Nene Leaks: Returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta?

The OG is Back? Speculation Mounts Over Nene Leakes' Return to 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta

​Entertainment Desk—Rumors of a potential comeback for The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) original, Nene Leakes, have once again ignited the reality television world, although the star herself has recently poured cold water on the most immediate speculation.

​Leakes, the legendary "OG" whose witty catchphrases and larger-than-life personality helped launch the Real Housewives franchise into a pop culture juggernaut, has repeatedly expressed an openness to reclaiming her peach—but only under the right conditions.

​'Never Say Never'

​In January of 2025, Leakes appeared on talk shows, stating she would "never say never" to a return. She explicitly told Entertainment Weekly that she would consider a comeback "If the opportunity was right and the check was on point," joking, "You know, I might be back" if the offer had "zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zeros" on the end [2.2, 1.5].

​She confirmed that the past drama with the network has been largely resolved, saying she and Bravo have "put a lot of things behind us" and are now "dating slowly" [2.5, 2.4].

​Shutting Down Season 17 Rumors

​Despite the star’s continued openness to the possibility, Leakes herself recently dismissed whispers of an immediate return for the upcoming Season 17 of RHOA.

​Taking to social media in August 2025, the reality icon directly addressed fans clamoring for her comeback, stating emphatically: "They have NEVER offered me to return! Good luck to Season 17 cast. We will be watching" [1.1, 1.2].

​This statement quashes reports that she had been offered a "friend" role for the new season. Leakes has previously indicated a "friend of" role would likely not be suitable for the franchise's seminal star, stating, "I just would think, Nene, Season 1, the first Housewife, and I'm a friend? I don't know" [1.7].

​What a Return Would Mean for RHOA

​As RHOA navigates a recently rebooted cast and fluctuating ratings, the idea of the franchise's undeniable queen returning remains an electrifying possibility for fans and network executives alike.

​Leakes' magnetic presence and ability to create memorable, meme-worthy moments have proven essential to the show's success. Her enduring impact was highlighted when Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo recently called on Bravo to bring Leakes back, stating, "Where is she? Bring her back, please. She's great" [2.1].

​The star has acknowledged that the show has changed significantly since her 2020 departure, noting that she would have to find her place with the new ensemble [1.3]. However, the general consensus among viewers and commentators is that if a substantial contract is put forth, the self-proclaimed "icon and legendary" reality star would be prepared to snatch her peach back [3.3].