Sonja Morgan, a former star of ‘The Real Housewives of New York City,’ has expressed confidence that her fellow alum Dorinda Medley could still make an appearance on the upcoming E! reality series ‘The Golden Life,’ despite not being part of the initial cast. Her comments came during an interview on Page Six’s ‘Virtual Reali-Tea’ podcast, where she emphasized that nothing is final until the show airs.
During the podcast episode released on February 6, 2026, Morgan discussed Medley’s absence from ‘The Golden Life,’ which features several original ‘RHONY’ cast members. She stated, ‘It’s not over ’til the fat lady sings,’ indicating that Medley’s involvement might not be completely off the table. This optimism stems from her belief that the casting process could evolve, and she personally holds no grudges against Medley.
Morgan provided insights into why Medley might not have been selected initially, suggesting that E! was seeking a cast with genuine friendships and loyalty, avoiding the kind of mean-spirited comments that characterized some ‘RHONY’ dynamics. She referenced past conflicts with Medley, including jabs about her personal life and family, but clarified that these were not reasons for exclusion, merely observations on the show’s desired tone.
Despite the apparent criticism, Morgan insisted that she and Medley are on good terms, describing their relationship as ‘always alright.’ She emphasized that there is ‘no one [she] wouldn’t want to film with,’ highlighting a willingness to collaborate with various former co-stars. This openness extends to other ‘RHONY’ alums like Jules Wainstein, Aviva Drescher, and even Bethenny Frankel, whom she also mentioned as potential guests.
‘The Golden Life’ marks a new chapter for the original ‘RHONY’ stars, including Luann de Lesseps, Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, and Ramona Singer, along with Morgan. The series was announced after Bravo’s attempt to revamp ‘RHONY’ with a new cast led to the show’s cancellation last year following a 15-year run. Sources indicate that the E! production is expected to air by the end of 2026, offering fans a nostalgic yet fresh perspective on the group’s lives.
Morgan expressed particular excitement about filming with Ramona Singer, whom she feels was often misunderstood on ‘RHONY.’ She hopes the new show will showcase Singer’s softer, more caring side, describing her as a loyal friend and caregiver. This sentiment reflects a broader theme in ‘The Golden Life,’ which aims to present the women in a more positive and comedic light, avoiding the intense drama of their previous series.
The development of ‘The Golden Life’ comes at a time when reality television is evolving, with networks seeking content that balances entertainment with relatability. Morgan’s comments suggest that the show will focus on satirical comedy and genuine interactions, rather than the conflict-driven narratives that defined ‘RHONY.’ This shift could appeal to audiences looking for lighter, more uplifting programming.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate further updates on casting and production details as the air date approaches. Morgan’s optimism about Medley’s potential involvement adds an element of suspense, while the confirmed cast promises to deliver familiar faces with new dynamics. The success of ‘The Golden Life’ could influence future reality TV projects, especially those featuring veteran stars from popular franchises.
In summary, Sonja Morgan’s recent interview has sparked speculation about Dorinda Medley’s role in ‘The Golden Life,’ underscoring the ongoing interest in the ‘RHONY’ legacy. As the series prepares for its debut, it represents both a reunion and a reinvention for the cast, potentially setting a new standard for celebrity-driven reality content.
