The Real Housewives of New Jersey is no stranger to family feuds, but even by the franchise’s standards, the last two years have been some of the most chaotic in the show’s history. Now, as Bravo producers prepare the cast list for the milestone 15th season, a development that seemed nearly impossible just months ago has taken center stage: Teresa Giudice reportedly reached out to her estranged brother Joe Gorga and his wife Melissa, opening the door to a long-awaited reconciliation.

But not everyone is convinced the sudden olive branch is as heartfelt as it appears.

Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly, longtime RHONJ star Margaret Josephs said she hopes the renewed contact between Giudice and the Gorgas is sincere—but admitted she remains cautious.

“I hope Teresa’s intentions are pure,” Josephs said. “It’s their family. I want it to be genuine for the sake of Melissa and Joe—I know it’s genuine on their part. But I’m hesitant. We’ve been down this road many, many times.”

Josephs, who has been both a mediator and a target in the Giudice–Gorga drama over the years, said she believes moments like these should be handled away from cameras, social media, and Bravo fan speculation.

“I think things like this have to be done in a therapeutic setting and behind closed doors, and not to be played out in the press,” she explained. “I feel it shouldn’t be turned into a public display. I think it’s weird for it to be played out in the press, but that’s just me. Not every move needs to be a public statement.”

Still, Josephs said she hopes the renewed family communication paves the way for a calmer, lighter RHONJ than fans saw in the explosive and deeply divided Season 14.

“I miss the fun Jersey,” she admitted. “I miss the laughs, the friendships, the over-the-top moments that weren’t rooted in hostility. I hope we can get back to a place where the women actually enjoy each other again.”

Cast Chaos Ahead of Season 15

The Real Housewives of New Jersey remains in a state of uncertainty as Bravo executives evaluate casting options. Season 14 concluded with the cast fractured into two camps, with Giudice and Melissa Gorga not speaking, friendships upended, and production forced to reformat the reunion due to the women’s unwillingness to be in the same room.

Fans have been waiting for months to hear who will return, who will be demoted, and whether any new faces will join the franchise’s next chapter.

During BravoCon, Giudice was asked directly who she would want alongside her if she could choose six women for Season 15. Her answer raised some eyebrows—not only because she expressed support for Melissa Gorga’s return, but because she conveniently excluded Margaret Josephs from her dream lineup.

“Well, I definitely want new blood,” Giudice said. “I don’t have sisters, so I’m a girl’s girl. I love meeting new people, new women, and forming new friendships. I’m all about that.”

When pressed to name returning cast members she’d personally pick, she responded, “I would say Jennifer Aydin, Dolores, my sister-in-law Melissa, and Jackie Goldschneider. And I think that’s it.”

The omission of Josephs was not lost on fans. Giudice and Josephs have had a strained relationship for several seasons, with tensions escalating during the dramatic final episodes of Season 14.

Josephs, for her part, has brushed off the snub.

“I’m not surprised,” she told Us Weekly. “Teresa and I haven’t been aligned for a while. But I’m focused on bringing positivity and authenticity to the show, wherever that leads.”

Behind the Scenes: Bravo’s Dilemma

Bravo now finds itself at a crossroads. With nearly 15 years of family conflict, shifting alliances, and cast shake-ups, producers must decide whether RHONJ will double down on its historic feuds—or reset the tone completely.

According to production insiders, the network is considering several possibilities:

• Bringing in two or three new full-time cast members

• Rebuilding the show around one core family

• Filming with smaller group interactions before forcing full-cast events

• Testing the impact of the Giudice–Gorga reconciliation before locking cast contracts

Nothing is final yet, and Bravo fans will likely have to wait until early 2026 for an official announcement.

One thing is clear: the producers want Season 15 to feel like a revival, not a continuation of Season 14’s hostility.

“This show works when there’s drama,” one insider said, “but not when the drama becomes unfilmable.”

What Comes Next?

Whether Teresa’s attempt at reconnecting with the Gorgas represents a real desire to heal or simply a strategic move ahead of casting decisions remains to be seen. But for Josephs, the priority is simple: authenticity, peace, and a return to the fun energy that once made RHONJ a standout among Bravo’s franchises.

“Family is complicated. Reality TV is complicated,” Josephs said. “But at the end of the day, I just want everyone to be genuine—on camera and off. That’s when the best moments happen.”

As fans wait for Season 15 updates, one thing is certain: the Garden State still has plenty of drama left to harvest.