The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is the latest iteration of the popular Bravo television franchise. The newest group of women is sharing glimpses of their private lives and fun facts with viewers and soon-to-be fans.
The show follows a close-knit group of eight women in the “Ocean State” as they navigate friendships and family life. Rising tensions within their circle also unfold. Cast members Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi join friend and The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania in the series.
The series premieres on Thursday. Viewers can expect drama, relatability, and plenty of franchise familiarity.
Here’s a closer look at each cast member and what fans should know before tuning in, per Bravo and Decider.
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli is a certified financial planner and wealth manager. She balances her career, marriage, and motherhood with her husband Brian and their two children. Pontarelli embraces her “boss mom” identity but acknowledges her perfectionism as both a “blessing and a curse.” She shares a close friendship with Carmody. Pontarelli describes her style as fashion-forward and bold, and she loves luxury accessories.
Liz McGraw
Liz McGraw is the owner of Rhode Island’s largest cannabis dispensary. She is married to her husband, Gerry, and has three stepchildren. McGraw prizes trust and emotional intelligence in her friendships, notably with Swanson and Catania. Her style fuses bohemian and high-fashion influences.
Jo-Ellen Tiberi
Jo-Ellen Tiberi is an aesthetic practice development manager who balances her career with family life alongside her husband, Gary, and their three young children. She describes her fashion style as very “revealing,” and her closest friends can “depend on the day.” Tiberi also suggests the season will feature interesting revelations tied to dishonesty, drama and emotionally vulnerable moments among the cast.
Kelsey Swanson
Kelsey Swanson is a makeup artist in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend. She aligns closely with McGraw and Tiberi among the friend group. Swanson describes her style as “classy but chic.” In season 1, she hints at tension within the group, particularly with DiMare, as relationships are tested.
Ashley Iaconetti
Ashley Iaconetti, a Bachelor franchise alum, is a social media influencer, podcast host, and co-owner of Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge. She is married to her husband, Jared, and has two young children. Laconetti has formed a close bond with DiMare, citing their instant chemistry. She describes her style as relaxed off-camera, but loves to dress up when needed.
Rosie DiMare
Rosie DiMare is a television host and DJ. She is married to her husband, Rich. DiMare maintains close ties with Carmody Laconetti. She teases that season 1 will show how beautiful Rhode Island can be and how the people take pride in where they are from, but some of them can be a bit too much.
Alicia Carmody
Alicia Carmody is a restaurant owner and the founder of Pizza Mamma. She is engaged to her fiancé, Billy, and raising her daughter/ Carmody values her long-standing friendships and community ties in Rhode Island. She shares close relationships with DiMare, Tiberi and Pontarelli. Carmody also describes her style as “city” and not “coastal.”
Dolores Catania (Friend)
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania joins the cast as a friend, bringing experience from the franchise. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, she shares a close friendship with McGraw and serves as a mentor to several women in the group. Catania stated that the group’s authenticity will resonate most with viewers.
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