The Ultimate RHOA Reboot: Meet The Atlanta Housewives Cast Members Returning And The Explosive New Faces For Season 16

The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) has undergone its most dramatic cast shakeup in years, signaling an official reboot for the highly anticipated Season 16. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the Bravo series prepares to reintroduce a mix of iconic veterans and fresh, powerful faces to the Atlanta social scene. The new season is set to premiere on Sunday, March 9, 2025, bringing with it a completely revitalized energy and a promise of the high-stakes drama that made the show a cultural phenomenon in the first place. The core cast has been completely overhauled, with only one full-time Housewife from the previous season remaining, setting the stage for a truly unpredictable run.

This massive casting refresh follows a period of declining ratings and fan fatigue, which ultimately led to the departures of several long-standing cast members. The network’s strategy is clear: bring back the "golden era" energy by re-enlisting two of the most memorable—and controversial—stars in the franchise's history, while simultaneously introducing a trio of successful, Atlanta-based entrepreneurs and moguls. This is a deliberate move to restore the show's topical authority and inject new wealth, business acumen, and relationship dynamics into the group, ensuring that the 'A' remains the place for must-see reality television.

The Complete RHOA Season 16 Cast: Biography and Profile List

The sixteenth season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta features a main cast of seven women, including two powerhouse returns, one veteran anchor, and four new or promoted "Peaches."

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• Porsha Williams (Returning Housewife): Born June 22, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia. Porsha is a television personality, actress, author, and activist. She first joined the show in Season 5 and was a main cast member until Season 13. She is the granddaughter of civil rights leader Reverend Hosea Williams. Her return is one of the most anticipated in franchise history, promising to address her life changes since her last season.
• Phaedra Parks (Returning Housewife): Born October 26, 1973, in Athens, Georgia. Phaedra is an attorney, author, and mortician, known for her sharp wit and Southern belle charm. She was a main cast member from Season 3 to Season 9, and her comeback marks her first time holding a peach in nearly a decade. Her legal and political commentary career has continued to thrive off-screen.
• Drew Sidora (Veteran Housewife): An actress, singer, and dancer, Drew joined the cast in Season 13 (2020). She is the sole full-time Housewife from Season 15 to secure a spot in the Season 16 reboot. Her storyline often revolves around her acting career and her high-profile divorce proceedings, which are expected to continue to play out on the show.
• Angela Oakley (New Housewife): A finance and real estate mogul, Angela is an entrepreneur who grew up in Harvey, Illinois, but is now a major player in the Atlanta business world. She is married to NBA legend Charles Oakley, and the couple has four children. Her introduction brings a high-profile sports connection and significant business wealth to the cast.
• Kelli Ferrell (New Housewife): Kelli is a celebrated chef and restaurateur. She is the proud owner of Nana's Chicken N Waffles, a popular Southern comfort food spot in the Atlanta area, which has recently expanded to a second location in Sandy Springs. Her storyline is expected to focus on her culinary empire and her family life.
• Brit Eady (New Housewife): Brit, also known as Brittany Eady, is an insurance agent and entrepreneur who started her own business in 2020. She is known for her luxurious lifestyle and fashion-forward glamour. Her personal storyline for Season 16 is slated to be emotionally resonant, as she plans to pursue IVF in 2025 to expand her family.
• Shamea Morton (Promoted Housewife): Shamea has been a recurring "Friend" or "Guest" of the Housewives across numerous past seasons, but has finally been promoted to a full-time cast member for Season 16. She is married to Kenyan-American entrepreneur Gerald Mwangi. Her long history with the cast members ensures she is already deeply woven into the group's dynamics.

The Shocking Cast Exits and the RHOA Reboot Strategy

The Season 16 cast reveal confirmed a massive shakeup, marking a clear pivot from the show’s recent history. The reboot saw the departure of three full-time Housewives from the previous season: Shereé Whitfield, Marlo Hampton, and Sanya Richards-Ross.

Shereé Whitfield, an original cast member and a fan-favorite, had been a mainstay in Seasons 14 and 15 after returning. Marlo Hampton, who finally received a full-time peach in Season 14 after years as a "Friend," was also let go. The Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross, who joined in Season 14, completed the trio of exits.

This unprecedented overhaul demonstrates Bravo's commitment to revitalizing the series. By removing the majority of the Season 15 cast and bringing back Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams, the producers are attempting to recapture the magic of the show's middle seasons, which were characterized by high-stakes personal drama and the establishment of major Atlanta celebrity personas. The decision to keep Drew Sidora, who has had a tumultuous on-screen divorce, ensures a continuation of a compelling personal narrative.

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The Return of the Queens: Porsha and Phaedra’s Explosive Comeback

The true headline of the Season 16 cast is the dual return of Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks. Both women left the show under controversial circumstances, making their joint comeback a historic and highly anticipated event for the entire *Real Housewives* franchise.

Porsha Williams's return is expected to focus heavily on her marriage and family life. Since her last season, Porsha married Simon Guobadia, a relationship that began amid significant public scrutiny. Her storyline will likely explore the dynamics of her new marriage, her role as a mother, and her various business ventures, including her book and acting career.

Phaedra Parks’s return is perhaps the most shocking, given the nature of her exit in Season 9. An accomplished attorney, Phaedra has since appeared on other reality shows, maintaining her celebrity status. Her re-entry into the RHOA ecosystem promises immediate fireworks, particularly as she navigates old friendships and feuds within the group. Fans are eager to see how she interacts with the returning veterans and the new cast members who have never been in her orbit.

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New Blood, New Wealth: Meet the Fresh Peaches of Season 16

The inclusion of Brit Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley is a calculated move to introduce new, established wealth and diverse career paths that reflect the current landscape of successful Black women in Atlanta. These new Housewives bring high-powered industries—real estate, finance, insurance, and culinary arts—to the forefront, adding topical authority to the show's focus on business and entrepreneurship.

Angela Oakley, with her background in finance and real estate, offers a glimpse into a high-octane business world, amplified by her connection to the legendary NBA figure Charles Oakley. Her story focuses on her self-made millionaire status and her life as a mother and wife.

Kelli Ferrell, the celebrity chef behind Nana's Chicken N Waffles, brings a culinary empire to the show. Her journey of expanding her successful restaurant business provides a refreshing look at the challenges and triumphs of the food industry in the South.

Brit Eady, the insurance mogul, is set to share a deeply personal and vulnerable storyline regarding her plans for IVF. This topic, which resonates with many viewers, adds a layer of emotional depth to the season, moving beyond superficial drama to cover real-life family planning struggles.

Adding to the mix, Shamea Morton's promotion to a full-time Housewife is a payoff for years of loyalty and involvement with the cast. Her established relationships with veterans like Porsha and her own thriving personal life with husband Gerald Mwangi will ensure she is central to the group dynamics.

The Cynthia Bailey Factor: A Friend's Perspective

In a final nod to the show's history, Cynthia Bailey, a main cast member from Season 3 to Season 13, is returning as a "Friend" of the Housewives.

Cynthia’s presence is crucial for bridging the gap between the returning veterans and the new cast. Her calm, mediating energy often contrasts with the high drama of the main cast, and her return is a welcome surprise for fans who missed her level-headed perspective. Her role as a "Friend" allows her to dip in and out of the drama, offering commentary and context without the pressure of a full-time peach. This strategic move ensures that the Season 16 reboot is not just a fresh start, but a respectful continuation of the show's legacy, promising a blend of nostalgia and explosive new storylines.