It was announced in November 2025 that Vicki Gunvalson would return to “The Real Housewives of Orange County” after several years of only making minor appearances. Now, season 20 is set to premiere on July 9, and the “RHOC” original cast member is revealing why her daughter, Briana Culberson, was against the idea.
The premiere event for season 20 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” took place in late June at The Commons on the NBCUniversal Studios lot. While there, the cast, including Gunvalson, took part in a panel discussion.
Specifically, while discussing her return to the show, she recalled her daughter Culberson, saying the hit Bravo series had caused problems in the 64-year-old’s personal life when she was a cast member.
According to PEOPLE, Gunvalson revealed, “Briana said, ‘No, Mom. The show has never been good for you. You’ve always lost relationships.’” Currently, Gunvalson is dating Michael Smith, and her daughter feared that her return to the show could lead to the relationship’s eventual demise.
She stated, “She really enjoyed me with Michael, and we were just starting a new relationship, a couple years old, and she’s like, ‘Why do you want to do this? Don’t put him on.’”
Vicki Says Fans Will Get Glimpses Of Her Boyfriend On ‘RHOC’
Gunvalson continued discussing her daughter’s concerns about returning to “The Real Housewives of Orange County” regarding her relationship with Smith. In terms of his involvement with the show, she said, “I’m like, ‘Okay, I won’t put him on.’” The mom of two added, “She’s very protective over me.”
Still, this doesn’t mean fans won’t meet Smith through the show. Gunvalson explained that he “did appear a little bit this year.”
Elsewhere at the “RHOC” premiere event, Gunvalson recalled that she initially turned down the show when she was approached in the mid-2000s, noting that her then-husband, Donn Gunvalson, was against appearing on reality television.
She stated, “My husband at the time, Donn, said, ‘There’s no way we’re doing a reality show. You work too hard. I work too hard. I want to come home and have peace.’”
Fans Are Mixed On ‘RHOC’ 20 Ahead Of Its Premiere
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” remains one of Bravo’s most popular shows. However, following the trailer release, some usual viewers say they may skip this season. However, overall, Bravo fans seem excited for Gunvalson to appear on the show in a full-time capacity.
One person said, “Hate to say it because I had high hopes with it being the 20th season and Vicki coming back, but it looks dry and boring as heck.” Someone else wrote, “Another BORING season.”
However, A different “RHOC” fan stated, “Vicki and Shannon up to their old antics, already has the makings of a classic OC season.” Someone else said, “Love this cast except for Gina and Emily.” Lastly, one other social media user weighed in, saying, “Love that Vicki is back!”
Andy Cohen Previously Opened Up About Vicki’s Return
There had been speculation for years that Gunvalson may return to the show as a housewife. Then, at BravoCon 2025, in November, Andy Cohen presented her with an orange and invited her back to the series while on stage at the convention.
According to TV Insider, Cohen opened up about having Gunvalson return to “RHOC” at BravoCon. He explained, “I was so excited to give Vicki that orange back. We don’t take it lightly that ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ is turning 20, and so we thought it would be a really fun thing to bring her back. And I really wanted to do it in front of all of you.”
Vicki Recently Opened Up About Her Relationships With Tamra Judge And Shannon Beador
Gunvalson has close friendships with fellow “RHOC” stars Tamra Judge and Shannon Beador. However, Beador and Judge had a falling-out despite remaining on the show together during Gunvalson’s absence.
Recently, Gunvalson interviewed with Entertainment Tonight and gave an update on her standing with the ladies. She explained, “I think that Shannon and I are still really close. I’m close to Tamra.” However, she stated that the three of them together have “a little bit of work to do.”
It’s also worth noting that the previously released “RHOC” season 20 trailer shows Gunvalson making efforts to get Judge and Beador on better terms.
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” airs on Thursday nights on Bravo.