Phaedra Parks is returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (RHOA) as a full-time cast member for season 16. Parks, 50, announced the news on Instagram, saying, “You called, I answered,” along with a photoshoot holding a peach.
Her return comes after Kenya Moore’s controversial exit from the show. Moore reportedly displayed explicit pictures of new cast member Brittany Eady during filming, leading to her departure. An insider claimed Moore was retaliating after feeling threatened, but another source disputed this, saying, “At no time was Kenya ever threatened with a weapon, nor was there ever a weapon present.”
Moore addressed her fans on Instagram, expressing gratitude: “You are the best fans anyone could ever ask for, and I love you all so very much.” Her departure left fans disappointed, as many were excited to see her reunite with longtime frenemy Porsha Williams.
Phaedra’s Triumphant Return
Parks and Williams, known as the “frick” to each other’s “frack,” will reunite this season. Parks had previously stated she did not want to return to RHOA, saying in a 2022 interview, “I’ve made it very clear, that’s not what I want to do.”
Parks joined RHOA in season 3 and left in season 9 amid controversy with Kandi Burruss. The fallout involved rumors Parks spread about Burruss and her husband. Despite the drama, Parks’ popularity remained high. She appeared on “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition” and “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.”
Parks also became a standout on season 2 of “The Traitors,” leading to Emmy nominations for the show. Bravo hopes her return will revive RHOA during a crucial time, following lackluster seasons and a major cast shakeup.
New Beginnings and Old Faces
Alongside Parks and Williams, Drew Sidora is the only returning cast member from season 15. New faces include Brittany Eady, restaurateur Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley, wife of NBA great Charles Oakley. Shamea Morton Mwangi, a long-time guest, is now a full-time Housewife. Cynthia Bailey will return in a Friend role.
Season 16 of RHOA does not have a premiere date yet, but previous seasons are available on Peacock.