Jenna Lyons has confirmed her exit from The Real Housewives of New York City after two seasons, announcing on social media that she will not return for the upcoming season 16, describing it as a “difficult decision” to step away from the Bravo series.
Lyons made the announcement via an Instagram post on November 21, 2025, directly addressing rumors about her departure. She revealed that she had been offered a role as a “friend of” for season 16 but ultimately decided against returning after careful consideration. The fashion designer expressed gratitude for the opportunity while acknowledging the challenges of balancing her personal life with the demands of reality television, noting that her personal circumstances made full participation difficult.
In her statement, Lyons highlighted that she would be the oldest and only openly gay woman on the show, suggesting that her exit could pave the way for a new dynamic among the cast. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about diversity and representation in media, particularly within the Real Housewives franchise. Her departure marks a significant shift for the series, which underwent a major reboot in 2023 with an entirely new cast aimed at refreshing the long-running show.
Lyons joined RHONY in season 14 as part of the show’s revitalization, alongside cast members like Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield. She returned for season 15, which introduced Racquel Chevremont, but tensions arose, particularly with Whitfield, who was notably absent from Lyons’ thank-you message in the announcement. This fallout was hinted at during the latter part of season 15, adding context to her decision and reflecting the interpersonal challenges that can arise in reality TV settings.
Throughout her time on the show, Lyons maintained a level of privacy, notably refusing to film with her partner, photographer Cass Bird, during season 15. She explained that while she chose to be in the public eye for her career, her partner did not wish to participate, leading to frustrations among co-stars like De Silva, who expressed a desire for more openness in their friendship. This dynamic may have influenced her comfort level on the series and contributed to her ultimate choice to leave.
The announcement coincides with updates from Bravo executive producer Andy Cohen, who recently revealed at BravoCon 2025 that casting for season 16 is “heavily underway” and a new cast has been locked, though details remain undisclosed. Cohen had previously addressed cancellation rumors, emphasizing that the show is between seasons and actively seeking new talent, indicating potential further changes to the lineup as the network strives to keep the franchise engaging for viewers.
Lyons concluded her post by thanking Cohen for his support and expressing deep appreciation for the fans who have engaged with her both online and in person. She promised to continue watching the show from the sidelines, offering “love and outfit judgement,” a nod to her fashion-forward persona that made her a fan favorite. Her exit leaves a void but also opens doors for fresh perspectives in the series, potentially allowing for new storylines and character dynamics to emerge.
Looking ahead, the future of RHONY remains in flux as Bravo navigates this cast shakeup. With Lyons’ departure, the network may focus on introducing new housewives who can bring different energies and stories to the forefront. Fans can expect more announcements in the coming months, as the show aims to maintain its relevance and appeal in the competitive reality TV landscape, ensuring it continues to captivate audiences with its blend of drama and personal narratives.
