Atlanta, get your peach tea ready, because The Real Housewives of Atlanta is about to be juicier than a Georgia peach in July! After a lackluster last season (let’s be real, the streets were talking, and they weren’t kind), Bravo has pulled a legendary move: Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams are BACK! Yes, honey, the Frick and Frack reunion we’ve all been manifesting is finally happening, and the ATL just got a whole lot messier.

But here’s the real shocker—Kandi Burruss is OUT this season. For the first time since Season 2, the boss chick of the ATL is stepping away from the franchise, leaving behind a power vacuum that Phaedra and Porsha are more than ready to fill. With no lingering feuds to hold them back, what does a Kandi-free RHOA mean for the group dynamics? One thing’s for sure—without Kandi’s business-first, unbothered energy in the mix, the ladies have free rein to let loose.

Phaedra & Porsha: A Peachy Resurrection

• Phaedra Parks, the ever-quotable Southern Belle turned legal eagle (and mortician, because let’s not forget), left the show in 2017 after that infamous scandal with Porsha and Kandi that flipped the franchise upside down. But time (and Bravo checks) heal all wounds, after a few adventures on Dancing with the Stars, RHUGHT, The Traitors, and Married to Medicine Phaedra is stepping back into the RHOA spotlight, ready to reclaim her title as the queen of shady elegance.
• Porsha Williams, the bubbly beauty-turned-activist-turned-Housewives-all-star, gracefully (or not so gracefully) exited the series after securing a ring from Simon Guobadia and dodging a few messy entanglements. But let’s be real—Porsha and Bravo were never really done with each other. And with her bestie Shamea Morton Mwangi finally getting a full-time peach, Porsha’s return couldn’t have been timed better.

With no Kandi to side-eye their reunion, will these two pick up where they left off as Frick and Frack? Or will the new dynamics—and some potential frenemies—make this comeback a little less sweet and a little more sour?

Another familiar face returning this season….

Drew Sidora is no stranger to the RHOA stage—actress, singer, and reality TV star, she first joined the franchise in Season 13, bringing her Hollywood charm, musical talent, and emotional storylines to Atlanta. From her unforgettable shade matches to her vulnerability in sharing her personal struggles, Drew has proven she knows how to keep the cameras rolling.

Best known for her roles in “The Game,” “Step Up,” and playing herself in “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story,“ Drew has had a long-standing career in entertainment. But her reality TV journey hasn’t been all glitz and glam. Viewers have followed the ups and downs of her highly publicized marriage to Ralph Pittman, with Season 15 capturing their shocking divorce filing just minutes apart from each other.

Now, returning for Season 16, Drew is stepping back into the spotlight single, focused, and ready to reclaim her narrative. With a budding music career, a fierce new energy, and no Ralph-related distractions (we hope), she’s set to bring growth, redemption, and maybe even a little romance to the new season.

Meet the New Peaches: Who’s Bringing the Drama?

Of course, Phaedra, Porsha and Drew aren’t the only faces in the mix.
Bravo is shaking things up with an interesting lineup of new ladies, and here’s what we know so far:

• If you’ve been watching RHOA for a while, Shamea is no stranger—she’s been Porsha’s ride-or-die bestie and a frequent friend-of for years. As a former Atlanta Falcons AND Atlanta Hawks Cheerleader, Shamea’s talents have allowed her various career opportunities shared on her Instagram bio – Radio personality, Actress/Singer, and a Dancer.
• She’s married to Gerald Mwangi, a Kenyan businessman with major success as the President of a mechanical contracting company. Together, they’re raising two adorable daughters. You can check out more about their love story from this article via the Diaspora Messenger here.
• Shamea has been in the mix for plenty of drama (remember when Phaedra also threw shade about Kandi and Shamea?), and now that she’s officially holding a peach, she’s finally getting the spotlight she deserves.

• Brit is a former model turned powerhouse entrepreneur, successfully running her multi-million dollar insurance agency while serving major looks on social media. Her business acumen and drive make her a force in both the boardroom and the ATL social scene.
• She’s married to Michael Cunningham, whose Instagram hints at his many hustles—Investor, Developer, Entrepreneur, and Jet Broker. The couple’s love for travel and the finer things in life keeps their followers tuned in, as they often share glimpses of their luxurious jet-setting lifestyle.
• When she’s not making business moves, Brit is a proud dog mom to Mimosa PreMadonna, the adorable pup who steals the spotlight on her Instagram feed.

• Kelli is the owner of Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, a Louisiana/Maryland-style diner serving up soul food with a side of Southern charm – looking to open a second location early 2025.
• In addition to her own brick and mortar locations, she’s also the founder of Women in Restaurants, a platform dedicated to empowering women in the hospitality industry. If that wasn’t impressive enough, she’s also the author of “Kooking with Kelli“, a cookbook that brings her passion for food and family to life.
• Juggling multiple businesses is no small feat, but Kelli also balances it all as a mother of four daughters. She’s currently navigating a divorce from Chuvalo Mark Ferrell after 11 years of marriage, proving that even in the midst of life changes, she remains a true boss.

• Angela is a savvy entrepreneur with expertise in real estate investing and tax preparation, making her a serious player in the world of finance. Originally from Harvey, Illinois, she holds a finance degree from DePaul University and has built a strong business foundation that keeps her thriving.
• Since 2016, she’s been married to retired NBA legend Charles Oakley, better known as “The Last Enforcer.” Together, they have a blended family of four children, balancing family life with their high-profile status.
• Angela is also actively involved in The Charles Oakley Foundation, supporting initiatives that tackle food insecurity in underserved communities. Whether she’s making major financial moves or giving back, one thing’s for sure—Angela is not one to be underestimated.

What to Expect This Season

Season 16 Trailer:

With this mix of returning icons, fresh faces, and no more Kandi dominance, Season 16 is shaping up to be the RHOA shake-up we’ve been waiting for.

• Phaedra and Porsha reclaiming their throne – With no major opposition (for now), can Frick and Frack run the ATL once again?
• Shamea’s full-time glow-up – Will her long-awaited promotion mean she finally gets her own standalone drama instead of being Porsha’s plus-one?
• New alliances and messy entanglements – Will Brit, Kelli, and Angela be allies or enemies to Frick and Frack? And what does a true OG-less ATL even look like?

One thing’s for sure—Atlanta is reclaiming its title as the shadiest city in Housewives history. Grab your popcorn, a spiked tea, and a comfy spot!

Are y’all excited to see Phaedra and Porsha back on our screens?
Drop your predictions in the comments!

Until next time – stay emo, stay peachy, and be sure to tune in to the new season of RHOA on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 8 PM ET/PT on Bravo.