RHOA Season 17 Cast 2026: Returning Stars, Exits & Premiere Date
The Real Housewives of Atlanta is gearing up for its boldest chapter yet with Season 17 in 2026. After a tumultuous Season 16 filled with suspensions, mid-season exits, and fractured alliances, Bravo has reshuffled the peaches for what insiders call the “fiercest era” of the franchise.
Never Miss Your Chance to Audition!
Join our WhatsApp Channel for exclusive casting calls and audition alerts!
Join NowProduction wrapped late last year, and with teasers already dropping—including an official promo hinting at high-stakes drama—Atlanta’s elite are ready to deliver glamour, shade, and unfiltered confrontations.
The season premiere is set for April 2, 2026, at 9/8c on Bravo, giving fans just weeks to brace for the refreshed lineup. This evolution aims to recapture RHOA’s signature magic, blending legacy stars with evolving dynamics in a post-Kenya Moore landscape.
RHOA Season 17 Contestants Table
Here’s a clear breakdown of the confirmed cast members for Season 17, based on the latest reports from Bravo insiders and outlets like Just Jared and Complex (as of February 2026). The core group features 7 returning stars, with roles ranging from full-time housewives to “friend of.”
| Name | Role | Status | Key Notes / Expectations for Season 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsha Williams | Full-time Housewife | Returning | Iconic comeback queen; expect fiery personal arcs, business moves, and teased “smoke” with group tensions (including potential Shamea fallout). |
| Phaedra Parks | Full-time Housewife | Returning | Razor-sharp wit and Southern shade master; back full-time after Season 16 revival—poised for layered drama, family moments, and group clashes. |
| Drew Sidora | Full-time Housewife | Returning | Steady since Season 13; brings grounded glamour, family/business storylines, and balance amid the chaos. |
| Shamea Morton | Full-time Housewife | Returning | Promoted mainstay; “villain era” buzz is high—confident style promises fresh rivalries and no-holds-barred energy. |
| Angela Oakley | Full-time Housewife | Returning | Rising star with Southern charm; family life and fresh perspectives could unite or ignite the group. |
| Kelli Ferrell | Full-time / Friend-of (TBD) | Returning | Entrepreneurial wildcard; quick comebacks and business expansions make her a dynamic force—role may flex mid-season. |
| Cynthia Bailey | Friend of the Housewives | Returning | OG model dropping hints like “I got a little bit of smoke”; not full-time but set for drama, trips, and reunion impact. |
This lineup totals the reported 7 returning stars, creating a veteran-heavy core without the dominant presence of past heavyweights.
Key Exits: Shifting the Dynamics
The most notable departure is Kenya Moore, who confirmed she’s out after Season 16’s turmoil (including an on-set incident, suspension, and exit). Her pageant poise and fierce confrontations leave a void, but it opens room for others to step up.
Brit Eady (a Season 16 addition) is also confirmed gone, amid feuds and complications. Reports indicate around 3 total exits, signaling Bravo’s pivot to revitalize the ensemble.
Rumors and Potential Fresh Faces
Casting buzz continues around 4 women rumored to be in talks, many with Atlanta ties and Love & Hip Hop crossover appeal for instant intrigue:
- Pinky Cole Hayes (Slutty Vegan founder and entrepreneur)
- Tammy Rivera (singer, designer, businesswoman)
- Eudoxie Bridges (model, author, philanthropist)
- Others like K. Michelle (speculated in fan circles and reports)
Former icons such as Kim Zolciak and Nene Leakes were reportedly considered, but discussions fell through—though surprise guest spots remain possible.
What to Expect: Drama Brewing
Season 17 teases unresolved beefs (Porsha-Shamea strains stand out), new villain arcs, opulent events, family revelations, and loyalty-testing group trips. Without Kenya’s commanding energy, will Phaedra reclaim the shade throne?
Can Shamea fully own her spotlight? Cynthia’s cryptic hints suggest plenty of heat ahead.
Bravo’s “fiercest era yet” marketing promises higher stakes and juicy revelations, positioning this as a bold reset. With Atlanta’s vibrant culture as the backdrop, expect iconic glamour and explosive moments.
As April 2 approaches, the peaches are ripe and the drama is simmering. Whether you’re Team Porsha, hyped for Phaedra’s return, or eyeing the rumored new blood, Season 17 looks set to deliver. Tune in—Atlanta’s about to get real.
