Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta made its long-awaited return on March 9, 2023, after a notable 546-day break. This season welcomes back beloved participants Porsha Williams, Kenya Moore, Phaedra Parks, and Drew Sidora, in addition to guest veteran Shamea Morton. New faces enrich the cast as Brit Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley make their debut.
In the lead-up to the season’s premiere, Porsha navigated her impending divorce, while Shamea celebrated her birthday. The show’s follow-up episode, aired on March 16, took on heightened tensions, especially when Porsha voiced her discomfort over seeing Drew and Dennis together. Brit shared insights into her post-divorce life and new marriage, whereas Shamea connected with Shadina, a surrogate who played a critical role in her journey.
Highlights from Episode 2 of Season 16
During episode two, Shamea directly confronted Drew regarding rumors linking her romantically to Dennis. Shamea pointed out that they had been spotted coordinating outfits, prompting Porsha to explain that Dennis had invited her to Drew’s birthday celebration. Drew clarified that Dennis was merely a supportive friend throughout her divorce process, but Porsha felt betrayed by Drew’s decision to film with Dennis without prior notice.
The tension escalated when Drew attempted to organize a photoshoot for Porsha’s Go Naked Hair brand without Porsha’s approval. Porsha claimed that this went against Drew’s contractual obligations, while Kenya speculated that the underlying issue was Dennis himself. Feeling disrespected, Porsha opted to distance herself from Drew.
In another storyline, Kelli shared her entrepreneurial journey, explaining how she founded Nana’s Chicken & Waffles in 2016. The eatery enjoyed significant success until her ex-husband’s decision to shut down the Conyers, Georgia, location led to financial strain. Allegations surfaced suggesting that he only paid child support under court orders.
Kelli aims to model financial independence for her daughters. On the other hand, Brit related her unconventional wedding story, having wed during the pandemic when circumstances prevented her from realizing her dream ceremony. She initially met her husband, Mike, through her work as an insurance agent before eventually launching her own insurance business.
“Mike was my client, so I initially hesitated to date him. After developing a friendship, his persistent FaceTime conversations won me over,”Brit revealed.
Meanwhile, Shamea’s visit with her former surrogate, Shadina, brought forth emotional discussions. Despite the challenges Shadina faced, including a breast cancer diagnosis during her pregnancy with Shamea’s daughter Shiloh, she was eager to support Shamea in her quest for another surrogate after several IVF attempts. Shadina offered her assistance in finding a new surrogate, showcasing their strong bond.
Later, a gym meeting took place among Shamea, Drew, and Angela, where Drew stressed that her interactions with Dennis were strictly professional. Angela speculated that Shamea was acting at Porsha’s request by questioning Drew about Dennis. Shamea insisted her inquiry stemmed from genuine curiosity. In a separate confessional, Drew articulated her views on Shamea’s motivations.
“I have no expectations of Dennis beyond his responsibilities as Pilar’s father,”Porsha stated during her confessional.
As the episode progressed, Porsha and Dennis enjoyed a moment watching their daughter Pilar play, before addressing the issues surrounding Drew. Dennis reiterated the non-romantic nature of his relationship with Drew. Overwhelmed, Porsha sought space, expressing her feelings about loyalty and the nature of their co-parenting dynamic, and later reminded Dennis to prioritize their partnership during filming.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta continues to air weekly on Sundays at 8 PM ET on Bravo, captivating audiences with its thrilling drama and personal journeys.