The wait for a new season of Bravo’s crown jewel usually feels like an eternity, but this time, the silence has been particularly loud. Fans everywhere are asking the same thing: when do Atlanta housewives return to our screens? If you’ve been keeping up with the chaos, you know Season 16 wrapped its run in July 2025 after a massive "reboot" that brought back heavy hitters like Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks.
It was a wild ride. We saw Kenya Moore’s sudden exit mid-filming and the introduction of new faces like Brittany Eady and Kelli Ferrell. Now, the dust has settled on the Season 16 reunion, and we're looking toward the future.
The Likely Timeline for Season 17
Let's be real—Bravo hasn't dropped an official date yet. But we can look at the patterns. Season 16 premiered on March 9, 2025. Historically, The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) tends to stick to a spring or early summer release schedule when things are running smoothly.
Given that Season 16 finished airing in July 2025, production for Season 17 typically needs a few months of "down time" before cameras start rolling again. Rumors from the ATL suggest filming might kick off in early 2026. If that timeline holds, we are likely looking at a late spring or summer 2026 premiere for Season 17.
It’s a bit of a gap. Honestly, it's kinda frustrating for those of us used to back-to-back drama.
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Why the Delay?
There's a lot of moving parts behind the scenes right now. Bravo is currently celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Real Housewives franchise. Because of this, resources are being poured into a massive "Ultimate Road Trip" series. This anniversary special is set to feature legends like Vicki Gunvalson and Teresa Giudice, but more importantly for Peach fans, NeNe Leakes is confirmed to make an appearance during the Atlanta leg of the trip.
With the network focusing on this milestone event in early 2026, they might be spacing out the main series to ensure the Atlanta housewives return with maximum impact.
The Casting Shakeup: Who’s Staying and Who’s Going?
The question of when do Atlanta housewives return is always followed by: who is returning? Season 16 was a gamble. It moved away from staples like Kandi Burruss and Shereé Whitfield, betting big on Porsha’s comeback and Phaedra’s late-season entry.
Here is the current state of the peach holders:
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- Porsha Williams: She is almost a lock. Her divorce drama with Simon Guobadia and her "working relationship" with Dennis McKinley were the backbone of last season.
- Phaedra Parks: After her triumphant return in 2025, it’s hard to imagine the show without her "lawyer-chic" shade.
- Drew Sidora: She’s been a polarizing figure, but her ongoing divorce and music career keep her in the mix.
- The Newcomers: Brit Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley had a rocky start. While Kelli’s "Nana’s Chicken & Waffles" empire provided some good lifestyle porn, Brit’s friction with Kenya Moore dominated her storyline.
Word on the street is that producers are looking to add even more "legacy" energy to Season 17 to stabilize the ratings. We might see more "Friends of" from the classic era popping up.
What to Watch While You Wait
If you’re craving that Georgia heat, you don’t have to sit in total silence. Bravo is leaning heavily into the "Ultimate Girls Trip" format. As mentioned, the 20th-anniversary special is the big thing for 2026.
Watching the "Ultimate Road Trip" will basically be required viewing because NeNe Leakes’ return to the Bravo universe—even if it’s just for one city—is a cultural shift. It’s the first time she’s worked with the network since her 2022 lawsuit. That’s huge.
Practical Steps for Die-Hard Fans
Don't just refresh the Bravo website every five minutes. Here is how you can actually stay updated and get your fix:
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- Follow the Cast on Social Media: Porsha and Phaedra are notorious for "accidental" leaks when they start filming. Look for those "glam squad" tags in Atlanta-based Instagram stories starting in February 2026.
- Watch the 20th Anniversary Special: This is where the official Season 17 announcement will likely happen. Bravo loves a "surprise drop" during a high-profile reunion or special.
- Stream Season 16 on Peacock: If you missed the Grenada trip or the fallout of Kenya’s exit, catch up now. The context will be vital for whatever happens next.
The answer to when do Atlanta housewives return is ultimately a waiting game, but with filming likely starting soon, the peaches will be back in the blender before you know it. Keep your eyes on the late 2026 schedule for the official rollout.
Check back for updates as soon as the first production trucks are spotted in Buckhead.
Actionable Insight: Keep an eye on Bravo's official social channels during the "Ultimate Road Trip" premiere in early 2026. This is the window where the network typically confirms filming start dates and official cast rosters for the upcoming RHOA season.