The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) is facing a tough season, with ratings hitting an all-time low despite the highly anticipated return of Phaedra Parks. Kenya Moore, a longtime star of the show, expressed her shock and disappointment over the plummeting viewership, especially when compared to the surprising success of Phaedra’s new venture, Love Hotel.
According to recent reports, the May 18 episode of RHOA, which marked Phaedra’s dramatic return, only drew 258,000 viewers in the 18-49 demographic, a significant drop from the season’s premiere, which had 336,000 viewers in the same demographic. This marks a new low for the franchise, which has historically been a ratings juggernaut for Bravo. The overall viewership for the episode was 720,000, a stark contrast to the show’s peak years when it regularly pulled in millions.
Kenya, who has been a mainstay on RHOA since Season 5, took to social media to share her disbelief, writing, “I can’t believe these numbers! We’re giving everything, and it’s not connecting like it used to. What’s going on, y’all?” Her comments echo the sentiments of many fans who have voiced concerns about the show’s direction this season, citing a lack of compelling storylines and chemistry among the cast.
Phaedra’s return was expected to be a game-changer for RHOA, especially after her seven-year absence from the show. Her comeback, filled with her signature wit and shade, was heavily promoted by Bravo, but it seems to have fallen flat with audiences. Some speculate that the ongoing cast shakeups, including the departure of fan favorites like Kandi Burruss, have left the show struggling to recapture its former glory.
Meanwhile, Phaedra’s new reality show, Love Hotel, airing on Peacock, is reportedly outperforming RHOA in viewership. The dating series, which features Phaedra as a matchmaker helping singles find love, has garnered buzz for its fresh concept and Phaedra’s commanding presence. Sources claim Love Hotel is pulling in stronger numbers in key demographics, leaving Bravo executives stunned and RHOA fans divided.
For the first time in history RHOA Falls to #10 on Peacock. It’s flopping in viewership and Streaming https://t.co/uiBgyd3kUH pic.twitter.com/OgsajhLuVc
— King Lonnie 🤪 (@King_Lonnie_95) May 29, 2025
“It’s wild to think Phaedra’s new show is doing better than RHOA,” one insider shared. “Her star power is undeniable, but RHOA’s decline is a wake-up call for the network.” Fans on social media have been quick to point out the irony, with one X user posting, “Phaedra’s out here thriving on Love Hotel, while RHOA is giving us crumbs. Maybe it’s time for a reboot!”
Kenya, however, remains optimistic about RHOA’s future. In a recent interview, she hinted at major changes coming to the franchise, urging fans to “stay tuned” for surprises that could shake things up. “We’re not done yet,” she said. “There’s still a lot of drama and heart to show. We just need to find our groove again.”
As RHOA struggles to regain its footing, the cast, including Kenya, Porsha Williams, and Drew Sidora, continues to film Season 17, with rumors swirling about potential new housewives joining the mix. Whether these changes will be enough to boost ratings remains to be seen, but for now, Phaedra’s Love Hotel seems to be stealing the spotlight.