It's January 2026, and if you thought the woman who practically invented the modern reality TV housewife was going to fade into a quiet retirement of golf and early dinners, you haven't been paying attention. Vicki Gunvalson is back. Like, really back. Not just as a "friend of" or a cameo in a backyard party, but as a full-blown, orange-holding cast member for the landmark Season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Honestly, the news from BravoCon 2025 felt like a fever dream for some fans. Andy Cohen literally handed her an orange on stage. The crowd went nuts. People were screaming. It was this weirdly emotional moment for a woman who has spent two decades being both the hero and the villain of her own story. But there’s a lot more going on with Vicki right now than just a TV comeback. She’s at a massive crossroads with her business, her family, and that "love tank" she’s been talking about since 2006.
Why Vicki Gunvalson Still Matters in 2026
You’ve gotta respect the hustle. Most people forget that when Vicki started this, she wasn't some socialite looking for a hobby. She was a working mom in a pleated blazer trying to sell insurance. Fast forward to today, and she’s still the "OG of the OC," a title she clings to with a grip that would make a CrossFit trainer jealous.
There's a reason Bravo keeps coming back to her. The show lost a bit of its soul when she left. You need that chaotic energy—the "woo-hoos," the high-pitched screaming about family vans, and the unapologetic demand for attention. It’s what makes the show work.
But here’s the kicker for 2026: Vicki is making some of the biggest life changes we’ve seen in years. She recently revealed on her podcast, My Friend, My Soulmate, My Podcast, that she is actually planning to sell Coto Insurance & Financial Services.
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Think about that for a second.
That business was her entire identity. She built it from nothing in her house in Illinois, moved it to California, and turned it into a powerhouse. Now, at 63, she’s talking about "offloading" the daily grind. She isn't retiring fully—she’s keeping a role as a "significant other" (her words, which are hilariously Vicki) to the company—but she’s looking for freedom. She wants to dance. She wants to travel. She wants to live.
The Relationship Drama Nobody Talks About
We can't talk about Vicki without talking about her taste in men. It’s been... a journey. From the Donn years to the Brooks Ayers cancer scam era (which people still bring up at dinner parties) to the Steve Lodge debacle, her love life has been a public car wreck.
Currently, she’s dating Michael Smith. He seems low-key, which is exactly what she needs. But the real tea lately hasn't been about her own guy—it's been her relentless crusade against John Janssen.
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If you haven't been following the RHOC drama, Vicki has basically become the unofficial bodyguard for Shannon Beador. She’s been vocal—like, "posting-receipts-and-calling-him-a-shack-dweller" vocal—about Shannon’s ex. She thinks he used Shannon for fame. She sees a lot of her own past mistakes in Shannon’s situation, and she isn't holding back.
Family Life in North Carolina and Beyond
While she’s fighting battles in Orange County, her heart is clearly in the South. Her daughter, Briana Culberson, is living her best life far away from the cameras. Briana and Ryan now have four kids: Troy, Owen, Hank, and the youngest, Cora Rose.
Vicki’s relationship with Briana has always been the most grounding part of her story. Even when they were screaming at each other on camera, you could tell they were tight. These days, Vicki spends a huge amount of time flying out to visit them. She’s the grandma who shows up with too many gifts and probably tries to organize the pantry. She’s even mentioned babysitting for weeks at a time while Briana and Ryan travel. It’s a side of her that is actually pretty sweet, despite the "Boss Bitch" persona she wears in Irvine.
What to Expect from Season 20
So, what does a Vicki Gunvalson comeback look like in 2026?
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- The Three Amigos: With Tamra Judge and Shannon Beador also firmly in the mix, the "Three Amigos" are officially reunited. Expect tequila. Expect yelling. Expect at least one scene where they all fall down.
- The Business Sale: We’re likely going to see the behind-the-scenes of her selling Coto Insurance. It’s going to be emotional. That office is her "baby," and watching her let go of it will be a real moment of growth.
- The Ultimate Road Trip: Before Season 20 even hits the air, Vicki is starring in a new spin-off called The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip. It’s a 20th-anniversary special where iconic housewives travel from OC to the East Coast.
Vicki isn't just a reality star anymore; she’s a survivor of the industry. She outlasted the haters, the cancellations, and the "friend of" demotions.
The Reality Check
Look, Vicki is polarizing. Some people find her "whoop it up" attitude exhausting. Others think she’s the only person on the show who actually tells the truth (even when it’s uncomfortable). But you can't deny her impact. She proved that a woman could be a breadwinner, a mother, and a total mess all at the same time—and people would still want to watch.
If you’re looking to channel some of that OG energy in your own life, there are a few "Vicki-isms" that actually hold up as decent advice.
Actionable Insights from the Vicki Playbook
- Diversify Your Identity: Vicki is learning this the hard way right now. Don’t let your job be your only personality trait. Even the most successful business owners eventually need a hobby that doesn't involve a spreadsheet.
- Financial Independence is Non-Negotiable: Whatever you think of her, Vicki always had her own money. She never had to stay in a bad relationship because she couldn't afford the mortgage. That’s a lesson every woman can take to the bank.
- Own Your Narrative: When Bravo let her go, she didn't just disappear. She started a podcast, she stayed relevant on social media, and she made herself indispensable. If you get "fired" from a role in your life, don't slink away. Build something else.
Vicki Gunvalson is entering a new era. It’s less about the hustle and more about the legacy. Whether she’s selling insurance or screaming in a costume on a bus, she’s doing it on her terms. And honestly? That’s the most "OG" thing she’s ever done.
Keep an eye on the Season 20 premiere. It's going to be a wild ride, and if history is any indication, Vicki will be right in the driver's seat, probably yelling at someone to get in the van.
To stay updated on the latest casting news and filming leaks for the upcoming season, you can follow the official Bravo production trackers or check out Vicki’s own podcast for weekly updates on her life transition and her return to the screen.