Filming season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta it was difficult for the longtime star Porsha Williams. At the time of the reunion in July 2025, her divorce from Simon Guobadia it was also his last relationship with his childhood friend – and costar – Shamea Morton Mwangi it was checked.
When season 17 of the hit Bravo series premieres at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 6, viewers should be ready for a whole new Porsha — and a new world.
“This was not a dark period,” Williams, 44, said Us. “Maybe it should have gone there, but it didn’t. We all want to be friends, and we’re grown.”
The reality TV star tells Us what can you expect from the cast, calling the returning wives Residences at Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, Morton Mwangi, Angela Oakley again Kelly Ferrelland newcomers K. Michelle again Pinky Cole. Cynthia Bailey and comes back as a friend.
“RHOA” season 16: Brit Eady, Phaedra Parks, Angela Oakley, Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Drew Sidora and Kelli Ferrell.
Gizelle Hernandez/James Bianchi/BravoWhat did you think of season 17?
I just wanted a clean slide, and I wanted to have fun. I wanted to be open to new friends… and having this season felt like a breath of fresh air.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta has said goodbye to many cast members since its debut on Bravo in 2008 — but there’s always a chance they could return. For example, original RHOA star NeNe Leakes left the show in season 7 before rejoining the cast in 2018. “It’s been a long process but we’ve finally made it. […]
We see him dating two people – a man and a woman – and in November, he went public with girlfriend Sway McKinney. How do you know it’s him?
You only know when you know. I felt free. I felt very led by him and by our relationship and what we were building.
Patrice “Sway” McKinney and Porsha Williams
Paras Griffin/Getty ImagesThere are two new characters: Love and Hip HopUK. Michelle and Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole. How did they get into the group?
We were all K fans. Michelle before… She knows how to have fun, and she’s funny. We really needed to get back to the happy shade of Housewives and have a good time, and she can do that. And Pinky is a business genius — she comes up with TED Talks. He is one of those very encouraging friends. You are great when it comes to power and your sister. They both bring a lot of fun, good energy. Don’t get me wrong, there were some down-to-earth sessions… but fans will enjoy what they see bring to variable.
How does the dynamic this season feel different?
I think everyone was very serious in trying to have a frame of mind so that we don’t let one bad apple become the bane of the crowd. Everyone was very objective, like, if I have a problem with someone, I deal with it with that person. I think the goal in the end was for us to be one and not be a divided family. I like that.
It looks like you and Kelli Potter are hitting it off this season.
It’s not really new. Kelli likes to look at me for a reaction or attention. It’s not that deep for me.
Who did you lean on the most?
Phaedra [Parks ]and I have a very trusting friendship. So does Cynthia [Bailey] and I. I know you probably remember some of the OGs. I’m always looking for her and Phaedra -; we have our little relationship to do this for a long time.
Cynthia Bailey, Porsha Williams, Phaedra Parks, and Pinky Cole.
Richard Rodriguez/BravoWhat before RHOA stars you’d like to see come back?
And Ne Leakes [who will appear alongside Williams in the upcoming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th] it can mix well. And the new one Kandi [Burruss, who just got divorced] he should come back.
