The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is set to make a grand return to Bravo, with the highly anticipated fifth season premiering on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This follows a standout fourth season finale that captured significant attention and set high expectations for the new season.
The network released a trailer for the upcoming season on Monday, Aug. 19, giving fans a glimpse of the drama and excitement that will unfold. The trailer reveals returning stars Lisa Barlow, Heather Gay, Angie Katsanevas, Meredith Marks, Whitney Rose, and Mary Cosby, who is rejoining the show as a full-time Housewife after a hiatus.
Last season's drama was just the tip of the iceberg. #RHOSLC returns in full force on September 18th. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/pJkx0Lb36K
— Bravo (@BravoTV) August 19, 2024
Mary Cosby’s Return
Cosby, an original cast member, left the show after season 2 amid controversy surrounding her church. Despite her absence, she made a brief return as a Friend in season 4, citing a desire to “help you guys out” in an interview with executive producer Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. In season 5, Cosby returns full-time, bringing her fiery personality and distinctive style back to the show.
New Cast Addition: Bronwyn Newport
The upcoming season also introduces Bronwyn Newport, a new Housewife and longtime friend of Lisa Barlow. According to Bravo, Newport will make a memorable entrance “in couture with her over-the-top fashion and a sense of humor as sharp as the diamonds she wears.” Newport, who was raised Mormon and later excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for getting pregnant out of wedlock while at Brigham Young University, is set to shake things up with her bold and confrontational style. The trailer hints at immediate tension, particularly with Heather Gay, who is seen expressing distrust towards Newport and accusing her of being deceptive.
New Friends Join the Cast
In addition to Newport, two new Friends join the cast this season: Britani Bateman and Meili Workman.
Bateman, introduced by Gay, is described as a Utah native, practicing Mormon, real estate developer, actress, and acclaimed singer. She is expected to “bump heads with a few of the ladies from the jump.” Workman, a friend of Rose’s, is a model and mother of four who moved to Utah to be more involved with the LDS Church but eventually left the faith. Her introduction to the group is likely to be as eventful as Bateman’s.
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Departure of Monica Garcia
Monica Garcia, who made a significant impact during season 4, will not return for the new season.. Her departure came after the dramatic revelation in the season 4 finale that she was behind RealityVonTease, an Instagram troll account known for posting negative content about the RHOSLC stars. This revelation led to confrontations and allegations of deceit during the season’s reunion episodes.
Season 5 Drama and Conflicts
The trailer for season 5 teases plenty of drama and conflicts. A notable storyline involves Barlow and Katsanevas clashing over Barlow’s parenting style. Katsanevas criticizes Barlow for allegedly allowing her son to “sit and game until 2 in the morning,” leading Barlow to express her frustration, saying, “I’m a great mom. That’s a low blow.” The tension escalates when Barlow accuses Katsanevas of being a poor friend, prompting a heated exchange.
Barlow is also seen in a conflict with Whitney Rose, calling her a liar in front of Rose’s husband, who defends his wife. The altercation reaches a peak when Barlow shouts at Rose, “Get that f—ing wig off your head. You will never be me!”
Meanwhile, long-standing friends Cosby and Marks appear to have a deteriorating relationship. In one scene, Cosby tells Marks, “You’re not always the victim,” and dismisses Marks’ defense. The tension escalates when Marks is thrown out of Cosby’s dining room, leading to accusations and heated arguments.
The trailer also showcases Gay confronting a cast member about allegedly reaching out to a “sworn enemy,” and Marks expressing outrage over claims that someone is recording their conversations.
Bravo’s official description of the season promises intense drama and evolving dynamics. Barlow begins the season with strong friendships, but these bonds are tested as conflicts arise. Cosby returns full-time, navigating new alliances and tensions, especially with Marks. Gay’s relationship with Barlow is explored, as well as her continued struggles with Cosby.
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Angie Katsanevas and her husband celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary while dealing with ongoing issues with Barlow. Marks focuses on her faith and a bat mitzvah celebration, while Rose faces challenges with her jewelry line and the group’s dynamics. Newport’s extravagant lifestyle and past controversies promise to add significant drama.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City premiered in November 2020 as the tenth installment of the Real Housewives franchise. The series has seen significant growth, with last season’s finale driving an 18% increase in multi-platform viewership compared to the previous season. The show’s first reunion episode in over two years also brought in a record audience.
The previous seasons of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City are available for streaming on Peacock, giving fans a chance to catch up before the new season begins.
