Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives’ franchise should come to Austin

So far, the only Texas city that has been featured on the franchise was the Real Housewives of Dallas, which ran from 2016-2021. It was canceled after five seasons due to low ratings and an anti-Asian incident with one of the cast members. However, a potential new RHOA could bring redemption to the state.

And just like every other Real Housewives, Austin is home to not only the rich, but also the interesting and unique lives of women making a name for themselves in the Capital city. 

Without further ado, here’s our list of who we think Bravo should cast to be on the Real Housewives of Austin if, of course, it ever happens. 

Locally known as the “first lady of Texas football,” Loreal Sarkisian is on Texas Monthly’s list and we 100% agree. Loreal is married to Texas Longhorns head football coach Steve Sarkisian. She’s gained popularity for her fashion-forward outfits on Texas game days and philanthropy efforts off the football field. She’s also a stylist and YouTuber with tons of followers. I can picture a storyline in one of the episodes where Sarkisian invites the ladies to one of the Texas games and takes photos with them on the field until moving up to their box seats to catch up on any and all drama. 

You may already know her name from her notorious women’s jewelry brand, but what you may not know is Kendra Scott is an Austinite and Texas Ex. Scott was also on TM’s list and we think she’d add sparkle to the cast. Scott’s business and name recognition alone makes her a perfect candidate, but it’s her unpredictable day-to-day life like opening up a center at the University of Texas business school and visiting college sororities that would let viewers get to know Scott beyond just her name. 

Camila Alves McConaughey is a Brazilian model and designer married to actor Matthew McConaughey. The power couple moved to Austin with their kids in 2012, and have since made their mark on the city. Camila is the co-founder of Pantalones Tequila and founder of Women of Today, which is an online community with seasonal recipes and her series of favorites. She and her husband are also co-founders of the just keep livin Foundation. I can definitely see Camila and Loreal bonding (if they haven’t already) over Texas football at a game or Camila inviting the girls to an Austin FC match, which she and her husband frequent almost every season.

This wouldn’t be an Austin list without a Hollywood actress in the mix. Becca Tobin recently moved to Austin with her husband and traded her smaller Los Angeles hills home for a Texas Hill Country property. The Glee star and LadyGang podcast co-host would be the motivational one of the bunch and could give some sound advice to anyone of the girls who may need it. Texas Monthly also mentioned Christy Carlson Romano as another great option for an actress turned podcaster, but since Tobin’s already a New York Times best-selling author for her book, Lady Secrets, I think she’d be a good friend to Camila as they navigate Austin life together as celebrities. 

College sweethearts, Tiffany Taylor and her husband Leon co-founded Tiff’s Treats after Tiffany stood Leon up for a date and apologized with cookies. Tiff’s is now a household name in Texas with now multiple cookie delivery business locations nationwide. It would be interesting to see Taylor’s life as an entrepreneur and like Kendra, I think people would be curious to know more about the person behind the brand they know and love.

Last but certainly not least is Gabriela Bucio. She is the undisputed queen of Austin nightlife. Besides having a day named after her by the city, Bucio owns multiple businesses like Mala Vida on 6th Street, the viral all-pink Taquero Mucho Mexican restaurant, and Gabriela’s downtown, just to name a few. On top of that she DJ’s frequently at her nightclubs. I can absolutely see her getting the girls out of the house for a night on the town. She’d also, of course, be the life of the party among the housewives and would be the first to plan the notorious big trips and fun outings the franchise is known for. 

If you don’t already follow her for her stylish court-side outfits, Sydney Carter is part of the University of Texas women’s basketball coaching staff. She’s also a former college athlete and WNBA player. When she’s not on the basketball court, Carter continues to make a name for herself by collaborating with local and nationwide brands like Hibett Sports and Amazon’s The Drop. Although she’s younger than most women that are featured on the franchise, I believe she could still be a great addition to the Austin show. Plus, Carter and Sarkisian’s love for sports and fashion would make them bond to be the perfect RHOA big/little sister duo like Nene Leakes and Porsha Williams were on the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Who would you add to MySA’s Real Housewives of Austin cast?