Oranges come and go, but being a Real Housewife is forever.
It's hard to believe that 2006 was the special year pop culture fans were first introduced to the Real Housewives of Orange County. But thanks to the bravery and openness of Vicki Gunvalson, Jo De La Rosa, Jeana Keough, Lauri Peterson and Kimberly Bryant, a new reality TV franchise was born with no signs of slowing down.
Tonight, season 14 kicks off with both familiar and fresh faces—welcome to the fun Braunwyn Windham-Burke. And as you likely could have guessed, fans are excited for a season that includes an engagement, lots of tears and plenty of drama.
In celebration of premiere night, we decided to check in with some of our favorite former cast members to see what they've been up to since leaving the show. While many are focused on family life and a variety of businesses, they can't help but reflect on their time on the Bravo series.
"I loved bonding with the girls and everyone would watch the show at my house," Jeana recalled to E! News. "About the third season, everyone started to get upset with each other's interview comments."
Many former cast members also get stopped during errands about their time on the show. One of the biggest questions asked is whether or not they would ever return.
"I always say, 'Never say never.' But honestly, it's not something I think about ever," Lizzie Rovsek shared with E! News. "It's a stressful show and I have been going through some really hard and exciting times in the last couple of years and I think it would be really hard to focus on my kids and family while filming."
Lydia McLaughlin added, "The drama is real and that's why I don't think I would ever go back. As grateful as I am for the experience, I'm genuinely happier not on the show."
Before a new season kicks off, we're taking a trip down memory lane and going behind the gates and inside the lives of some of our longtime favorites in the gallery below.
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. only on Bravo.
(E! and Bravo are part of the NBCUniversal family)