The Bravo universe is about to get a little more fabulous with the arrival of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island (RHORI), and Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania and her boyfriend, Paulie Connell, are spilling all the tea! The dynamic duo recently took to social media to share their excitement, confirming that filming for the highly anticipated spinoff has officially wrapped—and it’s set to make a splash, Jersey style!
Paulie Connell kicked things off with an Instagram post that had fans buzzing. “And that’s a wrap 🎬 Rhode Island…..” he wrote, teasing the fun that’s in store. “Oh, did we have a blast! So impressed, tbh. You have earned a special place in our hearts 💞. Great people along with great food and so much fun. RI, you are in for a treat, Jersey Style! Stay tuned 🙂↔️😜.”
Not one to miss the action, Dolores slid into the comments with her own enthusiasm. “Best summer ever. So sad to leave,” she wrote, followed by a cryptic, “❤️❤️❤️stay tuned.” The RHONJ star’s excitement is palpable, and it’s clear that RHORI is gearing up to deliver drama, glamour, and everything Bravo fans crave.
BravoTV.com dropped the news about the Real Housewives franchise’s expansion to Rhode Island back in May, and the premise already has us hooked. Set against the picturesque shores of the Ocean State, RHORI will dive into the lives of a tight-knit group of Rhode Islanders with deep community roots and family ties that span generations. Expect aspirational lifestyles, thriving businesses, and, of course, tangled family dynamics. As Bravo puts it, “In a state this small, there’s no escaping your past … or each other.” Cue the drama!
For Dolores Catania, Rhode Island isn’t just a filming location—it’s a place that holds a special spot in her heart. She first visited the state at 18, an experience that left a lasting impression. “It was my first time experiencing anything [outside] of New Jersey,” she shared. What struck her most? The vibrant Italian community. “It was insane,” she recalled. “They paint the streets with the Italian flag there.” The strong Italian presence made her feel right at home, but Rhode Island had more surprises in store.
“When I first went there, I thought it was like Martha’s Vineyard,” Dolores explained. “Everybody was very blonde and everybody was [in] their sweaters. Everything was very preppy to me.” That unique blend of coastal charm and cultural pride is sure to set the stage for RHORI’s explosive debut.
With filming officially wrapped, the countdown is on for The Real Housewives of Rhode Island to hit our screens. If Dolores and Paulie’s excitement is any indication, this spinoff will bring the perfect mix of heart, humor, and high-stakes drama. From decade-long friendships to inescapable pasts, the Ocean State is ready to serve up a fresh dose of Bravo magic.