“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” premiered this past Sunday and while lots of die-hard fans have been eager to catch up with the ladies, the general public — and even some other fans — didn’t seem quite as interested.
Ratings for the season 11 premiere were down significantly compared to those of the last four seasons, according to Nielsen.
(Bravo)
The Nov. 4 episode, which saw Eva Marcille join the cast as a full-time peach holder and replace Kenya Moore, drew only 1.93 million viewers. It’s a sharp drop among the last seasons, which hit its peak premiere viewership in season 7 with 3.83 million folks watching.
Since then, ratings have been on the decline for the long-running Bravo show. Season 8 drew 2.96 million viewers, season 9 saw viewership drop some to 2.59 million, and season 10 had 2.43 million viewers.
As for what led to such a drop among those watching, fans have several theories.
Some speculate it was a lack of promotion from the cast and Bravo.
“Less promotional interviews…”
“Not sure who dropped the ball but there was a significant absence of on-air promotional interviews. Eva and Shamari should have been everywhere.”
“A lot of people didn’t know they were coming back. Promos were not where they should have been. Bravo dropped the ball on this franchise @therealhousewivesofatlanta.”
Others blame the absence of long-time RHOA staples like Moore, who said she wanted a “drama free environment” and Phaedra Parks. The Atlanta attorney was booted from the show for her hand in spreading a rumor about Kandi Burruss and Porsha Williams. Meanwhile, Blaque singer Shamari DeVoe is set to join later this season to replace Shereé Whitfield, who left the show after season 10.
“When we said we wanted Kenya that what TF WE meant…”
“They will continue to slip until they bring back Phaedra, Kenya, & Sheree.”
“We not playing about Kenya.”
“Bring Kenya and Phaedra back… thank you, next.”
“🗣 Bring back Kenya & Sheree!”
