Porsha Williams is among the principal cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.” While discussing the upcoming limited series, she opened up about her time away from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and how she knew it was time to return. This comes ahead of the “RHOA” season 17 reunion.
Regarding “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” the main cast also includes Vicki Gunvalson, Kyle Richards, Teresa Giudice, Luann de Lesseps, Gizelle Bryant, and Lisa Barlow. It premieres on August 9, following part of the “RHOA” reunion.
The seven main ladies from “Roaring 20th” sat down with The Hollywood Reporter for an almost hour-long discussion. During the interview, they discussed everything from the legacy of their respective shows to personal struggles they’ve shared with fans over the years.
During a portion of the interview, Williams said, “At first, every year I wanted to leave the show. I was like, ‘What am I doing? This is not it.” She then stated that later in her run on the show, “something happened” and she learned she could use her platform for good.
According to her, “Purpose started arriving after I had been through so much… You realize, I can use this platform for the better for women.”
The Mom Of One Left The Show For Three Years
Williams continued discussing her legacy as a housewife by mentioning the multi-year break she took from the series. She said, “I think I’m probably one of the only ones who took a break. I was gone for three years.” Regarding why she returned, Williams shared that “Ultimate Girls Trip: Thailand” was one reason.
The 45-year-old explained, “It was similar to this experience for me. Now, the break was great, but during that break and I came back, and I did ‘Ultimate Girls Trip,’ I remember telling my manager, and I told some of the executives, I said, ‘I miss the sisterhood.’”
She went on to say that “no one” can relate to the experience of being a housewife. According to her, “No one knows what we know. No one has felt what we have been through. Specifically, she was referring to the fact that their personal experiences are watched by millions of people.
Williams continued, “I remember when I survived this, where I wanted to be under a rock, and I was in front of a camera.” She then said, “So, when I experienced that after those three years, I said, ‘I’m ready to come back.’”
Porsha Williams Announced Her Exit In 2021
Williams joined “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2012 for its 5th season. She quickly became a fan favorite in the franchise, which meant many were shocked when she announced she was leaving the show in 2021. The “Flatline” singer shared the news on her official Instagram in September of that year.
She said at the time, “After ten life-changing, gratifying, incredible years, it is finally time to begin my next chapter. Next season, I will not be returning to the Real Housewives of Atlanta franchise. This was a difficult decision not only to make but also to come to terms with. It’s one I have put a lot of thought into, and because of that, I know it’s the right one.”
Then, years later in February 2024, Williams shared that she would be returning to the show for its 16th season, which served as a soft reboot. According to Benijay Americas, she said in a statement, “I’m incredibly thankful for the vision and faith NBCUniversal has put in me to be a larger part of their family. I’m looking forward to being back on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ and showing the world my new world!”
Bravo Released A First Look At ‘Roaring 20th’
Bravo has released multiple clips from “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.” The first was the official trailer, which the network unveiled in July, offering an overview of what fans can expect, along with iconic moments from the past 20 years of “Real Housewives.”
Additionally, in August, Bravo shared the first several minutes of the premiere episode. In it, former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes could be seen arriving at Williams’ home as she packs for “Girls Trip.” Notably, this will serve as Leakes’ first appearance on Bravo since leaving the show in 2020.
The ‘RHOA’ Season 17 Reunion Will Have 3 Parts
Season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” premiered in April 2026, with the finale airing on August 2. Now, ahead of the reunion, Bravo has released the trailer, with Andy Cohen confirming in the clip that, as is usually the case, there will be three parts.
In the trailer, not only does Williams face off against her former best friend Shamea Morton, but she and K. Michelle also discuss their issues, as they’re both sitting opposite Cohen. It was also confirmed that there will be a pregnancy reveal at the reunion.
