For years, rumors have run rampant suggesting Bravo is trying to create a reality show based in Austin. And it seems the show that makes the most sense to the most people is The Real Housewives of Austin. We decided to get the conversation going once again after a chat with the Watch What Crappens guys during SXSW.
On the red carpet at the iHeart Podcast Awards, we spoke with Ronnie Karam and Ben Mandelker and asked if there were to be a Bravo style reality show based in Austin, which would it be. Here’s what they had to say.
“They’ve been trying to work out a Housewives here and I don’t know why they can’t get one,” Karam says. “There are so many douchebags here now. Why not?”
Mandelker jumps in to add, “That’s a requirement.”
Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam of Watch What Crappens.
Karam continues, “The past 10 to 20 years, it’s really grown. Everyone here complains about the Californians moving in… they really hate California people here.”
His suggestion is to cast half the newbies and mix them with half the old school Austinites. Then, he says, “just watch the sparks fly.”
Mandelker concurs, adding, “Yeah, a combination of tech versus cowboy, California versus Texas – that would be really good!”
He concludes by stating that he’s actually surprised this hasn’t already happened.
He’s not alone. As mentioned, there’s been much chatter over recent years regarding a possible show. Names we’ve heard thrown around as possible Housewives include Loreal Sarkissian, Susan Dell and Kendra Scott. With the number of LA transplants here, there are so many possibilities, like: Haylie Duff, Becca Tobin, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Lindsey Morgan, Stacy Keibler and more. Christy Carlson Romano and Annalise Van Der Pol said on their podcast in 2023 that they actually filmed audition tapes but nothing came of it.
If you’re wondering about other celebrities who call Austin home, check out our massive list here.
Personally, I like the idea of newcomers versus old Austin, but I think getting members of the old Austin guard to sign on would be tough. Perhaps that’s why it hasn’t happened… yet.
If you have an idea for who would be a good addition to a Real Housewives of Austin series, comment and let us know here.