'Real Housewives of Rhode Island' Premiere Reactions: Critics Call New Bravo Show a Hit!

Bravo just launched a brand new Real Housewives series, and viewers and critics are reacting.

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island just aired its premiere episode on April 2.

Here’s the logline, per Bravo: “They may live in the smallest state in the country, but their drama? Extra large. As The Real Housewives hits its milestone 20th anniversary next year, Bravo is expanding the distinguished franchise with ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,’ spotlighting a fresh, charismatic group of women whose lives intertwine across the storied coastline of New England luxury.” Meet the women on the cast!

But what do critics have to say so far about the series?

Keep reading to find out more…

Glamour says that it feels like “old-school Bravo” again, writing: “As I found myself engrossed in the first two episodes of the series, it dawned on me why I found it so compelling. Though these Housewives, especially Rosie, clearly understand what a Bravo platform could bring them, they aren’t self-editing in the way that’s led many of the newer casts to fail. This Rhode Island crew is behaving like our beloved Bravo stars from the early ’00s and ’10s.”

The Daily Beast says: “It’s a raucous, raunchy, and refreshing launch to a new Real Housewives franchise.”

Decider says: “Entering the Bravo universe as a new show can be daunting. There are decades of established franchises, characters, and beloved moments, so when someone or something new comes into the mix, there’s always a feeling of excitement, followed by a sense of: can they live up to what we are used to seeing? Well, I am happy to report that The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, in only the two episodes I’ve watched so far, certainly lives up to its hype.”

THR writes: “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island are already off to a splashy start, one that not only compliments the preexisting Real Housewives slate, but restores it to its messy, expensive roots.”

EW says: “Bravo may have just hit the jackpot again with The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”

Vulture says the show is: “Bravo’s first new addition to the franchise in four years and one that they promised would fill the New Jersey–shaped void in our hearts. And if the premiere episode is any indication — mission accomplished.”

The premiere episode currently has a 6.7 out of 10 rating on IMDb from viewers.