NeNe Leakes, the iconic former cast member of ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ is reportedly in talks to make a comeback to Bravo through a new spinoff series, marking a potential reconciliation after her high-profile lawsuit against the network. The news broke on December 17, 2025, with reports confirming negotiations for her appearance in ‘The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip,’ set to film in early 2026.
The exclusive report from Page Six, confirmed by Yahoo Entertainment, reveals that Leakes, 58, is engaged in discussions with Bravo about joining the upcoming series. This development follows Andy Cohen’s announcement of the new installment at BravoCon 2025 last month, where he also hinted at recent communication with Leakes, stating they had texted a few months prior. The series is scheduled to begin filming in January 2026 and will feature beloved housewives from various franchises traveling across the country to iconic Bravo locations.
Leakes’ potential involvement adds significant star power, as she is considered an original ‘OG’ from the Atlanta series, which she helped popularize during her tenure. Her departure from ‘RHOA’ in September 2020 was marked by emotional negotiations, with her citing exhaustion and difficult decisions. She exited ahead of Season 13, ending a long-running role that had made her a fan favorite and a central figure in the franchise’s success.
In April 2022, Leakes filed a bombshell lawsuit against Bravo, NBCUniversal, production companies, executives, and Andy Cohen, alleging a corporate culture that tolerated racially insensitive behavior. She claimed that her complaints about racism contributed to her being forced out of the show, which she described as ‘the house she built.’ After four months of negotiations, Leakes dismissed the lawsuit ‘without prejudice’ in August 2022, retaining the option to reopen it later.
Andy Cohen’s comments at BravoCon, where he mentioned texting Leakes, indicate a thaw in their previously strained relationship. The network has not officially commented on the negotiations, but insiders suggest that both parties are keen on mending fences and leveraging Leakes’ popularity for the new series. If finalized, her return would be a major event for Bravo fans, symbolizing a reconciliation after years of public disputes.
The outcome of these talks is expected to be clarified in the coming weeks as filming approaches. Representatives for Leakes and Bravo have not responded to requests for comment, leaving fans eagerly awaiting confirmation of her participation in what could be a dramatic and highly anticipated comeback. This move also highlights the evolving dynamics in reality television, where past conflicts can be set aside for new opportunities and audience appeal.
