BravoWhen it comes to the Real Housewives, fans always have their favorites. And whether those Bravolebrities hail from New York or Atlanta, it can be hard for viewers to say goodbye.
Andy Cohen revealed the real reason a reality star can get booted from a show in a new interview with Paper Magazine released Wednesday.
"If they become a turn-off to viewers, for whatever reason—they appear too fake, they're not interesting, they're not entertaining—[then they're no longer a fit]," the franchise's executive producer said. "When people cross the line and it becomes unreal, that's when they are out."
As for what makes a good Housewife, Cohen suggested there's certain criteria for that, too.
"Someone who's funny and unique and interesting to watch. Someone who has something to say, and is different, surprising and just watchable," he said. "There's a fine line between people who are desperate to be on reality television, and people who you want to watch on reality television. The Venn diagram of desperation and watchable, it's a very slim thing in the middle where it overlaps, and you're like, 'That's the bullseye, that's Nene Leakes, that's Vicki [Gunvalson], that's Bethenny [Frankel].'"
Lisa Vanderpump is one of the most recent stars to say goodbye to franchise. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills celeb has been a part of the series since season one.
In fact, Cohen has known many of the programs' "OGs" for over a decade. However, he admitted his relationship with the women on the show can be "complicated."
"I'm a boss, I'm a friend... I'm an adversary, I'm a button pusher," he said. "I've become legitimately friends with many of them. I care about them. So it's nuanced. And sometimes it's great and sometimes it's not great. It's an emotional relationship."
To read Cohen's full interview, check out the new issue of Paper Magazine.
(E! and Bravo are both part of NBCUniversal).