Swanson, a former Miss Rhode Island, has established herself as one of the state’s top makeup artists. She’s been in a decade-long relationship with a prominent figure in Rhode Island’s elite circles.
Jo-Ellen Tiberi proudly calls herself the state’s “town gossip.” She is one of the country’s leading aesthetic practice development managers and has three children — Gian, Jolie, and Gia — with her high school sweetheart, Gary.
Andy Cohen hyped the cast earlier this year, telling Page Six, “They are very Italian. Rhode Island is such a small state, and they all kind of know each other. It’s an incredible group of women.” He later told People the show has “Italian with a capital I” energy and “early Jersey vibes.”
“The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” will premiere in 2026 on Bravo.
Can’t wait. Hopefully it turns out better than Real Housewives of Orange County. I’m done with that show all thanks to Tamrat