‘RHOBH’ Executive Producer Says Lisa Rinna Can Not Be Replace

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills producers don’t think they will ever get anyone like Lisa Rinna to join the upcoming season 13. During a Real Housewives panel at the 2023 Realscreen Summit in Austin, Texas, one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills producers weighed in on Lisa Rinna’s exit.

Executive Producer Alex Baskin told Page Six, “I think you never look to replace someone who just departed — because there is only one Lisa Rinna.” The producer went on to talk about the kind of woman who would be able to fit in with personalities like Erika Jayne, Kyle Richards, and Garcelle Beauvais. “I think you look for someone who is going to both fit in and stand out.’

Baskin was joined on the panel by other Housewives creators, including Pamela Gimenez, VP, Unscripted Current Production, NBC Universal Television and Streaming; Lorraine Haughton – Lawson, SVP, Current Production at Truly Original; and Kathleen French, SVP, of Current Production, NBCUniversal Television, and Streaming.

Baskin is a reality TV vet who has worked on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Real Housewives of Orange County. Baskin added that finding a gem like Lisa Rinna can be really hard. “You want someone who has relationships with the rest of the group, someone who will be a real girlfriend to them and, at the same time, someone who will make a distinct impression.” 

The CEO of 32 Flavors Entertainment also revealed how hard reunions are behind the scenes and why they keep getting longer as the franchise gets bigger. Baskin said, “They’re harder and harder. I think we cover more and, in general, nothing is off-limits with the shows. Because the audience is so involved in the reunions … everything under the sun is thought of and asked.” The producer went on to say that the reunions take a lot of stamina. “I always say the season is a marathon and the reunion is a sprint and you’re dead-tired at the end.”

All of the panel participants spoke about their time working for the Housewives franchise and what they think the empire has become with dozens of iterations and spin-offs.

French, who worked on The Real Housewives of Miami and The Real Housewives of Miami, said, “It’s a great franchise. We’re really proud of it. The people who work on the shows love the shows.” she continued, “I think the women are proud of what they do and speaking both as an executive producer but also as a network exec, I’m so proud of the franchise as well.”

Lisa Rinna announced her exit from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills after her season 12 contract expired. The soap actress spoke to PEOPLE earlier this year about her departure after being on the reality show for eight seasons.

In a statement, Rinna said, “This is the longest job I have held in my 35 year career and I am grateful to everyone at Bravo and all those involved in the series. It has been a fun eight-year run and I am excited for what is to come!” Rinna joined the Housewives franchise in 2014 and has been a fan favorite despite her feuds with fellow cast members.

Executive producer Andy Cohen reacted to Lisa’s exit during a January 9 episode of his SiriusXM Show, Radio Andy, and admitted he was surprised.

“So this is a reality show, and it goes to, that is a testament to how compelling Lisa Rinna is to watch on television that she went eight years. Think of all the memes that Lisa Rinna has generated. Think of all the gifs she’s generated.” Cohen continued, “She has been really a huge part of Beverly Hills, and I really do hope that this is a pause. I hope she will come back. I really do.”

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