The 7 Shocking Secrets Of The Real Housewives Of Rhode Island Cast: Everything You Need To Know Before The 2026 Premiere

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island (RHORI) is officially the newest addition to the Bravo universe, promising a dramatic and glamorous look into the lives of seven dynamic women in America's smallest state. As of today, December 10, 2025, the buzz is at an all-time high following the highly anticipated trailer drop at BravoCon 2025, confirming the franchise's long-rumored arrival in the Ocean State.

This new iteration is set to showcase the unique blend of old-money New England charm, coastal luxury, and the raw, "Jersey vibes" that executive producer Andy Cohen has teased, making it a must-watch series expected to air in early 2026. The cast, featuring a mix of local royalty, entrepreneurial powerhouses, and a surprising reality TV veteran, is already generating headlines with intertwined family dynamics and immediate drama.

The Official RHORI Cast: Full Biography and Business Profiles

Bravo has officially unveiled the seven women who will star in the inaugural season of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. This diverse group brings a mix of media savvy, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep roots in the state, guaranteeing a season filled with aspirational living and explosive confrontations.

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• Ashley Iaconetti

  Ashley Iaconetti brings national celebrity to the franchise, making history as the first former *Bachelor* franchise star to become a full-time Housewife. Known for her emotional appearances on *The Bachelor* and *Bachelor in Paradise*, she is now ready to showcase her life in Rhode Island, a significant departure from her previous reality TV experience. Her storyline is expected to focus on balancing her media career and new life in the Ocean State.

• Liz McGraw

  Often referred to as "Rhode Island royalty," Liz McGraw is a prominent business powerhouse in the state. She is married to an individual involved in the medical cannabis industry and is known for her influential social standing. McGraw also has a pre-existing connection to the Bravo universe, being a close friend and business partner of *The Real Housewives of New Jersey* star Dolores Catania, who is expected to appear as a "Friend of" the group.

• Rulla Nehme Pontarelli

  Rulla Pontarelli is a financial professional whose family life has already generated early drama. Before the show even aired, headlines emerged about her husband, Dr. Brian Pontarelli, facing domestic violence charges, for which Rulla filed a no-contact order. However, the charges were later dropped, suggesting her family's legal battles and subsequent reconciliation may be a major storyline.

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• Rosie DiMare (Rosie Woods DiMare)

  A media multi-hyphenate, Rosie DiMare is a familiar face in Rhode Island. Her background includes working as a former television news anchor, an event emcee, and a DJ, giving her extensive ties to the local media and social scene. Rosie’s energetic presence and established career will likely position her as a key figure in the group’s social dynamics.

• Jo-Ellen Tiberi

  Jo-Ellen Tiberi is a successful entrepreneur who owns and operates a MedSpa salon, catering to the luxury beauty and wellness market. Her profile hints at navigating a busy career alongside complex family dynamics, a common theme in the *Housewives* franchise. She is expected to be a strong personality who is protective of her personal life and business.

• Alicia Carmody

  Alicia Carmody is a lifelong Rhode Island resident who is deeply connected to the state's local culture. She is described as a co-purveyor of pizza, as she is married to a local pizza magnate. Carmody is also noted as a burgeoning social media powerhouse, suggesting a mix of traditional New England roots and modern influence.

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• Kelsey Swanson

  Kelsey Swanson adds a touch of beauty queen glamour to the cast. She is a former Miss Rhode Island USA (2017) and is described as having a strong entrepreneurial drive. Her storyline is anticipated to focus on her business ventures and navigating the social circuit as a young, successful woman in the Ocean State.

The Glamorous Locations and "Jersey Vibes" of Coastal New England

One of the most compelling aspects of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is the setting itself. The show is being filmed across America's tiniest state, highlighting the diverse landscapes and exclusive luxury destinations that define coastal New England. Unlike the urban focus of some franchises, RHORI will heavily feature the opulent seaside communities.

Filming locations spotted by locals and confirmed by production include a wide geographical spread, ensuring the show captures the full scope of Rhode Island's wealth and culture. Key locations include:

• Newport: The epicenter of historic New England glamour, featuring the famous mansions, yachting culture, and exclusive venues like the Castle Hill Inn. Filming was also noted at high-society events like Newport Polo.
• Providence: The state capital, showcasing the urban, business, and nightlife scenes.
• Watch Hill: Home to the iconic, five-star Ocean House resort, a symbol of extreme luxury and old-money exclusivity.
• Coastal Towns: Production has also been spotted in wealthy enclaves like Narragansett, Jamestown, East Greenwich, and North Kingstown, providing a rich backdrop of beach cottages and waterfront estates.

Executive producer Andy Cohen has stated the show will have "Jersey vibes," suggesting a potent mix of loud, opinionated personalities, strong family ties, and a willingness to confront drama head-on, all set against a backdrop of quintessential New England elegance. This fusion of coastal class and raw reality is what fans are most curious about.

The Immediate Drama and What to Expect in the Premiere Season

The first season of RHORI is already poised for explosive television, even before the 2026 premiere. The official trailer, which debuted at BravoCon 2025, teased a season focused on the intricate and often "tangled family dynamics" of the cast. The presence of Ashley Iaconetti is a major talking point, as her transition from the softer world of *The Bachelor* to the intense reality of *The Real Housewives* is a storyline in itself.

The early legal drama involving Rulla Pontarelli’s husband, though the charges were dropped, ensures that personal and family issues will be front and center. Furthermore, Liz McGraw’s connection to Dolores Catania from *The Real Housewives of New Jersey*—a first for a new franchise—suggests a direct, high-stakes link to established Bravo royalty and possibly a crossover event.

The cast’s diverse business backgrounds—from a MedSpa owner and a former Miss USA to a media personality and a financial professional—will provide ample opportunity for professional envy and social climbing. The contrast between the "lifelong RI resident" Alicia Carmody and the national celebrity of Ashley Iaconetti is expected to create friction, as the established local hierarchy clashes with new money and fame.

With its stunning coastal backdrop, a cast of powerful women, and immediate, high-stakes drama, The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new franchises in years, promising to deliver the aspirational lifestyle and unfiltered confrontations that Bravo fans crave when it hits screens in early 2026.