The Real Housewives have made varying paychecks, with the inaugural season of Orange County allegedly pulling in nothing. Now, after twenty years and many cities, and over one hundred housewives in the franchise, which ones bring in the biggest paychecks? Keep reading for more details.
Real Housewives Are Making Bank
The Real Housewives have taken over, and they are a huge draw for BravoCon. Moreover, they have crossed over to other shows, such as Below Deck, and helped spawn spinoffs. Lisa Vanderpump is responsible for Vanderpump Rules, which later brought viewers Summer House. Additionally, the success of Housewives and their beloved children allowed for Next Gen NYC. That being said, after 20 years and 11 current cities, the show rakes in a lot of cash for Bravo. So, who are the highest-paid stars of the shows? Season 1 of RHOC, Vicki Gunvalson claimed that the ladies were paid nothing.
However, by Season 13, she allegedly brought home $1 million for the season. Her co-star, Tamra Judge, allegedly made $1.2 million for Season 14. Over on RHOA, NeNe Leakes allegedly raked in $2.75 million for Season 12 while Kenya Moore, Porsha Williams, and Cynthia Bailey all made above $1 million between Seasons 10-12. As for RHONY, Bethenny Frankel allegedly raked in around $1 million toward the end of her time on the show. Teresa Giudice of RHONJ fame allegedly brought in $1.1 million, with Melissa Gorga not far behind.
Over at RHOBH, the highest-earning Housewives are allegedly Dorit Kemsley, who made almost $900K for Season 13. It states that Kyle Richards makes half a million, but she must make more than Dorit, being that she is an OG. When Erika Jayne was in the hot seat over her estranged husband stealing money, Andy Cohen stated that he knew what she made. That was back in Season 11 when she brought home $600K, so she also likely makes more by now.
Why Do The Show?
Some bumbers for starter seasons seemed questionable, and fans wondered why these Real Housewives even did the show. One in particular was Heather Dubrow from RHOC. However, it was noted that she wanted to get out of her husband’s shadow. She was also attempting to get back into the acting field. So, it was more strategic than anything. Regardless, followers were very unsure:
- Gina makes so little and yet it still feels like too much…
- Dude maybe Im a brat but basically none of these salaries are worth it to me to be potentially dragged by literally the entire planet. Maybe at Nene 2m+ but for under 100k?! Absolutely not
- Tamra being one of the highest-paid is just insane.
What do you think of some of these numbers, and is there anyone that you believe should be paid more? Finally, which housewife do you want to be brought back? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
