NeNe Leakes left “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2021 after appearing for 10 seasons. Now, she’s set to return to Bravo with the network’s upcoming limited series celebrating 20 years of “Housewives.” Ahead of the show’s premiere, the former “RHOA” star is sharing what made the show boring and reflecting on her return.
Leakes interviewed with Vulture in May 2026. Notably, the outlet featured her in its inaugural celebration of the most powerful people in unscripted television. In part of the interview, the “RHOA” icon was asked about how much “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” has changed since she left.
Specifically, she feels part of the issue is friends of the show being promoted to housewives. Leakes said, “If you came home as a ‘friend,’ I don’t see why you would move into the Housewife room. That’s what made the show boring.”
She added, “Not saying Marlo or Shamea aren’t good for the show, but that is not the formula I personally would use. When it comes to ‘Housewives,’ for me, it’s like my little baby, and it was snatched, honey. What they call it? Trafficked, honey.”
She also spoke about her legacy and whether she feels she gets the credit she deserves. According to Leakes, “I feel like people tend to try to give the flowers that I earn to other people.” After that, the 58-year-old named shows she feels came along because of her impact, including “The Braxtons,” “Love & Hip Hop,” “Basketball Wives,” and “Hollywood Exes.”
She mentioned the network that helped make her a star. The mom of two said, “Bravo was over here riding a tricycle with one wheel. And then they found Nene Leakes. Who didn’t I open the door for on ‘Housewives?’ Who? Name one person.”
The Bravo Alum Addressed Andy Cohen & Her Return
In 2022, Leakes sued Bravo, alleging violations of federal employment and anti-discrimination laws. However, she later dropped the lawsuit. When asked about the allegations, the “RHOA” alum opted not to speak on the lawsuit, stating, “It is what it is,” and said all involved parties had decided to “move forward.”
After that, Andy Cohen came up in Vulture’s conversation with Leakes. It’s worth noting that, according to The Wrap, Leakes accused Cohen of racism in a 2020 tweet. The icon was asked what it would take for them to return to speaking terms, given that they’d texted recently.
She responded, “I guess the question would be, ‘What would it take to get him back on those terms?’ I am the kind of person that, good or bad, time heals. You don’t have to be besties or anything like that, but I move forward. I’m not into holding negative energy.”
Later, she reflected on the possibility of returning to “RHOA,” wondering, “Realistically speaking, is there a space for me on Housewives?”
She continued, discussing her life today, “I was married, and everybody knows my husband passed away. My youngest son has had a heart transplant, and he’s now a first-time dad. My oldest son’s daughter is now a teenager. We used to live in a mansion in a suburb; I now live in a high-rise in the city. I date an African guy.”
Leakes added, “If they wanted there to be a place for me, there will be a place. Because it’s not like my story is any less interesting than it was then; it’s probably even more interesting.”
Fans Are Reacting To Leakes
Following Leakes’ comments about “RHOA” going viral, fans weighed in online. This is especially true of the show’s friends becoming housewives.
One person said, “She’s most definitely right. Those two were perfect as friends, not housewives.” However, someone else noted, “She left on her own and influenced many fans to try to burn it down… I’m not trying to crucify her like a few select are, but why does this get ignored like it didn’t happen?”
Lastly, a different fan wrote, “I agree Marlo was the best ‘friend to the show’ who was giving main housewife energy until she became full-time and fumbled her likability from friend to full-time.”
The ‘RHOA’ Alum Announced Her Bravo Return In January
Bravo announced plans for what would become “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th” in November 2025. Then, in January 2026, Leakes took to Instagram to confirm that she would be a part of the upcoming limited series.
She did so by posting a video of herself not only announcing her return, but thanking various people at the network, including Cohen. The “RHOA” alum became emotional in the video, calling her cating the result of “a really long journey” before calling herself “overjoyed.”
NeNe Leakes Is On Tour
Ahead of her Bravo return, Leakes is pursuing other endeavors. First, according to The Hollywood Reporter, she is on tour with reality television producer Carlos King as part of the “Queen & King of Reality Tour.” The two have remained close following his tenure as a producer for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
Recently, the duo added new dates to their lineup, including shows in May and June. The tour includes a Q&A session, behind-the-scenes stories from both Leakes and King, and more. The collaboration between the two “RHOA” alums began in February 2026.
