Season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” is set to premiere on April 5, featuring newbie Pinky Cole, who gained fame as the founder of the fast-food empire Slutty Vegan. Now, ahead of the season, “RHOA” legend Phaedra Parks is reacting to the newbie’s recent bankruptcy filing and teasing the show, saying its reminiscent of classic “Housewives.”
Phaedra Parks Shades ‘RHOA’ Newbie Pinky Cole
Parks appeared on Page Six Radio on March 24 to discuss season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” During the discussion, the topic of Cole came up after the hosts noted that Parks and Cole had known each other for several years.
However, after being asked whether she had previously believed the Slutty Vegan founder would make “an amazing housewife,” Parks said, “Um, no,” noting that they only knew one another professionally, since Cole had worked in television production.
After that, the host asked if it was fun getting to know Cole on a personal level, to which the RHOA legend said, “Well, it was interesting. I mean, Pinky, she’s very chatty.” Then her recent bankruptcy filing was mentioned, along with how she has defended it publicly, essentially saying it’s not a big deal.
This led Parks to deliver one of her iconic facial expressions before asking the hosts, “Are you filing for bankruptcy? I don’t know if that’s a right of passage. I’ve been in business for over 20 years, I’ve never filed for bankruptcy and never even thought about it.”
Parks Also Praised The New ‘RHOA’ Season
Elsewhere in the Page Six interview, Parks detailed what viewers can expect from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” season 17. Notably, this comes after she left the show after season 9, then returned for the last few episodes of season 16.
When asked if she was excited for the new season, Parks responded, “This is going to be such an iconic, awesome season. It reminds me so much of classic ‘Housewives’ from back in the day. It’s gonna be really good.”
From there, she briefly discussed the cast, saying, “We’ve got two great new peaches.” For context, in additon to Cole, singer K. Michelle is joining the show as a full-time housewife. She described Michelle as “a sweetheart” and called her “very vulnerable and loving.”
Later, the former “Traitors” star gave an update on her friendship with Angela Oakley, who was at odds with her in the previous season. She said of what fans will see this season, “It is going to be good. We turned a corner, so we’re in a totally different place.”
Fans Are Reacting To ‘RHOA’ Season 17
Overall, Bravo fans are excited about season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” However, some are skeptical of Parks’ comparison to “classic Housewives.” One person said on X, “They said the same thing with season 16, and it didn’t live up to the hype. Still watching, though.”
Another fan wrote, “The nail in the coffin was bringing Phaedra back after what she did to Kandi.” However, in support, another “RHOA” fan said, “I’m sorry, but I’m so distracted about how good Phae Phae looks. Brown hair looks good on her.”
Someone discussed Michelle joining the show, saying, “K. Michelle is toxic af every show she goes on it’s nothing but mess. Why didn’t she have this energy for Paris when she drenched her with that drink?” Notably, their comment is referring to her stint on “Love & Hip Hop.”
Lastly, another fan said, “The season hasn’t even started yet, and I’m telling you THIS IS GOING TO BE SO F-CKING GOOD.”
Phaedra Parks Recently Gave Advice To Wendy Osefo
“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Wendy Osefo and her husband, Eddie Osefo, are currently awaiting trial on several counts of insurance fraud following their October 2025 arrest and release the following day.
Recently, TMZ interviewed Parks, who is also an attorney, and asked the “RHOA” star how she would advise Osefo in her insurance fraud case. She responded, “The win for her would obviously be to be exonerated, but the evidence speaks for itself.”
Parks went on, “So, when the evidence speaks for itself, you need to do what’s in the best interest of your family and children and I’m not associated with that case so I can’t speak to what her attorneys are advising her of, but at the end of the day, she’s a mom and so I want the best for her and her kids.”
The interviewer then asked Parks what advice she would give Osefo to take a plea deal, to which she said, “You have to be offered a plea deal to obviously accept it.” Additionally, she spoke about the Osefos opting for separate hearings, saying that, as an attorney, she would have done the same in a case like this.
‘RHOA’ Season 17 Returns In April
Bravo unveiled the trailer for “RHOA” season 17 in February 2026, announcing the show’s return on April 5. In additon to Parks, Michelle, Cole, and Oakley, the series stars Porsha Williams, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton, Kelli Ferrell, and Cynthia Bailey, who appears as a friend of the show.
This will mark the second season for stars Oakley, Morton, and Ferrell. As for Williams, she returned to the show for season 16 after having exited in 2021. Sidora joined the series in 2020 and was the only cast member to survive the soft reboot. As for Bailey, this will be her second year as an official friend of the show.
