The Dramatic Return of the “OG of the OC” to Real Housewives

The Bravo universe is abuzz with excitement and anticipation following the surprising announcement at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas that Vicki Gunvalson, fondly known as the “OG of the OC,” will be making her grand return to The Real Housewives of Orange County for its milestone 20th season. The emotional moment unfolded on Friday, November 14, when Andy Cohen surprised Gunvalson on stage during The Bravos awards by presenting her with an orange—the symbolic token of RHOC cast membership—and officially inviting her back to the show she helped launch and starred in for 14 seasons before her departure in January 2020. The announcement was met with an emotional response from Gunvalson, clearly moved by the opportunity to reclaim her spot in the franchise that made her a household name. This unexpected comeback marks a significant moment for both Gunvalson and longtime fans who have followed her journey from the very beginning of the groundbreaking reality series.

The surprise return wasn’t just emotional for viewers and Gunvalson herself—it apparently caught even her close friends off guard. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Tamra Judge, Gunvalson’s longtime friend and fellow RHOC cast member, revealed she had no prior knowledge of the announcement despite recently spending time with Vicki. “I’ve been spending a little time with Vicki lately and talking with her. And I’m like, ‘Have you got any news?’ You know, normally we don’t get news about next season till about December or January. So she’s like, ‘No, I haven’t heard anything,'” Tamra shared, confirming that Vicki was “totally surprised” by the invitation. Tamra expressed her happiness for her friend’s return, noting that even Vicki’s boyfriend Michael Smith was shocked as the moment played out, his jaw dropping in disbelief. Tamra added a lighthearted observation that now her husband Eddie would have someone to “hang out with” during filming, as both men share a similar attitude of supportive distance from their partners’ reality TV endeavors.

Behind the scenes of this joyful reunion, however, potential drama is already simmering according to fellow Bravo alum Gretchen Rossi. In her own exclusive conversation with Us Weekly during the BravoCon event, Rossi hinted at possible tension between Gunvalson and Judge despite their public friendship. “Even just, like, over the summer, Vicki was, like, texting me stuff and saying, like, oh, I’m just gonna keep me mouth shut [about] what she said,” Rossi revealed, suggesting that Vicki had been sharing “insane stuff” about Tamra in their private communications. This revelation hints at potentially complex dynamics awaiting viewers in the upcoming season, with Rossi cryptically adding, “It’s gonna be interesting to see the dynamics.” These comments suggest that beneath the surface of jubilant reunions, the interpersonal relationships that drive the franchise’s dramatic appeal remain as complicated and potentially explosive as ever.

Gunvalson herself shared the emotional rollercoaster of her BravoCon experience with Us Weekly. She explained that she had initially been invited to present the Wifetime Achievement Award to Kandi Burruss, given only a week’s notice to prepare. “When I went out there, Andy wanted me to give Kandi Burruss the Wifetime Achievement Award, and he gave me a week’s notice,” Vicki explained. “I prepared a speech, and I went up on stage, and it wasn’t on the prompter.” What followed was a moment of genuine surprise that transformed what she believed would be her farewell appearance on the Bravo stage. “When he asked me about season 20, I was really somber going out there because I thought, ‘This is my last time on stage. This is my last time with BravoCon. They’re putting me out to pasture. I’m going to kick and scream the whole way out, but I’m going to do it.'” The realization that this was instead a new beginning took time to sink in, with Gunvalson expressing profound gratitude for this unexpected opportunity to rejoin the franchise that helped define her public persona.

The return of Vicki Gunvalson to RHOC represents more than just another casting announcement; it symbolizes a homecoming for a woman who helped pioneer the entire Real Housewives phenomenon. As one of the original cast members who appeared in the very first season that launched in 2006, Gunvalson’s presence has been foundational to the series’ identity and success. Her departure in 2020 marked the end of an era, and many fans had resigned themselves to the reality that the “OG of the OC” would never again hold an orange during the show’s opening credits. This return for the 20th season carries special significance, bringing the franchise full circle as it reaches this remarkable milestone. Gunvalson’s emotional reaction to the invitation reflects the deep personal connection she feels to the show, despite the roller coaster of experiences—both positive and challenging—that characterized her previous 14-season run.

As production for Season 20 approaches, all eyes will be on how Gunvalson reintegrates into the current cast dynamic and whether the hints of tension suggested by Rossi will materialize on screen. Gunvalson herself seems focused on bringing authenticity to her return, telling Us Weekly, “I’m so grateful and thankful. I’m just going to be me and have fun and encourage women.” This statement suggests a potentially more positive, growth-oriented approach to her reality TV comeback. However, the Real Housewives franchise has always thrived on the complex interplay of friendships, rivalries, reconciliations, and confrontations—with cast members’ histories and unresolved issues often providing the emotional fuel for compelling television. With Gunvalson’s extensive history with several cast members, particularly her complicated friendship with Tamra Judge, viewers can anticipate that Season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County will deliver the perfect blend of nostalgic callbacks and fresh drama that has kept audiences invested in these women’s lives for nearly two decades. As BravoCon 2025 concludes and pre-production begins, the excitement surrounding this triumphant return of the “OG” promises to make Season 20 one of the most anticipated in the franchise’s storied history.