The Real Housewives of Potomac is getting a major cast shakeup heading into its ninth season, but will it help or hurt the group? Four original housewives have stayed on the show through RHOP season 8. However, RHOP season 9 will be the first season Robyn Dixon will not be part of since the series’ inception. Additionally, longtime Potomac housewife Candiace Dillard Bassett announced she wouldn’t be returning for RHOP season 9 after a rough past two years. Like Robyn, Candiace has been on the show for quite some time having joined during season 2.

This isn’t the first time the Real Housewives franchise has seen a sudden cast shakeup in an attempt to save a failing franchise. Notably, the entire cast of The Real Housewives of New York City was rebooted for season 14. RHOP used to be one of the most entertaining series; however, RHOP season 8 was lackluster, inhibited by the women refusing to interact with their fellow housewives. Going into season 9, Bravo has a lot of work to do to save the series, and throwing in some new blood into the group is the network’s solution.

RHOP husband, Juan Dixon, was fired as a coach for allegedly failing to report accusations of harassment from a student against a member of his staff.

RHOP Is Losing At Least Three Permanent Housewives

Robyn, Candiace, & Nneka Won’t Be Back For RHOP Season 9

RHOP season 9 will see the exit of three permanent Potomac housewives. Robyn was an OG housewife, regarded for her friendship with Gizelle Bryant, deeming them the “green-eyed bandits.” Robyn and Gizelle navigated RHOP together as ride or dies. There’s no Gizelle without Robyn, and vice versa. They’re also co-hosts on the Reasonably Shadypodcast where Robyn confirmed she was fired from RHOP. Rumors began swirling after the end of RHOP season 8 that Robyn was getting cut from the cast, which she confirmed.

“It’s reality. The network did not invite me back. I was fired, for lack of better words. I will not sugarcoat the situation and say, ‘Oh I am walking away and this is a break,’ or anything like this. This is a network decision.”

Shortly after Robyn’s announcement, Candiace announced that she would not be returning to RHOP season 9. In an interview with People, Candiace said she was taking “a break” from the show, adding, “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’” Andy Cohen confirmed that Candiace was not fired but chose to step away from the show. Candiace has been on the show for a while, joining in season 3. She was integral in much of the show’s history, being involved in a majority of its memorable moments, including when Monique Samuels got in a physical altercation with her during RHOP season 5.

Potomac newbie Nneka Ihim was also reportedly fired, per TV Deets. Nneka joined RHOP season 8 and had a conflict with Wendy Osefo. Wendy refused to communicate with Nneka, though she did get along with the majority of the rest of the Potomac ladies. The news of her firing was somewhat shocking, but not as jaw-dropping as Robyn and Candiace’s exits. They were two housewives embedded in the history of the Potomac franchise. Without them, RHOP season 9 will look different.

Robyn & Nneka Were Fired, But They Got Along Well With Most Of The Cast

They Had Good Relationships With Majority Of The Potomac Women

Throughout RHOP season 8, Nneka forged new relationships with the Potomac women. Coming in as a new housewife, she got along with everyone except for Wendy. She created a good connection with Robyn, who is close to Gizelle, Mia Thornton, and Ashley Darby. The franchise was built on friendship but has become oversaturated with fake narratives and storylines over time. While Robyn was not the most honest housewife, she had a real connection with the Potomac women.

The remaining Potomac housewives set to star in RHOP season 9 are a disjointed group. Karen Huger, Gizelle, Ashley, Mia, and Wendy all have ties to each other, but they’re not the closest group of friends by all means. Gizelle is close with Karen, Ashley, and Mia, but not Wendy. Mia has had a good relationship with Karen before, but this has been strained throughout the years. Karen is friends with Wendy, but that seems like Wendy’s only real friendship left in the group.

RHOP Season 8 Friend Keiarna Is Reportedly Joining The Season 9 Cast

There’s Another Rumored Full-Time Housewife Joining RHOP Season 9

RHOP season 8 introduced Wendy’s friend, Keiarna Stewart, as a friend to the group. TV Deets reported that despite reports she was axed from the cast, Keiarna will be joining RHOP season 9 as a full-time housewife. Keiarna was briefly featured throughout RHOP season 8, and her biggest moment this season was in the finale episode. Ashley’s friend, Deborah, got physical with Keiarna during a party for Gizelle and Ashley’s fashion line. She was left with a bloody forehead and had to visit the hospital.

Aside from the fight, Keiarna attended the cast group trip to the Dominican Republic. It was clear she had formed bonds with the rest of the women, including Gizelle, Karen, and Candiace. Gizelle checked in on her throughout the trip, which she appreciated. While Keiarna came into the group as Wendy’s friend, she didn’t let this friendship hold her back or prohibit her from forming relationships with the other women. Karen really liked Keiarna and made sure she was okay after Deborah attacked her in the finale.

Keiarna would bring new energy to RHOP. She’s already been featured on a season of the show, but landing a full-time spot would allow the audience to learn even more about who she is. She doesn’t let her previous friendships hold her back from making new friends, which is a great quality to have as a housewife. Karen seemingly confirmed Keiarna was joining RHOP season 9 after she reposted the TV Deets Instagram post to her Instagram story.

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TV Deets also reported that Stacey Rusch is RHOP as a full-time housewife. Stacey is a host and reporter known for her work on QVC, FOX5, and Good Day DC. The network is working overtime to cast new women to bring a new vibe to RHOP after a terrible eighth season. It’s unclear how Stacey would fit into the group, but Keiarna already has relationships that would ensure she’d be a good personality to keep in the group.

It’s Unclear Where The Remaining Women of Potomac Stand

Where Do Karen, Gizelle, Mia, Ashley, & Wendy Stand?

It’s unclear where the remaining five Potomac housewives stand with each other. Karen and Gizelle were much closer during RHOP season 8, which was refreshing. They are the matriarchs of the show, and having a close relationship is one of the bonds holding the show together. However, Gizelle and Wendy are losing their closest allies Robyn and Candiace, respectively. They had authentic relationships with their respective best friends, and the show would feel different without them. It will be refreshing not to watch Gizelle and Candiace passive-aggressively talk about each other throughout RHOP season 8.

Hopefully, Mia and Karen can get on better terms in the upcoming season. Adding Keiarna’s energy to the group will bring the women closer together as they all enjoy her company. Ashley can usually get along with anyone, so she’ll manage well with the reported new housewife Stacey. RHOP season 9 has a lot to prove, and if its core five housewives can’t get along, the series may be due for a total revamp and recasting similar to RHONY.

The Real Housewives of Potomac season 9 has fired and hired several new housewives. Hopefully, Bravo will be able to save the once-legendary franchise. Will the major cast shakeup help RHOP? Only time will tell.