| The Real Housewives of New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| Format | Reality television |
| Starring |
Current Housewives Teresa Giudice Caroline Manzo Jacqueline Laurita Melissa Gorga (season 3 - ) Kathy Wakile (season 3 - ) Recurring Housewives Kim Granatell (season 2 - ) Kim DePaola (season 2 - ) Former Housewives Dina Manzo (season 1 to mid 2) Danielle Staub (season 1 to 2) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 49 (after season 3, including preview special) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Rebecca Toth Valerie Haselton Lucilla D'Agostino Nina Diaz Christian Barcellos Andrew Cohen Shari Levine |
| Location(s) | New Jersey, United States |
| Running time | Approx. 44 minutes (excluding commercials) |
| Production company(s) | Sirens Media |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | Bravo |
| Original run | May 12, 2009 – present |
| Chronology | |
| Preceded by | The Real Housewives of Atlanta |
| Followed by | The Real Housewives of D.C. |
| External links | |
| Website | |
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is a reality television program on the Bravo network which originally followed the lives of five women in and around several upscale communities in Northern New Jersey. It is the network's fourth installation of The Real Housewives of... series, following The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of New York City and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.[1] At the time of its airing, part 1 of the series' second season reunion had the highest-rated episode ever out of the entire franchise.[2]
The third season of the series premiered on May 16, 2011, at 9pm on Bravo, for a 90 minute episode.[3] Melissa Gorga and Kathy Wakile are the newest housewives that were added.[4] On June 7, 2011 Bravo renewed the series for a fourth season due to its record breaking ratings,[5] and finished filming on October 22, 2011.
Contents |
The show's first season premiered on May 12, 2009. The five housewives featured on the program were Teresa Giudice, Jacqueline Laurita, Caroline Manzo, Dina Manzo, and Danielle Staub. For the first time in the franchise, the series follows housewives who are related to one another: sisters Caroline and Dina are married to brothers Albert and Tommy Manzo, and Jacqueline Laurita is married to Caroline and Dina's brother, Chris Laurita. The series began airing in the UK on Channel 4 on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 10:35pm.[6] and finished on November 3, 2009
The show premiered its second season on May 3, 2010. Dina Manzo left the show after the seventh episode of the second season. On August 31, 2010 Bravo officially renewed the series for a third season.[7] On September 7, 2010, it was announced that Danielle Staub was not returning to the show.[8]
Season 2 premiered in the UK October 17, 2010.
Season 3 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered on Monday May 16, 2011, on Bravo. On June 7, 2011 Bravo renewed the series for a fourth season due to its record breaking ratings.[5] Due to the fact that filming for Season 4 of the series has already wrapped as of late-October 2011, Bravo may possibly air it earlier than its usual seasonal Summer debut, possibly in place of The Real Housewives of Miami's (due to late-pickup) slot in late Winter/early Spring 2012.
(Season 1 - present)
"If you're gonna mess with my family, you're messin' with me." (Season 1 - Season 2)
"Life is about change. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches." (Season 3 - present)
Caroline Manzo (née Laurita) (born August 23, 1961) has been married for a little over 26 years to Albert Manzo, co-owner of The Brownstone, an event and catering facility in Paterson, New Jersey.[9] Albert Manzo's brother, Tommy Manzo, is the second husband of Caroline's sister and former cast mate, Dina Manzo, making the two both sisters and sisters-in-law. The couple have three children: Albert "Albie" Manzo, Jr. (born in 1986), Lauren Manzo (born in 1988), and Christopher Manzo (born in 1989). Caroline is the owner of two businesses: Opus Properties, a real estate firm, and a children's accessories line. In addition, she serves on the board of her sister Dina's charity foundation, Project Ladybug.[10]
(Season 1 - present)
"Everyone likes to have nice things, but I'm not one to brag about it." (Season 1 - Season 2)
"I can hold my own; I am my own person." (Season 3)
Jacqueline Laurita (née Grippe, born April 26, 1970) is a stay-at-home mother and is married to Chris Laurita, brother of Caroline and Dina Manzo. Together, Jacqueline and Chris have two sons: Christopher J. Laurita, Jr. (born in 2002) and Nicholas Laurita (born in 2010). Jacqueline also has a daughter, Ashley Holmes (born December 1, 1990), from a previous marriage. After several miscarriages and pregnancy scares, which she openly and emotionally discussed on the show, Laurita gave birth to Nicholas shortly after the Season 1 Reunion show.
Her father, Jerome "Jerry" Grippe, was an Army colonel, and Jacqueline moved with her family to locations such as South Korea, Germany and Virginia, where she graduated from Chantilly High School in Chantilly, Virginia in 1988. Jacqueline spent most of her adult life in Las Vegas, where her parents reside.[11][12]
During Season 2, the majority of drama around Jacqueline involved teenage daughter, Ashley. The drama led up to one of the most infamous moments in the show's history; Ashley pulled housewife Danielle Staub's hair, causing Staub to slap Jacqueline's daughter with a lawsuit.[13]
Shortly following Season 3. Jacqueline had a dramatic falling out with castmember and long time friend Teresa Giudice. The feud consisted of a long Twitter war which ended with Laurita referring to Giudice as scum and claiming that she (Giudice) had stabbed her in the back several times. Not wanting to participate in the "charade" anymore, she did not attend the season 3 reunion.
(Season 1 - present)
"People make fun of Jersey girls, but I think they're just jealous." (Season 1 - Season 2)
"I'm a Jersey girl. No one can knock me down." (Season 3 - present)
Teresa Giudice (nee Gorga) (born May 18, 1972), is a true Jersey girl born and raised. Her parents immigrated from Italy and raised Teresa and her brother Giuseppe, also known as Joe, in an Italian Catholic home. She grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, where she met her husband of more than 10 years, Joe. Teresa devotes herself to her four daughters -- Gia (born in 2001), Gabriella (born in 2004), Milania (born in 2006) and baby Audriana (born in 2009, with whom she was pregnant during the season one reunion show) After graduating from Berkeley College with a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management, Teresa worked as an associate buyer for Macy's in New York before deciding to stay home with her children. She owns an online boutique, TG Fabulicious, and her first book, Skinny Italian, a lifestyle title that teaches authentic, healthy Italian cooking was on the New York Times Bestseller List. Her newest cookbook, Fabulicious!: Teresa's Italian Family Cookbook came out on May 3, 2011. It also was on the New York Times Bestseller List.[14][15](2011)[16][17] Teresa has a 3rd cookbook planned titled 'Fabulicious--Fast & Fit!' due to come out in the Spring of 2012. [18][19]
Additionally, she is a committee member for her former co-star, Dina Manzo's charity, Project Ladybug.[20][21] She will be a contestant on the upcoming 2012 Season of Celebrity Apprentice.
(Season 3 - present)
"I live a life that most girls only dream of." (Season 3 - present)
Her single, On Display, was released on iTunes dance chart selections on August 13, 2011 to mixed critical reviews.
Gorga has stated that she continues to work on her music and will release several new singles in the near future.
(Season 3 - present)
"People say that I’m sweet, but I’m tough, so don’t cross me." (Season 3 - present)
Katherina "Kathy" Wakile (née Pierri, born October 4) is one of the new faces on Season 3 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, but is no stranger to the cast as she is a first cousin with fellow Housewife, Teresa Giudice. Kathy resides in Wayne, New Jersey with her husband of more than 19 years, Rich, and their two children, Victoria (b. 1994) and Joseph (b. 1996). Kathy works hard to keep her family's world in order and carefully monitors her children's social lives. However she loves to party and have a good time. Whether Kathy is hosting a theme night with her girlfriends or celebrating Victoria's Sweet 16 birthday party with belly dancers, Kathy and her family definitely live life to the fullest. She has kids.
(Season 1 - Season 2)
"If you think I'm a bitch then bring it on." (Season 1 - mid-Season 2)
Claudine "Dina" Manzo[22] (née Laurita) (born March 7, 1972) is a mother, interior decorator, and the founder of the non-profit organization, Project Ladybug.[23] She and her family live in the affluent town of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She has been married to Tommy Manzo, co-owner of the event and catering facility The Brownstone, since 2005. Manzo is her second husband. Tommy's brother and business partner, Albert Manzo, is the husband of Dina's older sister and cast mate, Caroline, making the two also sisters-in-law. Their wedding was featured on the VH1 television show My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.[24] Dina has a daughter, Alexia ("Lexi", born on January 25, 1996) from her previous marriage to George Hadjiapostoli (co-owner of Nisha nail salon in Wayne, New Jersey). Season 1 focuses on the struggles Dina, like many other mothers, faces as Alexia grows up. Dina's foundation, Project Ladybug, is dedicated to supporting St.Joseph's Hospital Paterson and helping children with cancer.[25][26]
In 2010, Dina produced the return of the Off-Broadway comedy, My Big Gay Italian Wedding, at the St. Luke's Theatre in New York City.[27]
Dina is currently the host of her own show, Dina's Party, on HGTV. The show follows her event planning company, known for its outlandish celebrations and parties. It premiered on September 10th, 2011.[28]
(Season 1 - Season 2)
"You're either gonna love me or hate me, there is no in between with me." (Season 1 - Season 2)
Danielle Staub (née Beverly Merrill) (born July 29, 1962) is divorced and a mother of two daughters, Christine Staub (born in 1994) and Jillian Staub (born in 1998).
Danielle is the only cast member who entered filming as a relative stranger to the other cast members. (Caroline, Dina, and Jacqueline are related by blood and marriage, and Teresa is a long-time Manzo family friend.)
After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed by Bravo that Staub would not be returning to the show for season 3. No exact reason for the departure was announced.[8]
| Housewives | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teresa Giudice | ||||
| Caroline Manzo | ||||
| Jacqueline Laurita | ||||
| Dina Manzo | ||||
| Danielle Staub | ||||
| Melissa Gorga | ||||
| Kathy Wakile |
| Housewives | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Granatell | TBA | |||
| Kim DePaola | TBA |
| Season | Episodes | Season Premiere | Season Finale | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | May 12, 2009 | July 9, 2009 | |
| 2 | 18 | May 3, 2010 | September 6, 2010 | |
| 3 | 21 | May 16, 2011 | October 23, 2011 | |
| 4 | TBA | 2012 | TBA | |
The Season 1 finale was the most watched telecast of the Housewives franchise ever among all key demos at the time of its airing.
The second season's reunion part one gathered 3.9 million viewers, making it the highest-rated episode of the season at the time of its airing and the second highest rated episode of the franchise after the January 30th 2011 episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.[7][29]
The third season opener had the highest rated season premiere ever for the network, and the highest rated season premiere within the franchise.[30]
| Ep # | Title | Airdate | US Viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-01 | "Preview Special" | April 7, 2009 | 1.432[31] |
| 5-6 minutes of highlights for each cast member. | |||
| Ep # | Title | Airdate | US Viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Thicker Than Water" | May 12, 2009 | 1.715[32][33] |
|
In the first episode, we meet the Housewives: Teresa, a shopaholic married to contractor Joe, who is making arrangements to move into her multi-million dollar dream home; Dina, an interior designer and event planner who rebuilt her life in New Jersey after her divorce from her first husband; Caroline, Dina's older sister, who has a hand in helping run the catering business The Brownstone with her husband (and also with Dina's second husband; he and Caroline's husband are brothers); Jacqueline, a transplant from Las Vegas who is a caring do-gooder; and Danielle, a single mom and former model whose ex-husband was the twentieth man she was engaged to (but the only one she married). Caroline's son Albie is the only one going to college, but her son Christopher has plans to start a strip club-cum-car wash, which Caroline and Dina both find funny and mortifying. Jacqueline met Danielle at the salon and became best friends with her, and is nervous about integrating her into the group. Dina has a charity, Project Ladybug, which aids ailing children with cancer, and she hires an assistant. Dina throws a benefit for her charity and loses her cool, firing Jacqueline's daughter Ashley as a worker at the event. This news upsets Jacqueline and Teresa. Danielle decides to go on a blind date with a man she met on the Internet. |
|||
| 2 | "Mama Knows Best" | May 19, 2009 | 1.49[34] |
|
Teresa takes her daughter Gia to a talent representative, who isn't impressed with her overly-done photos but is impressed with the natural youthful look she has in person. Dina designs a dressing room for an anonymous "mega-celebrity," and has second thoughts about her career path. Jacqueline learns from Ashley's high school that she failed two classes and as a result, failed her junior year. Jacqueline has no choice but to send Ashley to summer school and take away her car. Having snagged her 26-year-old blind date as her boyfriend, Danielle maintains her physique by going rock-climbing. Caroline's daughter Lauren decides to pursue cosmetology as a career. Teresa has Gia's portfolio redone without makeup on Gia's face. With her new photos, the talent representative approves of Gia. Danielle throws a salon/Botox party for the other women. Danielle becomes offended when Dina politely declines the Botox because Danielle says Dina once admitted she has work done on her face. When Dina makes one bitchy comment too far, Danielle feels no need to befriend Dina for Jacqueline's sake and when Danielle plans her birthday with Jacqueline, Danielle won't invite Dina. Jacqueline announces to Caroline that her husband Chris felt so bad about Ashley's low self-esteem that he buys her a car, which Caroline vehemently disapproves of, since Ashley just failed school. Tension grows at a triple-date Danielle and her boyfriend has with Teresa and Jacqueline and their husbands, and Danielle confesses to the girls that she wants to end it with him. Later on, Danielle calls a summit with Jacqueline and Teresa about her love crisis, which upsets both ladies when it becomes clear Danielle doesn't want advice, she just wants them to agree with her. Jacqueline and Teresa discuss "rumors floating around town" that Danielle is a husband-stealer and a stripper. |
|||
| 3 | "Not One of Us" | May 26, 2009 | 2.15[34] |
| Caroline vows to investigate Danielle, especially if she's coming into the lives of the people she loves. | |||
| 4 | "Black & White and Read All Over" | June 2, 2009 | |
|
Danielle calls a dinner date with Jacqueline and Teresa about the comments Dina made toward her at the Botox party. When Jacqueline tries to respond, Danielle becomes very agitated. Dina insists she doesn't care that much about Danielle. Teresa notes that Danielle attaches herself to her friends very quickly and that makes her hesitant. Dina helps her daughter Lexi pack for her first vacation away, which makes her very sad. Teresa tells Jacqueline that she and her husband want to take salsa and merengue lessons; she invites the rest of the girls and their families. Danielle dances "too sexy" with Caroline's son Albie, which immediately offends Caroline. Danielle starts an argument with Teresa's husband Joe after he uses the word "gaylord" in conversation; when she says "don't tell me to be quiet, I'm not your wife" with Teresa in earshot, she decides she is done with Danielle. At Lexi's going-away party, Caroline, Dina, Teresa and family discuss Danielle and they all conclude that they're "a little afraid" of her. Jacqueline and Chris meet with the fertility specialist since Jacqueline has had four miscarriages. The fertility specialist rules out abnormalities and suggests her miscarriages may be due to her pushing 40. Danielle questions who her real friends are; when Danielle calls Teresa to apologize, Teresa hangs up on her, and Danielle is convinced that Dina "got to" Teresa. Dina calls a summit with Caroline and Teresa to discuss Danielle. Caroline notes that her "investigation" hadn't even gotten underway when her niece found a book called Cop Without a Badge, which Caroline and Dina read. Teresa informs the audience that Danielle had a colorful past which involved kidnapping, dealing with the Colombian cartel, and being a prostitute, which only underscore the bad feelings the women have for Danielle. Danielle finds out that Dina and Caroline know about the book, causing her to call a meeting with Jacqueline. Danielle cops to some of the truth revealed in the book, but not all of it, which has Jacqueline confused as to what to believe. Jacqueline notices subtle shunning on Dina's part, pressuring her to break off her friendship. Teresa is finishing the renovations on her mansion. Teresa's husband has some words for Danielle at a gala event. |
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| 5 | "Casinos and C-Cups" | June 9, 2009 | |
| Caroline, Dina and Teresa go to Atlantic City, but not Jacqueline. Jacqueline, sensing she is not welcome as she has not cut ties with Danielle yet, takes the opportunity to spend time at home with her daughter Ashley, who is improving her grades at summer school. However, when the teenager acts ungrateful and bratty at a photo shoot Jacqueline scheduled to expand her portfolio, Jacqueline feels less than motherly and decides to withhold the car that she secretly bought for Ashley. Teresa then learns that Danielle's boyfriend is taking someone else to her beach house. Danielle finds herself with no allies after her she breaks up with her shady boyfriend, and Danielle's birthday ends with an argument with Jacqueline. Teresa, after getting feedback from her friends and family and taking into account her own bodily insecurities, decides to go ahead with breast implant surgery. | |||
| 6 | "Final Dinner" | June 16, 2009 | 3.47[35] |
| Teresa invites The Manzos, The Lauritas, and The Staubs to join them for a dinner party. Tensions rise when Danielle places the infamous book Cop Without A Badge on the table to confront allegations and rumors. This suddenly turns into an argument between the women and concludes with the infamous table flip by Teresa. | |||
| 7 | "The Last Supper" | June 18, 2009 | |
| The directors' cut of what wasn't shown on the "Final Dinner" | |||
| 8 | "Reunion: Part 1" | June 23, 2009 | 2.89[36] |
| In the beginning, Teresa and Danielle are sitting together on one couch, while the Laurita/Manzo sisters are on the other couch. It is announced that Teresa and Jacqueline are pregnant; Jacqueline is due the following week AND Teresa is due in September 2009. The episode ended in a cliffhanger, with Caroline accusing Danielle of having planned something ominous for Dina. | |||
| 9 | "Reunion: Part 2" | June 25, 2009 | |
| The housewives were in an uproar about the book, and Caroline confronted Danielle about something she had planned to harm Dina. Exactly what Danielle had allegedly planned was not revealed, and Danielle refused to admit she knows anything about it. | |||
| 10 | "The Lost Footage" | July 9, 2009 | |
| Extended footage of favorite fights, funny moments, and additional insights into the women's home lives. | |||
| Ep # | Title | Airdate | US Viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Water Under The Table" | May 3, 2010 | 2.33[37] |
| In the Season 2 premiere, Teresa gets her girls ready for their first day of school, Jacqueline has a baby boy, and Caroline throws a bash for the local Sheriff. Jacqueline's husband tells her he would prefer she not see Danielle again and that he doesn't want her in their house. When Danielle hears of the party, she insists it means nothing to her but starts out on a drive-by of Caroline's house. Her daughters make her abandon the drive-by. | |||
| 2 | "Generation Vexed" | May 10, 2010 | 2.003[38] |
| Jacqueline and her daughter Ashley discuss Ashley's bad girl behavior. Caroline and Teresa question Jacqueline's continued association with Danielle. When Lauren starts dating Albie's best friend Vito, it causes friction in the Manzo clan, but Caroline does her best to let her babies work it out themselves. Danielle's daughter Christine gets featured on the cover of [Daily], and she and Teresa's daughter Gia are invited to walk the runway during [NYC Fashion Week]. Danielle arranges a luncheon of her close friends to celebrate Christine's success, and she invites Dina and Jacqueline. Although they both apparently declined her invitation ahead of time, during the luncheon Danielle draws her guests' attention to Jacqueline and Dina's absence. | |||
| 3 | "Catty-Walk" | May 17, 2010 | 2.032[39] |
| The drama continues when Danielle accuses Jacqueline of not being her own woman, further alienating Jacqueline. Dina is tired of the negativity and sees a Zen expert to purge Danielle from her life. Meanwhile, a pregnant Teresa and a determined Danielle see their daughters model in Fashion Week, but mishaps unfold on the runway and both daughters’ fashion careers are in doubt. | |||
| 4 | "Babies, Bubbles and Bubbies" | May 24, 2010 | 2.162[40] |
| Teresa and Joe welcome their fourth bambina and Teresa asks Dina to be the baby's godmother. Chris Manzo gets an inside look at his dream business, and Jacqueline gets a look inside her husband's safe. Jacqueline will have no more to do with Danielle. The Brownstone prepares for a charity event, but the Manzo-Laurita family don't know that a friend has asked Danielle to present the check. Danielle prepares by arranging for an ex-convict friend to accompany her as "back-up." Caroline is aghast when she hears Danielle will attend. | |||
| 5 | "Into the Lion's Den" | May 31, 2010 | |
| Teresa and Joe bring the new baby home from the hospital. Jacqueline meets Ashley's boyfriend's mother, while Caroline's son and daughter go to dinner with the couple. Danielle arrives at the Brownstone charity event with Kim G., and an entourage including a Hell's Angel. As she was not invited to bring so many people, no table space is available and the event organizers (not the Manzos) ask that she and her entourage leave. Danielle claims that the Manzos penalized the young girl whose medical treatment was the object of the event and hints that the Manzos made a "big mistake" in offending her entourage, even though she was not supposed to bring them. | |||
| 6 | "It's Not Me, It's You" | June 7, 2010 | 2.436[41] |
| After the Brownstone event, Danielle gets what she says is a threatening text from Jacqueline's daughter Ashley, and ponders legal action. Teresa's daughter Gia fails a film audition and starts dialect coaching for a Jersey accent. Kim G. criticizes Danielle's choice of "escorts" to the charity event, and with Jacqueline at a beauty shop, Kim vents frustration at Danielle's behavior. At a family dinner, the Manzo-Lauritas and Giudices toast getting Danielle out of their lives. Dina asks to meet Danielle to discuss their relationship; Danielle fears an "ambush" and has her ex-con on hand. The discussion gets off to a bad start. | |||
| 7 | "Play at Your Own Risk" | June 14, 2010 | 2.746[42] |
|
Dina and Danielle's meeting ends in argument. Danielle and friends including Kim G. mock a text Dina sent Danielle. Kim asks Jacqueline about Ashley and Danielle's Facebook war. The Manzos go pumpkin-picking with the Giudices, Ashley and her boyfriend, who is asked to a family poker game where the men will "initiate" him. At the game Jacqueline tells Danielle's ex, Steve, that she objects to his sale of Danielle's sex tape. Steve explains that the tape is of Danielle alone, and that she herself dropped legal action to stop the sale. Derek holds up well, but a fight between Jacqueline and Ashley interrupts the game. Danielle and friends go for a pole-dancing lesson so she can feel sexy when dating. Dina decides to leave the series to get rid of Danielle and spend more time with her family. Dina Manzo's final episode. |
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| 8 | "Bubbies Gone Bad" | June 21, 2010 | 2.847[43] |
| Teresa, Caroline and Jacqueline have lunch and regret Dina's absence. Caroline's daughter Lauren finishes beauty school, but Caroline's son Albie may not be able to continue his legal studies. Ashley considers moving home but is daunted by her stepfather Chris' anger at her fight with Jacqueline at the poker game, and by the rules he imposes if she wants to live at home again. Danielle has surgery to correct her third breast implant operation. Teresa and Joe's housewarming party is disrupted when Kim G. discusses Danielle though the Manzo-Laurita women don't want to talk about her. | |||
| 9 | "Posche Spite" | June 28, 2010 | 2.713[44] |
| Caroline discusses Albie with her sisters. Kim D. asks Teresa and Jacqueline to a Posche fashion show Danielle may attend. Danielle hears that Kim D. asked them, claims the Posche desk clerk insulted her and won't shop there again. Caroline wants her husband to retire but he offers only to reduce his hours. Danielle arrives late for the show with Kim G. and a bodyguard. Kim D. sits with Teresa and Jacqueline at the show, so Danielle insists Kim set up the show to insult her. After the show, Teresa tries to talk with Danielle. Kim G. tries to keep everyone calm but Danielle responds badly to Teresa. | |||
| 10 | "Country Clubbed" | July 12, 2010 | 3.288[45] |
| Teresa and Danielle's exchange ends in a wild chase through the country club. Ashley pulls out some of Danielle's extensions. Danielle calls the police. Ashley makes a Facebook comment on the incident. Jacqueline and Chris warn Ashley that another incident will get her thrown out of the house. Danielle's energist calls Jacqueline to remove negative energies, with doubtful results. Danielle mulls legal action against Ashley. Albie's lawyer gives him hopeful news about law school. | |||
| 11 | "Staub Wounds" | July 19, 2010 | 2.744[46] |
| Danielle presses charges against Ashley, and takes boxing instruction to protect herself. Caroline and Jacqueline feel Danielle is going after one of their children just because they rejected her friendship. Kim "G." is with Danielle at the courthouse and promises to support her in court, but then visits Jacqueline, who says it's wrong to play both sides as Kim appears to be doing. Albie can continue his law studies, but may have to attend an out-of-state school. | |||
| 12 | "Youth Will Be Served" | July 26, 2010 | 2.586[47] |
| Teresa and Joe celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary in true Giudice style, despite money woes Joe admits to Chris. Joe's new business gets help from some very hands-on customers and his little princesses learn a tough lesson in the process. Ashley gets a summons to answer Danielle's complaint against her and intends to countersue Danielle, but Jacqueline and Chris think not. Danielle focuses on Christine's sweet 16, which is a success. While his law school applications are pending, Albie enters the police academy. | |||
| 13 | "Don't Drink the Holy Water" | August 2, 2010 | 2.644[48] |
|
Dina Manzo returns as Audriana Giudice is christened in a typical Giudice festival. Chris Manzo has his 1-year anniversary as a Brownstone worker. Danielle confides to Kim G. that she wants to find her birth mother, and Danielle takes her daughter Christine for a first adult doctor's visit. A chance remark by Christine tips off Danielle that Kim G. is friendly with the Manzo-Lauritas and Teresa, even to the point of revealing to Teresa what was told to her in confidence. Danielle tells another friend to avoid Kim. On hearing this, Kim apologizes to Jacqueline for ignoring her advice about Danielle. Danielle asks Kim G. to a restaurant meeting and after a furious public dispute, the two part ways. Note: Dina Manzo makes an appearance. |
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| 14 | "The Chanels of Venice" | August 9, 2010 | 3.083[49] |
| Joe Giudice has a one-car accident and is charged with DUI (to Danielle's delight). Teresa, Caroline and Jacqueline and extended families fly to Venice, where Teresa manages to find a chance to spend. On their cruise ship for Naples the generational mix is complicated, and even Caroline and Albert become babysitters for the young Giudices, who are not entirely cooperative. Jacqueline overindulges the first night out and misses Milania Giudice's fourth birthday party, at which Milania falls asleep at dinner and wakes up cranky, refusing her birthday cake. | |||
| 15 | "Hills Are Alive with Giudice" | August 16, 2010 | 2.585[50] |
| The Manzos, Lauritas and Giudices arrive in Naples and are on their way to visit the Giudice family outside of town. Joe quickly loses his temper with Teresa about all the things she brought and all the things she wants to buy while in Italy. Caroline and Albert get tired easily due to all the walking in the village where the Giudices live, especially involving the numerous steep steps. Teresa gets to see the apartment where Joe was born from the street below. The final reunion dinner Teresa planned goes off without a hitch. Finally, everyone returns home, happy from the trip but sad that they will have to deal with Danielle soon enough. | |||
| 16 | "The Heads of Family Will Roll" | August 23, 2010 | 3.363[51] |
| At a family dinner, Caroline announces that she will try to save Ashley from criminal charges and try to mediate directly with Danielle. Danielle is surprised to see Caroline has her phone number and is skeptical of the idea, but agrees to meet her. The meeting starts off quietly, but deteriorates when Danielle says that she will not drop the charges and that Ashley should pay for her mistake. Things get worse when Danielle lists the times she feels Caroline's family wronged her. Caroline asks what she has done to Danielle; when Danielle cannot name a reason, she reverses the question with Caroline stating that her entire family is an extension of her and therefore Danielle wounded Caroline. Danielle leaves when Caroline says, "When I said you were garbage, I meant that you were garbage." Both women tell their families that the fight between them is over. | |||
| 17 | "Reunion: Part 1" | August 30, 2010 | 3.852[52] |
| The women meet for the first time in over a year at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Tempers soon explode over a dispute regarding Ashley. When Danielle makes a remark about Teresa's nephew, Teresa bolts from her couch and yells at Danielle not to bring up her family. Danielle walks off-set, further angering Teresa; Caroline chastises her for "giving [Danielle] what she wanted." The "ominous thing" from last season's reunion regarding Dina is revealed; Danielle allegedly tried to have Child Protective Services take Dina's daughter Lexi. Danielle smugly makes a comment about "having her lawyers" put a gag order on Dina not allowing her to discuss the issue, which enrages the other women as they feel Danielle can comment but Dina cannot defend herself. Danielle is taken to task for various comments, ranging from her pronunciation of "women" to the way Teresa dresses her kids to how Danielle's sex tapes may embarrass her young daughters via classmates' taunts. Danielle claims that the show edits the cast to appear as certain types of people; Caroline responds that they are all who they are and the editing doesn't change that. | |||
| 18 | "Reunion: Part 2" | September 6, 2010 | 3.210[53] |
| Ep # | Title | Airdate | US Viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "In the Name of the Father" | May 16, 2011 | 2.831[54] |
| Kathy Wakile and Melissa Gorga, Teresa’s first cousin and sister-in-law, join the cast. Viewers are introduced to quiet and caring mother Kathy and bubbly and sassy Melissa, who plans to throw the best christening Jesus has ever seen for her son Joey. However, drama escalates at the christening when Teresa’s “Congrats” proves too late for the Gorga family’s liking and a brawl erupts when family feuds are revealed. Meanwhile, Jacqueline attempts to deal with two big babies: an angry and upset Teresa and her spoiled teenage daughter Ashley while Caroline’s surprise visit to her sons’ new apartment turns emotional. | |||
| 2 | "Drop Dead Gorgas" | May 23, 2011 | 2.739[54] |
| It’s Halloween, and it’s a sight when Joe Gorga dresses up as a girl for the Night of Frights. The Brownstone hosts a fashion show for the ladies’ favorite store, and while Melissa artfully rocks the stage Teresa ceases to strut her stuff. New wounds are opened as Kathy attempts to talk to a belligerent Teresa, who convinces Caroline and Jacqueline to turn their backs on her family. | |||
| 3 | "Sealed With a Diss" | May 30, 2011 | 2.497[55] |
| Kathy rehashes her spat with Teresa at the fashion show with her husband, and decides to make amends with Caroline for having started drama at Caroline’s place. However, the meeting doesn’t go as Kathy expected since Caroline said that she doesn’t want to be involved in any Gorga family drama, and Kathy came away thinking she is viewed as a troublemaker. Teresa goes to the photo shoot for her new cookbook, Fabulicious, and her husband tells her that he saw her brother at the gym. Meanwhile, Melissa’s husband Joe is constantly complaining that she doesn’t have sex with him enough. Jacqueline goes to a tarot card reader, and continues to have problems connecting with her daughter, Ashley. While shopping in New York City with Kim D, Caroline suggests that Teresa write her brother Joe a letter as an olive branch to bring them closer after what happened at the christening. Jacqueline helps Teresa craft the letter, but Teresa has increasing trouble seeing Joe’s side of the argument. Teresa leaves the note on Joe and Melissa’s door since they are out jogging, and after reading the letter, Melissa feels Joe and Teresa should talk, but Joe is still undecided. | |||
| 4 | "Gobblefellas" | June 6, 2011 | 2.474[57] |
| Thanksgiving is here, and Melissa and Joe buy a turkey at the supermarket while Teresa and Joe go to a live poultry store for their bird, but ultimately opt for an already-dead turkey after feeling sorry for live ones. Caroline, her husband and her daughter drive to the Little Italy deli in Monroe, NY [56] for a “meet the parents” scene at the deli that is owned by Lauren’s boyfriend, Vito’s, family. Meanwhile, Jacqueline’s daughter, Ashley, continues to complain about wanting an apartment in New York City, but does find a sympathetic audience in Caroline’s kids, and decides to drop “the dream” for now. For Thanksgiving, Melissa and Joe have a mechanical bull outside and invite Kathy over (who puts out a huge dessert spread), while Teresa invites Caroline and Jacqueline’s families – however both meals are dominated by Teresa and her brother’s bitter drama. Teresa brings out a card Melissa sent her that says “God Bless you guys in your re-done home!”, which has rankled Teresa ever since. | |||
| 5 | "Stick It" | June 12, 2011 | 2.599[58] |
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Teresa encounters her brother for the first time since the tumultuous christening. Elsewhere, Melissa tries to fulfill her dream of being a pop star; Caroline plans to offer matronly advice on the radio; and Jacqueline's daughter plots to get a car. "Notes:" This is the first episode to air on Sunday at 10pm EST instead of Monday at 9. |
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| 6 | "Whine and Dine" | June 19, 2011 | 2.532[59] |
| Caroline takes to the airwaves with her new radio show. Meanwhile, the Gorga siblings attempt to settle their differences, but they invariably stir up more tension; and Jacqueline plays referee in a face-off between Teresa and Melissa. | |||
| 7 | "Teresa's Got a Gun" | June 26, 2011 | 2.030[60] |
| Teresa and Melissa attempt to make peace, after which some of the gang journey to the Catskills. Back in the Garden State, Kathy savors the flavor of scouting for restaurants and Melissa prepares for a holiday dance recital. This spins into motion a family reunion---and it won't include Teresa. | |||
| 8 | "Holidazed and Confused" | July 10, 2011 | 2.210[61] |
| The holiday season looms in the Garden State, but it's not so merry when friction rises in Caroline's family. Meanwhile, Jacqueline throws a holiday bash. And Teresa and Joe try to add sizzle to their romantic life despite their financial troubles. | |||
| 9 | "Twas the Fight Before Christmas" | July 17, 2011 | 2.538[62] |
| The Jersey girls jingle all the way during Christmas, but it's much more naughty than nice when clashing and trashing mar Melissa's holiday party. | |||
| 10 | "There Arose Such a Clatter" | July 24, 2011 | 2.920[63] |
| The holiday season turns frosty when the Manzos tangle with Kim G. Meanwhile, Teresa and Kathy throw separate Christmas bashes; and Teresa isn't very merry in the wake of a decision. | |||
| 11 | "A Very Jersey Christmas" | July 31, 2011 | 2.830[64] |
| Christmas day is here. Caroline receives a long-overdue present, and Melissa considers herself Jersey's luckiest woman, but Teresa's holiday isn't turning out to be so jolly. | |||
| 12 | "Auld Lang Syne for an Eye" | August 7, 2011 | 2.320[65] |
| The wives get set to ring in the new year by trying fresh approaches to life: Teresa works on her new cookbooks; Melissa tries to live out her dream; and Caroline's daughter vows to shed pounds. The gang then celebrates New Year's Eve at the Brownstone, but backstabbing and finger-pointing prevail. | |||
| 13 | "Child's Play No More" | August 14, 2011 | 2.741[66] |
| Teresa's and Melissa's children have a play date while the kids prove to be more mature than their parents. Kathy mulls over how to nurture her daughter, and Ashley's father pays a surprise visit which may come with more than a simple family reunion. | |||
| 14 | "Belly Up & Up" | August 21, 2011 | 2.698[67] |
| Verbal warfare and an agonizing decision lowlight Jacqueline and Ashley's relationship. Meanwhile, Teresa's financial woes escalate. And the wives trek to Kathy's food-tasting bash, featuring surprise guests and unsavory behavior from Teresa and Melissa. | |||
| 15 | "Black as Ink" | August 28, 2011 | 2.386[68] |
| Caroline's pride spills over when her two sons set out to launch their bottled-water line. Meanwhile, Lauren's grand opening for her cosmetic venture brings Jacqueline together with her daughter; and Teresa's brother attends her book-signing event. | |||
| 16 | "Singing in the Pain" | September 11, 2011 | 2.676[69] |
| The wives are up and running when they participate in a charity race, with Teresa's competitive nature on full display. Meanwhile, Melissa premieres her song to an unforgiving crowd in Hoboken. And Teresa throws a birthday bash for one of her daughters, highlighted by a jaw-dropping gift. | |||
| 17 | "Get to the Punta!" | September 18, 2011 | 2.880[70] |
| The ladies travel to Punta Cana; Kathy and Teresa come to blows on the beach. | |||
| 18 | "Blood is Thicker than Gucci's" | October 2, 2011 | 2.477[71] |
| The wives continue their vacation in Punta Cana, but they discover the open-air market and streets can be hazardous (especially in heels). Back in the Garden State, Ashley considers getting a tattoo, Melissa must face the music when her singing is spotlighted, and Caroline's sons host a product-launch party. | |||
| 19 | "Portrait of an Italian Family" | October 9, 2011 | 2.678 |
| In the Season 3 finale, Kathy makes a shocking decision, Jacqueline and an unforeseen visitor work on mending family problems, and drama arises when talk about Teresa's cookbook come into play. | |||
| 20 | "Reunion: Part 1" | October 16, 2011 | 3.440[72] |
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The Garden State ladies reunite to hash out the dramas of Season 3. Note: Jacqueline Laurita is absent. |
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| 21 | "Reunion: Part 2" | October 23, 2011 | 3.393 |
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The conclusion of a reunion featuring the Jersey girls trashing and clashing over Season 3's antics. Note: Jacqueline Laurita is absent. |
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| Ep # | Title | Airdate | US Viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "TBA" | TBA | |
In April 2010, Target stores released the first season on DVD. The second season was released on January 9, 2011.
| Season | Episodes | Release Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | March 2010 | |
| 2 | 18 | January 2011 | |
| 3 | 21 | TBA | |
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