The Ultimate RHOA Sweet 16: Everything You Need To Know About The Explosive New Cast, Premiere Date, And Mega-Returns

The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) is back and ready to reclaim its crown as the queen of Bravo, ushering in a "Sweet 16" season that promises to be one of the most explosive in franchise history. This massive cast shakeup, officially announced in May, sees the return of two of the show's most iconic and controversial figures, alongside a fresh crop of dynamic, self-made Atlanta women, all set to premiere on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

The anticipation for this new era of RHOA is palpable, with the roster blending legacy drama with new business empires and personal storylines that will answer the call for the "heydays" of Atlanta. Fans can expect a renewed focus on the high-stakes world of Atlanta's elite, featuring everything from divorce and career expansion to long-awaited confrontations and the forging of new alliances. This is not just a recast; it's a complete revitalization of the franchise.

Meet the Full-Time Cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16

The sixteenth season features a powerhouse cast of seven full-time peaches, including three fan-favorite returns and three compelling new additions. This ensemble cast is designed to deliver a fresh dynamic while honoring the show's dramatic past.

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• Porsha Williams (Returning): The "Go Naked" author and reality TV veteran returns to the franchise after a hiatus, ready to navigate a new chapter following her high-profile divorce. Her storyline is expected to be a raw look at her fresh start, career moves, and rekindling old friendships, all while facing new drama, including a confrontation with fellow cast member Kelli Ferrell.
• Phaedra Parks (Returning): The attorney, mortician, and entrepreneur is officially back as a full-time Housewife after leaving the show in Season 9. Her return has been highly anticipated, with Phaedra promising a season that harks back to the show's golden age. Her legal and business acumen, combined with her signature wit, are expected to be major focal points.
• Drew Sidora (Returning): The actress, singer, and entrepreneur is back for her fourth season. Having recently finalized her own divorce, Drew's journey will likely focus on her new life as a single mother, her career, and her place within the newly formed group dynamic.
• Shamea Morton Mwangi (Promoted): After years as a recurring "friend of" the Housewives, the actress, dancer, and singer has finally secured a full-time peach. Shamea's promotion is a nod to her long-standing connections to the cast (including Porsha and Kandi Burruss) and her engaging personality, now set to be explored in a main role.
• Kelli Ferrell (New Housewife): A celebrity chef and restaurateur who brings a culinary empire to the show. Kelli is the proud owner of the acclaimed Southern comfort food restaurant, Nana's Chicken & Waffles, which is currently in an expansion phase. Kelli's storyline is set to be dramatic from the start, as she's teased to have a major confrontation with Porsha Williams.
• Brit Eady (New Housewife): An entrepreneur, former model, and an insurance mogul. Brit owns a successful Allstate insurance agency, which she started in 2020. She is known for her fashion, glam, and luxury lifestyle, and is expected to bring a fresh, modern perspective on Atlanta wealth to the group.
• Angela Oakley (New Housewife): A self-made businesswoman and wife to NBA legend Charles Oakley. Angela is a self-made millionaire who established her own tax preparation company, Right Now Tax, in 2008. Her focus on her successful career, independent of her famous husband, is a key part of her narrative, positioning her as a powerful and driven new voice.

The cast is rounded out by the return of former Housewife Cynthia Bailey in a recurring role as a "friend" of the cast, linking the new season to the classic era of RHOA.

The Epic Returns: Porsha and Phaedra Are Back in the Building

The biggest news surrounding RHOA Season 16 is undoubtedly the simultaneous return of Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks, two women who were central to some of the show's most dramatic and memorable moments. Their joint comeback signals Bravo's intention to restore the high-stakes glamour and authentic drama that defined the show's peak seasons.

Porsha Williams's Fresh Start: Porsha, who last held a peach in Season 13, is returning following her separation and divorce. This new chapter offers an opportunity for the reality star to redefine herself, both personally and professionally, in front of the cameras. Her dynamic with the new and returning cast members, especially her close friend Shamea Morton, will be a core element of the season. The show will explore her path to a new beginning, which is rarely smooth in the world of Housewives.

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Phaedra Parks's Redemption Arc: Phaedra's return is perhaps the most shocking and anticipated. After a controversial exit in Season 9, her reappearance as a full-time cast member proves that in the world of reality television, anything is possible. Phaedra has teased that Season 16 will "go back to, hopefully, the heydays of 'Atlanta,'" suggesting a return to the show's original focus on successful, ambitious women navigating the social and business world of Atlanta. The interaction between Phaedra and her former castmates, particularly Drew Sidora, will be a must-watch element.

The New Peaches: Business, Glamour, and Million-Dollar Empires

The infusion of new blood is critical for the long-term success of RHOA, and Season 16 has delivered three formidable newcomers who are successful in their own right, bringing fresh storylines and connections to the Atlanta social scene. These women are not just WAGs; they are entrepreneurs with thriving businesses.

Kelli Ferrell and Nana's Chicken & Waffles: Kelli Ferrell is set to become the show's resident culinary star. Her restaurant, Nana's Chicken & Waffles, is a popular staple known for its unique fusion of Southern comfort food. Her professional life, including the expansion of her restaurant empire, will provide a glimpse into the thriving Atlanta food scene. Kelli's ability to hold her own in a heated argument has already been teased, suggesting she won't shy away from the drama.

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Angela Oakley's Tax Empire: Angela Oakley is a testament to the "self-made" narrative. While married to a famous athlete, her focus is on her own success as the founder of a tax preparation company. Her story will resonate with viewers interested in the world of finance and entrepreneurship, and her connection to the sports world through her husband, Charles Oakley, adds another layer of celebrity access to the show.

Brit Eady: The Insurance Mogul: Brit Eady is positioned as the glamorous, entrepreneurial force. Transitioning from a former model to an insurance agency owner, she represents the new generation of Atlanta businesswomen. Her involvement in fashion and luxury, alongside her successful business ventures, ensures she brings both style and substance to the cast dynamic.

What to Expect from the RHOA Season 16 Premiere

With the official premiere date set for March 9, 2025, RHOA Season 16 is poised to deliver a season full of high-octane drama and personal revelations. The supersized premiere episode is titled "Welcome Back Peaches," and the season promises a return to form for the beloved franchise.

The central themes of the season revolve around fresh starts, fierce business competition, and the complex dynamics of re-introducing long-absent cast members. The returns of Porsha and Phaedra, combined with the strong, independent personalities of the new Housewives, guarantee a clash of egos and a battle for the top peach. Viewers can expect to see deep dives into Porsha's divorce proceedings, Phaedra's re-entry into the social circle, and the new ladies establishing their place in the group. The focus on the women's professional lives—from Kelli's restaurants and Brit's insurance business to Angela's financial empire—will ground the show in the reality of Atlanta's driven elite. This season is shaping up to be a defining moment for The Real Housewives of Atlanta.