The Real Housewives of New Jersey
| The Real Housewives of New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| File:The Real Housewives of New Jersey.jpg | |
| Starring | Current Housewives Teresa Giudice Caroline Manzo Jacqueline Laurita Melissa Gorga (season 3-present) Kathy Wakile (season 3-present) Former Housewives Dina Manzo (seasons 1 & 2) Danielle Staub (seasons 1 & 2) Friends of the Housewives Kim DePaola (season 2-present) Kim Granatell (seasons 2 & 3) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 67 (as of September 3, 2012, including S1 preview special) (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Rebecca Toth Valerie Haselton Lucilla D'Agostino Nina Diaz Christian Barcellos Andrew Cohen Shari Levine |
| Production locations | Northern New Jersey, United States (Jaqueline and Caroline: Franklin Lakes; Teresa: Towaco; Melissa: Montville; Kathy: Wayne, NJ) |
| Running time | Approx. 44 minutes (excluding commercials) |
| Production company | Sirens Media |
| Original release | |
| Network | Bravo |
| Release | May 12, 2009 – present |
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is a reality television program on the Bravo network, which follows the lives of women in and around several upscale communities in northern New Jersey. It is the network's fourth installation of The Real Housewives series created by Scott Dunlop, Executive Producer of the Orange County iteration, following The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of New York City, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Miami, among other international series in the franchise.[1] At the time of its airing, part 1 of the series' second season reunion had the highest-rated episode ever out of the entire franchise.[2]
The third season of the series premiered on May 16, 2011, with a 90 minute episode.[3] Melissa Gorga and Kathy Wakile were the newest housewives to join the cast.[4] On June 7, 2011 Bravo renewed the series for a fourth season due to record breaking ratings, which premiered on April 22, 2012[5] and became the highest rated season premiere in the network's history. As of season 3, New Jersey is currently the only Housewives franchise with a main cast of women who are all actually married. With season 4 near towards the end, it is unknown who will return to season 5.
Production history
The show's first season premiered on May 12, 2009. The five housewives featured on the program were Caroline Manzo, Jacqueline Laurita, Teresa Giudice, Dina Manzo, and Danielle Staub. For the first time in the franchise, the series followed housewives who are related to one another: sisters Caroline and Dina are married to brothers Albert and Tommy Manzo, and Jacqueline Laurita is married to Caroline and Dina's brother, Chris Laurita. The series began airing in the UK on Channel 4 on Tuesday September 1, 2009 at 10:35 pm.[6] and finished on November 3, 2009
The show premiered its second season on May 3, 2010. Dina Manzo left the show after the seventh episode of the second season. On August 31, 2010 Bravo officially renewed the series for a third season.[7] On September 7, 2010, it was announced that Danielle Staub was not returning to the show.[8]
Season 2 premiered in the UK October 17, 2010.
Season 3 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered on Monday May 16, 2011, on Bravo. On June 7, 2011 Bravo renewed the series for a fourth season due to its record breaking ratings.[9] Recording of Season 4 of the series wrapped as of late-October 2011. Additionally, the casting of family members continued with the addition of Teresa Guidice's sister-in-law Melissa Gorga and cousin Kathy Wakile.
The season 4 finale aired on September 23, 2012, and the three part reunion will begin September 30 2012.
It is currently rumored that all of the current Housewives have been invited back for season 5, although the only confirmed Housewife is Teresa Giudice. It has also been reported the Bravo is adding two new Housewives to the next season because the other ladies have refused to film with Teresa.
Current housewives
Jacqueline Laurita
(Season 1 – present)
"Everyone likes to have nice things, but I'm not one to brag about it." (Season 1 – Season 2)
"I can hold my own. I am my own person." (Season 3)
"I am a Vegas girl. I will call your bluff." (Season 4)
Jacqueline Laurita (née Grippe, born April 26, 1970) is a stay-at-home mother married to Chris Laurita, brother of Caroline and Dina Manzo. Together, Jacqueline and Chris have two sons: Christopher "C.J." Laurita, Jr. (born in 2002) and Nicholas Laurita (born June 11, 2009). Jacqueline also has a daughter, Ashlee Holmes (born Ashley on December 1, 1990), from a previous marriage. After several miscarriages and fertility problems, which she discussed on the show, Laurita gave birth to Nicholas shortly after the Season 1 Reunion show.
Her father, Jerome "Jerry" Grippe, was an Army colonel, and Jacqueline moved with her family to locations such as South Korea, Germany and Virginia; she graduated from Chantilly High School in Chantilly, Virginia in 1988. Jacqueline spent most of her adult life in Las Vegas, where her parents reside.[10][11] In "How I Met Chris"[12], Jacqueline describes the roles her father (who was senior vice president of operations at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, his then-coworker Steve Schirripa, and a fellow convention model played in her meeting her husband in 1996 at a Chicago sporting goods trade show, their courtship, and jobs she held at Lancome and as a licensed cosmetologist, convention and product model, on-call cocktail waitress for Samston hotel and casino, and freelance makeup artist.
During Season 2, the majority of drama around Jacqueline involved teenage daughter, Ashley. The drama led up to one of the most infamous moments in the show's history; Ashley pulled Housewife Danielle Staub's hair, causing Staub to slap Jacqueline's daughter with a lawsuit.[13]
Shortly following Season 3, Jacqueline had a dramatic falling out with cast member and longtime friend Teresa Giudice. The feud consisted of a long Twitter war[14], which ended with Laurita's referring to Giudice as "scum" and claiming that Giudice had stabbed her in the back several times. The falling out was so volatile that Laurita decided not to attend the season 3 reunion.[15]
Teresa Giudice
(Season 1 – present)
"People make fun of Jersey girls, but I think they're just jealous." (Season 1 – Season 2)
"I'm a Jersey girl, no one can knock me down." (Season 3)
"When times get tough, you learn who your real friends are." (Season 4)
Teresa Giudice (née Gorga) (born May 18, 1972) was born and raised in New Jersey. Her parents immigrated from Italy and raised Teresa and her brother Giuseppe, also known as Joe, in an Italian Catholic home. She grew up in Paterson, New Jersey where she met her husband of more than ten years, Joe. Teresa has four daughters—Gia (born on January 8, 2001)[citation needed], Gabriella (born on October 4, 2004)[citation needed], Milania (born on February 2, 2006)[citation needed] and baby Audriana (born in September 14, 2009)[16], with whom she was pregnant during the season one reunion show).
After graduating from Berkeley College with a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management[17], Teresa worked as an associate buyer for Macy's[18] in New York before deciding to stay home with her children. She owns an online boutique, TG Fabulicious, and has co-authored three successful Italian cookbooks, each of which is a New York Times Best Seller[19][20][21]. The first, Skinny Italian, a lifestyle title that teaches authentic, healthy Italian cooking,[22], was published 4 May 2010, her second cookbook, Fabulicious[23], was published 3 May 2011, and Teresa's third cookbook, Fabulicious!: Fast & Fit[24], was released on 8 May 2012.
The cookbook caused a dispute with fellow castmate Caroline Manzo after Teresa wrote that Caroline was "1/16th Italian" and "as Italian as the Olive Garden". The dispute spilled into the third season reunion, where Caroline also accused Teresa of causing the issues between Caroline and her sister, Dina, who are no longer on speaking terms, an accusation that both Dina Manzo and Teresa Giudice have denied.[25][26][27][28] Teresa has a third cookbook planned titled Fabulicious—Fast & Fit! scheduled to be published in 2012.[29][30] Teresa has also created her own line of Bellini called Fabellini. She is currently working on a new hair care line with Jerel Sabella.
Additionally, she is a committee member for her former co-star, Dina Manzo's charity, Project Ladybug.[31][32] On February 19, 2012, Giudice began appearing as one of 18 contestants vying to become Donald Trump's next Celebrity Apprentice. She was fired on May 6, 2012 (episode 12), placing fifth after raising $70,000[citation needed] for her charity, The NephCure Foundation.
Caroline Manzo
(Season 1 – present)
"If you're gonna mess with my family, you're messin' with me." (Season 1 – Season 2)
"Life is about change. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches." (Season 3)
"Life is short. I have no time for drama." (Season 4)
Caroline Manzo (née Laurita) (born August 23, 1961) has been married for over 26 years to Albert Manzo, co-owner of The Brownstone, an event and catering facility in Paterson, New Jersey.[33] Albert Manzo's brother, Tommy Manzo, is the second husband of Caroline's sister and former cast mate, Dina Manzo, making the two sisters by both marriage and blood.
The couple have three children: Albert "Albie" Manzo IV (born May 27, 1986), Lauren Manzo (born in 1988), and Christopher Manzo (born May 23, 1989). Caroline is the owner of two businesses: Opus Properties, a real estate firm, and a children's accessories line. In addition, she serves on the board of her sister Dina's charity foundation, Project Ladybug. In season 4, she is also portrayed partnering with daughter Lauren in a boutique store.
Melissa Gorga
Melissa Gorga (Season 3 – present)
"I live a life that most girls only dream of." (Season 3)
"I never throw the first punch, but I'm always a knockout." (Season 4)
Melissa Gorga (née Marco, born March 21, 1979) is married to Giuseppe (Joe) Gorga, Teresa Giudice's younger brother. Melissa and Joe have three children: Antonia, Gino, and Joey.
Melissa has parlayed her fame from Real Housewives into a music career. Her single, "On Display", was released on iTunes dance chart selections on August 13, 2011[34] to mixed critical reviews. Gorga has stated that she continues to work on her music and has released several new singles, which have been previewed on several Season 4 episodes, as well as a four-track EP. As of July 5, 2012, she has released two additional singles on iTunes: "How Many Times", released Apr 29, 2012[35], and "Rockstar", released June 10, 2012.[36]
Melissa is an ambassador, along with music superstars Pitbull and Fergie, for Voli Light Vodka, which bills itself as "the world's first low-calorie vodka". [37][38]
Kathy Wakile
(Season 3 – present)
"People say that I'm sweet, but I'm tough, so don't cross me." (Season 3)
"We're old school. We believe in respect." (Season 4 - Present)
Katherina "Kathy" Wakile (née Pierri, born October 4, 1965) currently resides in Wayne, New Jersey with her husband of 21 years, Richard "Richie" Wakile, and their two children, Victoria (born 1995) and Joseph (born 1997). Her family is very close to that of her cousin Joe Gorga (Teresa Guidice's brother) and his wife, fellow Housewife Melissa Gorga. Unlike her cousin or her other castmates, she is the only one not married to an Italian-American husband. Kathy is passionate about food and one day plans to open up her own restaurant or catering business. Kathy has several arguments with her cousin Teresa throughout season three of the show and is often dragged into feuds between Teresa and her sister-in-law Melissa. Kathy has introduced several new product lines since joining the show. Additionally, she and Victoria frequently participate in events that raise awareness for brain cancer, an illness they take close to heart, as Victoria needed an operation to remove a benign brain tumor.[39]
Former housewives
Dina Manzo
(Season 1 – Season 2)
"If you think I'm a bitch, then bring it on." (Season 1 – Season 2)
Claudine "Dina" Manzo[40] (née Laurita) (born March 7, 1972) is a mother, interior decorator, and the founder of the non-profit organization, Project Ladybug.[41] She and her family live in the affluent town of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She has been married to Tommy Manzo, co-owner of the event and catering facility The Brownstone, since 2005. Manzo is her second husband. Tommy's brother and business partner, Albert Manzo, is the husband of Dina's older sister and cast mate, Caroline, making the two also sisters-in-law. Their wedding was featured on the VH1 television show My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.[42]
Dina has a daughter, Alexia ("Lexi", born on January 25, 1996) from her previous marriage to George Hadjiapostoli (co-owner of Nisha nail salon in Wayne, New Jersey). Season 1 focuses on the struggles Dina, like many other mothers, faces as Alexia grows up. Dina's foundation, Project Ladybug, is dedicated to supporting St.Joseph's Hospital Paterson and helping children with cancer.[43][44] In 2010, Dina produced the return of the Off-Broadway comedy, My Big Gay Italian Wedding, at the St. Luke's Theatre in New York City.[45]
Dina also starred in Dina's Party, on HGTV. The show follows her event planning company, known for its outlandish celebrations and parties. It premiered on September 10, 2011.[46]
Dina made an appearance on episode 18 of Season 4, appearing at Teresa Giudice's Fabellini launch party.
Danielle Staub
(Season 1 – Season 2)
"You're either gonna love me or hate me. There is no in between with me." (Season 1 – Season 2)
Danielle Staub (born July 29, 1962) is divorced and a single mother of two daughters, Christine Staub (born in 1994) and Jillian Staub (born in 1998). She was the only cast member who entered filming as a relative stranger to the group, being friends with only Jacqueline once filming began.
After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed by Bravo that Staub would not be returning to the show for season 3.[8] In the spring of 2012, Staub joined part of dialastar, a telephone service that allows fans to talk to their favorite celebrities, mainly considered D-List. In the summer of 2012, Staub had filed for bankruptcy.
Housewives history
| Housewives | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 | Season 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teresa Giudice |  |
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| Jacqueline Laurita | |
|
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| Caroline Manzo | |
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| Dina Manzo | |
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| Danielle Staub | |
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| Melissa Gorga | |
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| Kathy Wakile | |
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| Priscilla DiStasio |
| ||||
| Gia Casey |
|
Recurring Housewives history
| Housewives Friends | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 | Season 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Granatell | |
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| Kim DePaola | |
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Episodes Guide
Spin-off
During the show's third season, a small spin-off was made starring Caroline's sons Albie and Chris Manzo. The spin-off also featured their roommate, Greg Bennett, who himself has garned a devoted fan following. The spin-off called, Boys to Manzo, featured the three in their Hoboken, NJ apartment, living the bachelor life. The series did not air on television, but was uploaded to bravotv.com where it can be found. [47]
Series Overview
| Season | Episodes | Season Premiere | Season Finale | Reunion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | May 12, 2009 | June 18, 2009 | June 23, 2009 June 25, 2009 | |
| 2 | 18 | May 3, 2010 | August 23, 2010 | August 30, 2010 September 6, 2010 | |
| 3 | 21 | May 16, 2011 | October 9, 2011 | October 16, 2011 October 23, 2011 | |
| 4 | 23 | April 22, 2012 | September 16, 2012 September 23, 2012 |
September 30, 2012 October 7, 2012 October 21, 2012 | |
Ratings
The first part of the second season reunion gathered 3.9 million viewers, making it the highest-rated episode of the season at the time of its airing and the second highest rated episode of the franchise after the January 30, 2011 episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.[7][48]
The third season opener had the second to the highest rated season premiere ever for the network, and the highest rated season premiere within the franchise.[49] The fourth season opened with 2.95 million viewers, the highest opening of the series and the highest season premiere ever for the network.
DVD Releases
In April 2010, Target stores released the first season on DVD. The second season was released on January 9, 2011.
| Season | Episodes | Release Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | March 2010 | |
| 2 | 18 | January 9, 2011 | |
| 3 | 21 | April 24, 2012 | |
References
- ^ Official show website on. Bravotv.com.
- ^ Bravo TV (August 31, 2010). "Breaking News – Bravo's "Real Housewives of New Jersey" Reunion Earns Highest Rated Episode in "Real Housewives" Franchise History Delivering 3.9 Million Total Viewers". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
- ^ "Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 3, Melissa Gorga, Kathy Wakile". People.
{{cite news}}: More than one of|website=and|journal=specified (help). - ^ The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 3 – A Sneak Peek at Season 3 – Video – Bravo TV Official Site. Bravotv.com.
- ^ http://www.facebook.com/#!/officialcarolinemanzo/posts/10150694390183276
- ^ "The Real Housewives of New Jersey – Series 1". RadarOnline. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
- ^ a b Hibberd, James (November 30, 2010). "Bravo renews two 'Housewives,' reunion sets record". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ a b SHAHID, ALIYAH (September 7, 2010). "Danielle Staub to leave 'Real Housewives of New Jersey,' Bravo announces". Daily News. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
- ^ "Bravo renews season 4 of 'Real Housewives of New Jersey'". TheCelebrityCafe.com.
- ^ "Jacqueline Laurita official biography on Bravo". BravoTV.com.
{{cite web}}: More than one of|work=and|website=specified (help) - ^ "Jacqueline Laurita". imdb.com.
{{cite web}}: More than one of|work=and|website=specified (help) - ^ Jacqueline Laurita. [www.jacquelinelaurita.com/How%20I%20Met%20Chris.pdf "How I Met Chris"] (PDF). Retrieved September 29, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Christina Boyle (January 30, 2010). "N.J. 'Housewife' Jacqueline Laurita's daughter found guilty of pulling out Danielle Staub's hair; It was said Jacqueline Laurita is leaving the Housewives series during the fourth season saying quote(I want to spend more time with my family and go back to a semi normal life)..." NYDailyNews.com DAILY NEWS Gossip. New York: NY Daily News. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
- ^ Corneau, Allison (18 June 2012 AT 10:45AM). "Teresa Giudice: Jacqueline Laurita Has 'Lost Her Mind'". usmagazine.com. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); More than one of|work=and|website=specified (help) - ^ Nededog, Jethro (October 3, 2011). "'Real Housewives of New Jersey's' Caroline Manzo Addresses Jacqueline and Teresa's Feud (Video): On Sunday's 'Watch What Happens Live', the housewife stays diplomatic about her cast mates' catfight". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ^ http://www.realitytea.com/2009/09/15/new-jersey-housewives-teresa-giudice-delivers-baby/
- ^ "The Celebrities: Teresa Giudice: Bio". nbc.com.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|program=ignored (help) - ^ "Bios: Teresa Giudice - Cast". bravotv.com.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|program=ignored (help) - ^ "Best Sellers June 13, 2010 - Paperback Advice, How-To & Misc. - Also Selling". nytimes.com. June 13, 2010.
- ^ "Best Sellers: Paperback Advice, How-To And Miscellaneous: Sunday, June 26th 2011". nytimes. June 26, 2011.
- ^ Guidice, Teresa with MacLean, Heather (June 10, 2012). "Best Sellers: Paperback Advice, How-To And Miscellaneous: Sunday, June 10th 2012". nytimes.com.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help); Unknown parameter|http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Guidice, Teresa with Maclean, Heather (September 30, 2011). Skinny Italian. Hyperion Books. ISBN 978-1401310356.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Guidice, Teresa with Maclean, Heather (May 3, 2011). Fabulicious. Running Press. ISBN 978-0762442393.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Guidice, Teresa with Maclean, Heather (May 8, 2012). Fabulicious!: Fast & Fit. Running Press. ISBN 978-0762445448.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Schuessler, Jennifer (September 3, 2010). "Best Sellers – Paperback Advice". The New York Times. Retrieved September 4, 2010.
- ^ "Skinny Italian: Eat It and Enjoy It: Live La Bella Vita and Look Great, Too! – Teresa Giudice – Paperback (ISBN 9781401310356) – Buy Books, Music and Movies at Borders". Borders.com. May 4, 2010. Retrieved August 21, 2010.
- ^ Schuessler, Jennifer (June 26, 2011). "Best Sellers: Also Selling". The New York Times. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
- ^ . Running Press. 2011. ISBN ISBN 0762442395; ISBN 978-0-7624-4239-3.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help); Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help); Cite uses deprecated parameter|authors=(help); Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Metz, Lauren. (October 6, 2011) The Dish – Mangia! Teresa Giudice Whipping Up Another Cookbook – Blog – Bravo TV Official Site. Bravotv.com.
- ^ Metz, Lauren. (October 6, 2011) 'The Dish – Mangia! Teresa Giudice Whipping Up Another Cookbook. Bravotv.com.
- ^ Teresa Giudice official biography on Bravo. Bravotv.com.
- ^ ''People'' magazine, May 21, 2009. Tvwatch.people.com (May 21, 2009).
- ^ Internet Movie Database: Caroline Manzo
- ^ "On Display". itunes.apple.com. August 13, 2011.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|artist=ignored (|others=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|copyright=ignored (help) - ^ "How Many Times". itunes.apple.com. April 29, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|artist=ignored (|others=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|copyright=ignored (help) - ^ "Rockstar". itunes.apple.com. June 10, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|artist=ignored (|others=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|copyright=ignored (help) - ^ "Voli Vodka Presents Melissa Gorga - The Wine Guy Smithtown". cityguideny.com. June 8, 2012.
- ^ "Bios: Melissa Gorga: Cast". bravotv.com.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|program=ignored (help) - ^ This incident was discussed on Real Housewives of New Jersey.
- ^ "Project Ladybug 2008 990 tax return". (PDF) .
- ^ Internet Movie Database: Dina Manzo
- ^ http://www.vh1.com/video/my-big-fat-fabulous-wedding/full-episodes/my-big-fat-fabulous-wedding-dina-and-tommy/1562895/playlist.jhtml
- ^ Dina Manzo official biography on Bravo. Bravotv.com.
- ^ Project Ladybug website[dead link]
- ^ http://www.biggayitalianwedding.com My Big Gay Italian Wedding Official Website.
- ^ http://tvovermind.zap2it.com/tv-news/rhonjs-dina-manzo-returns-reality-tv-hgtv/54307
- ^ http://www.bravotv.com/search?query=boys+to+manzo
- ^ Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey Finale Pulls In Season High 3.4 Million Viewers – Ratings. TVbytheNumbers (August 24, 2010).
- ^ Nbc Media Centre – Bravo Shatters Records As “The Real Housewives Of New Jersey” Delivers Highest Rated Season Premiere In Network History. Nbcuniversal.presscentre.com (May 17, 2011).