Margaret Josephs Would Be ‘Okay’ with Not Returning for the Next Season of RHONJ
Although Margaret Josephs would “love to” come back for another season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, she is at peace with the possibility that it may not happen.
“Am I sad that we’re not filming? Honestly, it’s a welcome break,” Margaret, 57, shared exclusively with Us Weekly during the grand opening of Planet Hollywood in New York City on Tuesday, March 11. “It’s relaxing. It’s enjoyable, but naturally, I’d like to return.”
Margaret has been part of RHONJ since season 8 in 2017. Her last appearance was on season 14 in 2024, alongside Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, Jennifer Aydin, Dolores Catania, Jackie Goldschneider, Jennifer Fessler, Danielle Cabral, and Rachel Fuda. Us Weekly confirmed in February that there are no confirmed casting updates regarding season 15.
Margaret believes the ideal cast would include “my friends, along with some fresh faces.”
“I want everyone to succeed and enjoy their careers. Some friendships have reached a point where it’s time to move on. And you know what? If it’s not meant to be for me, that’s completely fine,” she remarked on Tuesday. “I have a wonderful life.”
When further pressed about how she would handle not being part of season 15, Margaret stated, “If that’s the wish of the Bravo Gods, then so be it. I’ve enjoyed the journey.”
Margaret has remained “very close” with her co-stars Melissa, 45, Dolores, 54, Rachel, 33, Jennifer Fessler, 57, and Danielle, 39. Jennifer Fessler and Danielle also made appearances at the Planet Hollywood opening on Tuesday and shared their thoughts with Us about the RHONJ break.
“I miss the excitement; the little snippets of joy that were there. It’s always a blast to film,” Danielle expressed in a separate interview with Us on Tuesday. “But, I hope the dynamics shift. I’m looking for something more engaging!”
Danielle mentioned that she would prefer everyone to return for season 15 “except for three.”
The stars of The Real Housewives of New Jersey have plenty to say about the show’s future. “I believe it will return because it was too good not to,” Dolores Catania told Us Weekly exclusively on the red carpet at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, September 11. “In an ideal scenario, I feel […]
“We’re Jersey girls. We can have a playful time, but let’s not aim for the jugular,” Danielle said, not specifying which Housewives she feels should be cut if she had a choice.
On the red carpet, Jennifer Fessler stated that she would “only return as a friend.”
“Absolutely, I would come back, darling,” Jennifer Fessler joked. “I’d return as someone who handles craft services.”
Jennifer Fessler also hinted at how the group dynamics have altered since “that insane, ridiculous [and] over-the-top finale.”
“I think things have unfolded just as you would expect,” she noted. “I mean, it was pretty evident, right? I don’t believe anyone anticipated Margaret and Teresa to reconcile — definitely not Melissa and Teresa. I think it was pretty clear that Danielle and Jen [Aydin] were never meant to be close friends. That was somewhat written in the stars from the start.”
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
