5 Best Real Housewives Cast Members, Ranked

Ranking the Best Real Housewives Cast Members

Bravo's Real Housewives franchise has captivated audiences for two decades, thanks in large part to its iconic stars. While many incredible ladies have graced the show, five stand out among the rest. Here are the best Real Housewives cast members, ranked.

1. Lisa Rinna

Actress Lisa Rinna is a prime example of how Bravo's franchise can transform engaging personalities into megastars. Before joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2014, Rinna had already made a name for herself in soap operas and hosting. Her bold, fun, and uncompromising personality quickly made her a fan favorite. Rinna's time on RHOBH has led to numerous opportunities beyond the show, including appearances on other reality series and front row at fashion week.

Her outrageous persona and larger-than-life character have cemented her status as one of the most fabulous and entertaining Real Housewives.

2. Bethenny Frankel

Bethenny Frankel made waves as a star in The Real Housewives of New York, and her impact on the franchise is undeniable. As an entrepreneur and star in her own right, Frankel's success on the show translated to significant success outside of it. Her Skinnygirl drink line saw major success and branched out to include other food products, cookware, and shapewear.

Frankel also starred in her own spin-off, Bethenny Ever After, and hosted her own talk show. Her transition from reality TV to television success proves that she was a true star from the beginning.

3. Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice, star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, shot to fame in the show's first season with her unapologetic Italian-American persona. Her explosive moments on the show, including a notorious blow-up with fellow cast member Danielle Staub, made her an instant icon. Beyond her time on RHONJ, Giudice has enjoyed numerous successes, including best-selling cookbooks, memoirs, a bellini cocktail line, and appearances on The Celebrity Apprentice.

Her dedication to being herself and her impact on the franchise have made her one of the most beloved Real Housewives.

4. NeNe Leakes

NeNe Leakes, a star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, quickly became one of the most outspoken and confident Real Housewives the franchise has ever seen. Her New York roots mixed with her Georgia upbringing made her a unique and joyous presence on the show. Leakes' larger-than-life personality made her a fan favorite from the start, and her impact on RHOA is undeniable. Her success on the show has led to numerous opportunities, including her own Bravo show, NeNe Leakes: All Access.

5. Camille Grammer

While icons like Camille Grammer, Vicki Gunvalson, Kim Zolciak, Luann de Lesseps, and Ramona Singer didn't make the cut for this ranking, their contributions to the franchise cannot be ignored. Camille Grammer, star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, brought her own unique flavor to the show with her strong personality and dramatic exits. Despite not making the top five, her impact on the franchise is clear, and she remains a key part of Real Housewives' legacy.