Bravo's THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY Returns for New Season July 16

Bravo Media's original series that started the hit franchise "The Real Housewives of Orange County" is back for a new season, ready to move forward and whoop it up, beginning Monday, July 16 at 9pm ET/PT. This season, Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador and Kelly Dodd are joined by two feisty new housewives Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter. As the ladies face life's ups-and-downs, they find the importance of each other's support and friendship more than ever before.

Season 12 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" drew nearly 3 million total viewers, ranking in 2017 among the top 15 reality series on cable with P18-49 and in the top five most affluent programs, among the top 100 rated scripted and unscripted series on cable.*

After the surprising reconciliation between Vicki, Tamra and Shannon at last season's reunion, the ladies are working to rebuild their friendship and regain each other's trust. But they all know it will take more than a hug to repair the rumors, BETRAYAL and damage done over the years. Newly single, Shannon and Kelly have both moved into new homes and find that they are approaching their post-divorce life very differently, as they navigate the dating world, raise their daughters and launch their own careers. Vicki and Steve's relationship is still going strong, but the OG of the OC wants him to commit and be more than just a boyfriend. Meanwhile, Tamra fears that a health scare for Eddie could have bigger consequences than just sidelining her husband from CUT Fitness. In the spirit of reconciliation and new beginnings, Tamra brings her estranged friend Emily and acquaintance Gina into the group to shake things up in the OC.

Emily Simpson

A true rags-to-riches story, Emily is an Ohio transplant who came from nothing and willed herself to great success to become an attorney, a part-time party-planer, a wife and a mom. However, motherhood has been a bumpy road for her after years of fertility and pregnancy issues. Resigned to the fact that she could not successfully carry her own children, Emily's sister Sarah stepped in as a surrogate for all three of Emily and her husband Shane's children - daughter Annabelle and twin boys Luke and Keller. With three children under five, and two step-daughters from Shane's previous marriage, Emily and Shane, are trying to plan out the future of their family and their careers together. Emily planned Tamra's baby shower for granddaughter Ava a few years back, but had a falling out with her shortly after befriending some of Tamra's former besties. Now focusing on mending the toxic relationships in her life, Emily hopes that she can find true friendships with the ladies.

Gina Kirschenheiter

This expressive outsider from Long Island is shaking up Southern California and its politically correct Orange County ways. As a mother of three kids under the age of 5, Gina keeps her expectations low and her patience high. With her husband working and living in Los Angeles during the week, Gina is a single mom of sorts, which causes her to re-evaluate what she wants and needs in her marriage. Having only lived in Orange County for 3 years, she is still acclimating and is quickly learning that friendships in the OC aren't always what they seem.

Tune in tonight, Monday, June 11 at 9 pm ET/PT for the half-hour special, "The Real Housewives of Orange County: How They Got Here" to reminisce on the memorable moments, jam-packed with all the screwball fun, drama and conflict from the past 12 seasons. Get caught up on the ladies with Vicki's love tank woes, Tamra's wavering friendship with the OG of the OC, Shannon's rocky marriage and Kelly's polarizing arrival into the fold.

"The Real Housewives of Orange County" is produced by Evolution Media for Bravo, with Douglas Ross, Alex Baskin, Stephanie Boyriven and Brian McCarthy, along with Scott Dunlop, serving as Executive Producers. Andy Cohen also serves as Executive Producer.

Photo Credit: Bravo/NBC

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