Plot Synopsis

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC is a one-hour reality series that follows the upscale lives of six well-to-do women -- Gizelle Bryant, Katie Rost, Karen Huger, Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, Robyn Dixon, and Ashley Darby -- all of whom have fought for their places in this society in Potomac, Maryland, by way of legacy or marriage. Ashley, the oldest child in her family, is a Maryland native who grew up juggling multiple jobs to help support her single mom and younger siblings. When she turned 18, she attended the University of Maryland and bartended on the side to keep both her and her family financially stable. Charisse is a dedicated wife, mother, and socialite whose reputation precedes her in the elite Potomac social circle. Maintaining an extensive network both inside and outside of Potomac, Charrisse prides herself on being a dependable friend and confidant. Originally from Virginia, Karen grew up on a large family farm and witnessed her father succeeding through hard work and perseverance. She now lives in the most desirable section of Potomac with her husband, Raymond, and their two children. Katie is an international model and TV personality born and raised in Potomac, in a very affluent and philanthropic biracial family. Having grown up in the elite social scene of Maryland, she went to the best private schools and was groomed to be a top doctor or lawyer. Grace is a socialite and resident of the Potomac area who effortlessly manages her jam-packed calendar as a single mother of three daughters, Grace and twins Angel and Adore. She was raised by very prominent and powerful parents who set the tone for her path in their work in government and philanthropy. Baltimore native Robyn graduated from the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in business marketing. While Robyn was in high school, she met Juan Dixon, a star athlete at a rival school. In what turned into a whirlwind romance, Robyn and Juan became high school sweethearts, attended college together, and eventually married.

On Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 9pm ET/PT, Bravo premiered the second season of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC. As the circle of life continues and a new season begins, Gizelle is in the hot seat yet again for putting Charrisse's troubled marriage out there for all of Potomac to judge. While Charrisse focuses on her kids and struggles to accept her new normal, single-and-always-ready-to-mingle, Gizelle sees sparks fly when a man from her past returns. With both her kids out of the house, Karen plans to upgrade to a bigger home. But Ray wants to downsize, and the queen of Potomac's high standards put a strain on their search. Ashley's Oz Restaurant and Bar is open for business, but the challenges of making it a success take a toll on her marriage and her baby plans. Also, Robyn and Juan's financial hardships have forced them to move farther away from the ladies and lean more on each other. As the two adjust to their new life, Robyn must decide if she is finally ready to let Juan back into her heart. Outspoken Monique who is married to a former star athlete, joins the ladies this season and ruffles some feathers with her upscale lifestyle.

Season 3 of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC premiered on Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on Bravo, with Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Monique Samuels, and new housewife Candiace Dillard. Charrisse Jackson-Jordan also returns as a friend. This season the ladies are dealing with the high and lows of friendships, and marriages are being challenged. Karen and Ray are the talk of Potomac after the Washington Post breaks the story on Ray's tax debt. Karen is trying to keep her head high and support her man, but when the women see her living beyond her means, accusations of creating smoke and mirrors are thrown out, and the grande dame comes undone. Meanwhile, Ashley and Michael are working to get back on track, but Ashley's need to be financially responsible for her mother drives Michael to give her an ultimatum she can't bear. After many disappointments, Gizelle has found a man who can handle her big personality and is living on cloud nine with Sherman, but will balancing motherhood, a new relationship, and her cosmetic line prove to be too much? Potomac gains a new resident, as Monique and Chris officially move into their home. They want to expand their family but Monique is so overwhelmed with all her endeavors, she questions being able to add more to her plate. Robyn and Juan are starting to piece their life back together. Their finances are finally back on track, and they moved into a bigger home, but not everyone is sending positive energy their way. Ashley continues to judge the way Robyn and Juan choose to live their life, causing a rift between the ladies. And new housewife Candiace Dillard is a former Miss United States who knows Ashley from the pageant circuit. She's newly engaged and is planning her dream wedding, but when she meets the other women, entering this inner circle proves to be no easy feat.

On Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT, Bravo premiered the fourth season of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC, with Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Monique Samuels, and Candiace Dillard Bassett. Katie Rost also returns as a friend. During Season 4, lies are uncovered and relationships are strained, but love always finds a way. Ashley and Michael have healed from their loss and are ready to work on expanding their family, but the word on the street in Potomac is that Michael has to deal with some serious allegations. Meanwhile, Monique is ready to deliver her new bundle of joy and focus on her entrepreneurial endeavors, but her husband Chris is not ready to say good-bye to his baby-making days. Karen and Ray are pushing through their troubles, while still watching everyone else with a side eye, as Karen launches one of her biggest ventures. Gizelle has a tale she wants to tell with her upcoming book launch, and she is also working on mending her friendships and revitalizing her love life. Meanwhile, love is blooming in Potomac as Candiace and Chris are knee deep in wedding planning. However, Candiace's mother, Dorothy, has an opinion on everything, making one wonder who is actually in control. Robyn and Juan have found their groove finding their way back to each other as Robyn also works on her property investment goals. With all the trials and tribulations ahead, will these ladies be able to keep it cute and classy? In the season opener, "That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles," Gizelle attempts to rekindle her friendship with Karen by delivering her homemade treats, but is shocked by what greets her at the door. Recovering from their miscarriage, Ashley & Michael are back in full baby making mode, meanwhile Robyn takes her romantic relationship with Juan to new heights. And with her wedding only days away, Candiace reveals that she's invited her half-brother to the nuptials, causing her mother to launch a verbal attack that threatens to derail the festivities.

Season 5 of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC premiered Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo. New housewife Wendy Osefo joins returning ladies Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Monique Samuels, and Candiace Dillard Bassett. Love is in the air as Gizelle Bryant rekindles a relationship with her ex-husband, pastor Jamal Bryant, but her daughters are struggling to accept their new normal, making things challenging for the couple. Although Karen Huger and Ray are back in Potomac with a beautiful new home, their 23-year "institution" may be in question when Karen discovers that Ray's feelings for her might not be the same as they used to be. Ashley Darby and Michael are in heavenly bliss with their new baby, Dean. But just when their relationship gets back on track, their newfound happiness is threatened by news of Michael's wild night on the town. Robyn Dixon and Juan have been through hell and back, and after living under one roof with their two sons for six years, Robyn is ready to make things official. Now all she needs is for Juan to make his move or will she make hers first? Juggling a house with three kids and a new feathered friend is taking its toll on Monique Samuels. The last thing she needs is drama with Candiace, but when a night with the girls gets out of hand, their friendship takes a turn that impacts all the women. Candiace Dillard Bassett and Chris celebrate their first year of marriage and contemplate adding a baby to the equation. Before Candiace can focus on family matters, though, she must deal with her unresolved issues with Ashley and mounting conflicts with Monique. Nigerian-American Dr. Wendy Osefo, the newest housewife, is a triple threat as a professor, political analyst, and entrepreneur. She's been married for nine years and is the mother of three children, including a newborn daughter. Never one to be underestimated, she is full of sass and ready to make her mark in Potomac.

On Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 8-9:15pm ET/PT on Bravo, THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC returned for its sixth season, as new housewife Mia Thornton joins returning Ladies Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Dr. Wendy Osefo. Plus, Askale Davis joins as the newest friend of the housewives. While Gizelle Bryant's west wing dreams finally come true, the wings of love start to unravel with her ex-husband, Jamal, and she tries to focus on building a happy home with her children. Karen Huger's marriage institution is 25 years strong, and she is ready to celebrate the momentous occasion in a big way - but a pandemic and Ray could both put a damper on her caviar dreams. Ashley Darby is expanding her family with Baby Darby 2.0. She is happier than she has ever been, but fear of the postpartum depression and relationship issues with Michael that she fought hard to overcome after giving birth to Dean threaten her joy. Robyn Dixon has waited a long time for that ring, but between building a house, a business, and possibly a wedding, she is overwhelmed and finding it challenging to be motivated to do much else. And it's causing trouble in paradise with her fiance, Juan. Candiace Dillard-Bassett is going after her dreams with a vengeance: she's back in school for her master's degree, working on her album, and pursuing acting. Her husband, Chris, has stepped in as her "husbanger" to help her keep it together - but things get tricky when Chris struggles to separate work from wife. Dr. Wendy Osefo has a new attitude and is making some massive changes to her life to go along with it as she ventures into new territories in work, fashion, and even her friendships. She is finally living her truth and is ready to show the ladies the other side of Dr. Wendy. Mia Thornton is an entrepreneur and a certified "boss." She is living life like it's golden with her multiple businesses while being a mother of three and wife to her successful husband, who is 32 years her senior. Mia has not always lived on Easy Street, but she is ready to let it all hang out with the ladies of Potomac. Robyn's friend Askale Davis is a bubbly, fashionable mother of three with a proud Ethiopian heritage. She also goes by the name "Ethi-Oprah," but unlike her namesake, she likes to stir the pot.

Season 7 debuted on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 8pm ET/PT on Bravo, with a 75-minute supersized premiere. Returning this season are Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Dr. Wendy Osefo and Mia Thornton. Friendly face Charisse Jackson Jordan (Seasons 1 and 2) returns as a friend of the cast, along with new friend Jacqueline Blake. Gizelle Bryant is inching closer to becoming an empty nester, but it's bittersweet. Her oldest, Grace, received her driver's license and is ready to hit the road, while twins Adore and Angel are turning 16 and will be leaving the west wing soon. Gizelle is also "in these streets" dating and rekindling a romance with someone from her past but finds herself entangled in drama involving another housewife's husband. Karen Huger is looking and feeling better than ever with some "tweaks." Her choices have left Ray questioning the motives behind her refresh. He worries the vanity procedures could have a negative impact on their daughter, Rayvin. Ashley Darby recently separated from Michael, and her main focus is motherhood with a little TikTok on the side. She's looking for a new home for herself and her boys, but with Michael's help, which makes the women question if she wants to be free of him. Robyn Dixon and Juan are finally engaged and everyone is expecting a wedding any day now ... everyone but the Dixons, who have mastered the art of procrastination. While getting married is not a top priority for Robyn, getting a prenup is since she is now the primary breadwinner in the family. Candiace Dillard-Bassett is busier than ever with a successful music career, but if she wants babies in the future, she has to act now. She has begun the journey with freezing her eggs, but along the way there are a few hiccups. Chris has taken a new job that is taking up a lot of his time, and an allegation from some of the women makes waves in their marriage. Dr. Wendy Osefo continues to teach, serve as a political analyst on national cable news and run her candle business. She now wants to open a Nigerian-themed lounge. Eddie thinks she has too much going on and needs to focus on her health and her family. Can she juggle it all and maintain her sanity? Mia Thornton implies on social media she has cancer and then reveals she needs further testing to determine if she has cancer. The back and forth has the ladies questioning what is true. Former housewife Charrisse Jackson Jordan returns as a friend and voice of reason that most of the ladies welcome except for Karen, who mysteriously goes out of her way to avoid her. Jacqueline Blake joins as a friend. She and Mia are so close that one might think they are sisters, but some unusual behavior has the ladies wondering what the real story is.

The eighth season of RHOP premiered on Sunday, November 5, 2023 with a supersized episode from 8-9:15pm ET/PT on Bravo. New Housewife Nneka Ihim joins returning ladies Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Wendy Osefo and Mia Thornton. Charisse Jackson Jordan returns as a friend of the cast, along with new friend Keiarna Stewart. Gizelle Bryant is in a situation-ship with Jason Cameron from Bravo's "Winter House," who is 16 years her junior, and the west wing has never been more alive. He's a fun distraction as she prepares for her first-born, Grace, to head to college. Although Gizelle is in a good place with Karen, she and Robyn are experiencing a different facet of their friendship as Gizelle is no-holds-barred about expressing her feelings toward Juan's actions. It's the "triple twenty" milestone, aka age 60, for Karen Huger, who is entering this era in stride but a health scare causes her to make some changes with her lifestyle. As she continues to build on the legacy of her family in Surry County, she has decided to restore the home that once belonged to her grandmother into a guest house/lodge. Karen and Gizelle have called a truce and for the time being are closer than ever, but Karen resents Mia for spreading rumors and Robyn for not being upfront with the group. Ashley Darby has settled into her new home with sons Dean and Dylan, but whether she's getting a divorce still remains a hot topic among the women. As she contemplates the life of a single mother and the financial challenges that lie ahead, she questions how she will support her family. Amidst the Juan cheating rumors, Robyn Dixon has decided to remain by his side ... and everyone has something to say about it. While her friend group supports her, they wonder if she's truly happy or if she's just making excuses for her partner. Candiace Dillard-Bassett is extremely busy touring her "Deep Space Deluxe" album in multiple cities, but bankrolling the cost is taking its toll on her and Chris, and she needs to figure out her next move. Already stressed out, she becomes even more anxious due to a recent health discovery. Within the group, relationships are strained as Candiace is going through her usual on again-off again with Ashley, not speaking with Gizelle and going through a rough patch with Robyn. Wendy Osefo is taking on another endeavor and this time it will combine her interests in politics, mental health and good gossip. The group dynamic presents a challenge as she's not in a good place with Gizelle and Robyn, and the arrival of new housewife Nneka rubs her the wrong way. Mia Thornton and her husband, Gordon, have been through it this past year with the loss of their CEO titleship in the Joint chiropractor. The mounting tension has caused her to seek a divorce lawyer but, not ready to give up, she gives couples therapy a try. Mia takes steps toward making amends with Karen, but persistent rumors make it difficult for them to move on. Attorney and entrepreneur Nneka Ihim is a first-generation Nigerian-American who enjoys the finer things in life. She's a successful lawyer, the daughter of a doctor and newly married to a surgeon, and she owns multiple homes, including a new multimillion-dollar house in the heart of Potomac. She and her husband, Dr. Ikenna Ihim, recently bought a beautiful Potomac house that is being renovated. She's looking forward to building new friendships with the women, but surprising tensions rise between her and Wendy as family secrets are uncovered.
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On Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 8pm ET/PT, Bravo premiered the ninth season of RHOP. New housewives Stacey Rusch and Keiarna Stewart join returning ladies Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, and Mia Thornton, along with close friends Jacqueline Blake and Jassi Rideaux. Stacey has an 8-year-old daughter and is in the middle of a divorce. Keiarna has reservations about some of the ladies, but is trying to forge her own place within the group.

The aftermath of the car accident and DUI charge is taking its toll on Karen Huger and her family. As she tries to pick up the pieces, the ladies want the 411, but getting the full story proves to be a challenge.

Gizelle Bryant is thriving as she focuses on dating and building out the newly rebranded GNA Fusion, a wellness initiative in memory of her late father. After an emotional roller-coaster year, she's decided to mend some of her fractured relationships in the group, but the way she goes about it defies expectations.

Ashley Darby is not playing any more games as she forges full steam ahead to get a divorce. She's throwing herself into the dating pool while balancing single motherhood, co-ownership of GNA and having lots of fun along the way.

Although Wendy Osefo is retiring her professor hat, she's still Dr. Osefo in these Potomac streets, and she's heading to the White House. As she prepares to enter the 40 club, Wendy is letting loose like never before and living her best life.

Mia Thornton's life is what you'd call complicated. She's in the process of getting a divorce from Gordon while her relationship with her new man, radio personality Inc, is hotter than ever. If that wasn't enough, the ladies are questioning some of her actions, making it hard for her to know whom to trust in the group.

Stacey Rusch has entered the Potomac chat and she's causing lots of chatter. She's a former QVC host and mother of an 8-year-old daughter, who, after 16 years of marriage, is divorcing her husband. As she enters this new phase in her life, she is struggling with the decision to date again and navigating a romantic relationship with her best friend, who is choosing celibacy over intimacy.

Keiarna Stewart is trying to put the past behind her, but some wounds take longer to heal than others. While Keiarna works on building her relationship with the women, her plate is full. She's running her business and launching a new skin care line. At the same time, she's moving in with her man, Gregory, but things become challenging when his expectations are not met.