So, you’re watching the latest season of Southern Charm and this new face pops up, looking like he’s lived in Charleston for thirty years, but you’re sitting there scratching your head. Who is Ryan on Southern Charm? Honestly, if you felt a little out of the loop, you aren't the only one. Bravo has a funny way of dropping people into the mix and acting like they’ve been sipping sweet tea on the porch with Shep and Craig since 2014.
The truth is, Ryan Albert didn't just fall out of the sky. He’s the newest full-time cast member to join the fray for Season 10, and while he might be new to our TV screens, he’s been a staple in the "Holy City" social scene for quite a while.
The Patricia Connection: How Ryan Albert Really Got on the Show
In Charleston, all roads eventually lead back to Patricia Altschul’s couch. If you want to know how someone ends up with a permanent spot on this show, just look at who is pouring the gin and tonics at Isaac’s bar. Ryan Albert didn't have to audition in the traditional sense; he was already part of the inner circle.
Ryan is married to Dr. Eddie Irions, a very successful and well-known gastroenterologist in Charleston. Here is the kicker: Eddie has been one of Patricia’s closest confidants for over a decade. He actually made a few blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameos in earlier seasons, specifically as Cameran Eubanks’ "date" to events when her husband, Jason, was busy saving lives or, you know, avoiding cameras.
When Bravo decided to shake up the cast for Season 10, bringing in Ryan was a no-brainer. He’s stylish, he’s unfiltered, and he brings a much-needed perspective to a group of guys who—let’s be real—sometimes act like they’re still in a frat house.
🔗 Read more: The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads: Why This Live Album Still Beats the Studio Records
More Than Just a "House Husband"
On paper, Ryan is often described as a "stay-at-home husband," but that’s a bit of a simplification. He’s basically the chief operating officer of his and Eddie’s life. Currently, a huge part of his storyline (and his actual life) involves the massive renovation of their historic home in downtown Charleston. If you’ve ever tried to renovate a "protected" building in the South, you know it’s basically a full-time job that requires the patience of a saint and the budget of a king.
Aside from home projects, Ryan is actually a pretty talented musician. He’s been spotted playing the keyboard at local events and even volunteering his musical talents at assisted living facilities like Ashley Gardens. It’s a softer side that we don’t always get to see from the usual "Charmers" who spend most of their time arguing over who texted whose ex.
Bringing LGBTQ+ Representation to the Lowcountry
One of the most refreshing things about Ryan on Southern Charm is how open he is about his journey. He grew up in a tiny town in Indiana—the kind with zero stoplights. He’s been very vocal about the fact that, growing up, he didn't have many gay role models. He famously joked in an interview that the only gay people he knew were his mom’s chiropractor and the local Walmart greeter.
By joining the show, Ryan wanted to show a different side of Southern life. He and Eddie are a successful, interracial gay couple living at the top of the social ladder.
💡 You might also like: Wrong Address: Why This Nigerian Drama Is Still Sparking Conversations
"I hope to give some hope to some of the people watching," he told GLAAD. "It gets better."
But don't mistake his advocacy for being boring. Ryan has openly admitted that he is a "pot-stirrer." He’s not there just to be a background character; he’s there to give his opinion, and usually, those opinions are pretty spicy. During his first season, he even teased a "mystery kiss" with a fellow cast member. Spoiler alert: he confirmed it wasn't with one of the girls.
The Dynamic With the "Three Stooges"
If you were expecting friction between the new guy and the OGs (Shep, Craig, and Austen), you might be surprised. While there’s always a little hazing when a new guy enters the group, Ryan actually bonded quite quickly with Austen Kroll.
He also shared a pretty heavy, vulnerable moment with the guys at Patricia’s house early in the season. It’s rare to see Shep Rose or Craig Conover actually listen to someone else's life struggles without making it about themselves, but Ryan seems to have a way of commanding the room without being the loudest person in it.
📖 Related: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
Why the Fans Are Divided
As with any new cast member, the internet has thoughts.
- The "Roomba" Theory: Some fans on Reddit joked that he has the personality of a "Roomba" because he spent his first few episodes just quietly observing the chaos.
- The Bitchy Take: Others love him because he’s "bitchy" in a way that feels like he’s analyzing his coworkers rather than just fighting with friends.
- The Missing Scenes: There’s been a lot of chatter that a lot of Ryan’s earlier scenes were edited out, making his sudden "main character" energy in later episodes feel a bit jarring to some viewers.
What's Next for Ryan Albert?
As we move deeper into the Southern Charm universe, it looks like Ryan is here to stay. He survived the initial "who is this guy?" phase and has established himself as someone who isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with big personalities like JT.
His marriage to Eddie remains the bedrock of his story, and seeing a healthy, stable relationship on a show that is usually a dumpster fire of breakups is actually kind of nice. Whether he’s debating historic paint colors or dropping a truth bomb at a dinner party, Ryan Albert has definitely earned his spot on the roster.
If you want to keep up with his life outside of the Bravo cameras, you can find him on Instagram @ryanalbert, where he mostly posts about his gorgeous home, his husband, and their very chic Charleston lifestyle.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're looking to see more of Ryan's background before he hit the big time, look for his episode on Magnolia Network's Classic Homes. It gives a much deeper look at his design aesthetic and his relationship with Eddie without all the Bravo-induced drama.