Real Housewives of Rhode Island premiere recap

Bravo’s Real Housewives of Rhode Island is officially here, and the premiere is already full of drama, luxury, and controversy.

The show follows a group of women who claim long friendships, but that dynamic is quickly tested as rumors and personal lives take center stage.

Alicia Carmody appears with fiancé Billy Kitsilis, a business owner of Angelo’s Palace Pizza, as family pressures them about not being married.

Liz McGraw, married to Gerry McGraw of the Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center, also reveals a surprising twist that she and her husband are distantly related through family history.

Kelsey Swanson quickly becomes one of the most talked about cast members, showing off a luxury lifestyle while facing rumors about her relationship. We are hearing she was actually out of that relationship months before filming, but production still used the home tied to it. That boyfriend is also well known locally, with ties to a prominent figure in the judicial system.

Jo Ellen Tiberi also addresses rumors about her personal life, denying claims that she and her husband are swingers.

Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon also make an appearance this season, with scenes filmed at their coffee shop Audrey’s. Ashley says not to read into a moment where Jared seems distracted, explaining he was simply focused on work. The couple, who met on Bachelor in Paradise, married in Rhode Island and share two children.

As we’ve mentioned before, many people in Rhode Island either know or know of this cast. While they may have been aware of each other, they all had to audition for the show, so the close friendships may not be exactly as they seem.

With rumors already flying and personalities clashing, this series is off to a wild start.

Did you watch the premiere and what did you think?