The Real Housewives of New Jersey is one of the most exciting drama-filled shows in the Real Housewives franchise. The series began back in 2009 and only a few original cast members remain on the show today. New Jersey was the fourth show created in the installment and from the beginning it stood out because it features such strong family values. Most of the women featured on the show appear alongside either their relatives or long-time friends. Season 7 has just begun and finally the focus seems to have shifted off the Giudice-Gorga family feuding and onto mending old friendships. In order to get a better understanding of all the women on RHONJ and what it takes to produce the show, here’s a look at 9 behind-the-scenes secrets of The Real Housewives of New Jersey!
9. First Show to Feature Relatives
The Real Housewives of New Jersey was the first in the franchise to hire Housewives who were related! Caroline and Dina Manzo are both sisters and were originally cast in season one together. Then in another twist of family fate, Caroline and Dina’s sister-in-law Jacqueline was also cast on the show. Jacqueline Laurita married their brother, Chris Laurita who is often featured on the show, while Caroline and Dina Manzo married two brothers which is why they both have the same last name. That was the first family tree to join RHONJ, but now family seems like a common theme as Teresa’s brother Joe Gorga and his wife Melissa Gorga,Teresa’s sister-in-law, joined the series back in season 3. Teresa’s cousin Kathy Wakile also joined the show in season 3, but has since left and now makes guest appearances. In season 6, Bravo cast twin sisters Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano who have also since left the series. Following in the New Jersey footsteps, sisters Kim and Kyle Richards were cast as Housewives in the first season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and continue to appear on the show to this day.
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