Bravo is trying to revive its shelved “Real Housewives of New York City: Legacy” project as a short “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip”-style show, Page Six hears. And it hopes Ramona Singer will be back for it!
As we first reported, the network had attempting to create a show with fan favorite cast members from old seasons of “Real Housewives of New York City” as a spin-off show that would run for a full season. But that idea fell apart during contract negotiations.
Now we’re told that execs have retooled it as a special-style show documenting a short span of time, in the same was that “RHUGT” covers a vacation that takes place over just a few days. Sources say, in effect, it will be a “RHUGT” with an all-“RHONY” cast. (Typically the newer “RHUGT” specials feature a cast made up from members of the “Real Housewives” casts from the various cities that the show features).
Insiders say that longtime cast members Luann de Lesseps and Sonja Morgan have been offered spots on the show, as have Kelly Bensimon and Dorinda Medley, both of whom are former “RHONY” stars who were expected to return for “Legacy” before the negotiations hit a wall.
We’re told contracts have been sent out awaiting the stars’ signatures.
Meanwhile, Jill Zarin — who was invited to be on “Legacy” but tanked the plan by playing hardball at the negotiating table — has not been asked to join this show. And the legendary Ramona Singer, who told Page Six she had decided not to appear on “Legacy,” has had a change of heart. (Or, you know, was asked to be on it this time around now that Zarin’s counted herself out).
Back in November the grande dame of drunkenly screaming in people’s faces told us, “I do not want to do the show any longer. It’s not for me at this time.” But sources tell said at the time that Bravo didn’t offer the longest-serving member of the original “RHONY” cast a spot.
We , should it avoid contact catastrophe this time, would air on Bravo, which has traditionally hosted the “Real Housewives” shows, or its sister streamer Peacock, which is home to the “RHUGT.”
Bravo also plans to air a revamped version of “RHONY” with an all new, self-consciously diverse cast.
Bravo declined to comment. Singer and Zarin didn’t get back to us.