We’re informed Bravo has “paused” contract discussions, with sources close to the cast claiming the network is low-balling them and production insiders claiming the group believes “they should make what the Friends cast made in its heyday.”
In the midst of the impasse, the network has reportedly “lost interest in pursuing the ‘Legacy’ edition.”
Last year, producers of the second-longest-running “Housewives” series planned a significant makeover of the show, virtually splitting it in two.
The networks announced that the main “Real Housewives of New York City” show would be revamped with an entirely new, racially diverse cast, while a second show titled “Legacy” would feature fan favorites from prior seasons.
Page Six reported in November that Kelly Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Jill Zarin, and Dorinda Medley were on the shortlist for the “Legacy” cast. We later learned that the network was also interested in Tinsley Mortimer, although sources say she never truly considered leaving Palm Beach, Florida for the show.
Meanwhile, experienced cast member Ramona Singer informed us that she would be leaving the show before casting had even begun in earnest.
According to insiders, Bravo executives have “paused” negotiations and are working on the redesigned version of “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
Now, according to insiders, contract negotiations have broken down and Bravo has put the “Legacy” show on indefinite hold.
According to our sources, there are two major sticking points: the amount of money the network is providing the talent each episode and the number of episodes it will guarantee each cast member per season.
Principal cast members are often promised a minimum of 12 episodes per season, which typically consists of 24 episodes. However, according to sources, Bravo is only willing to guarantee approximately four episodes per cast member for the first season of “Legacy.”
A insider close to the cast said, “It’s not worth it, and it’s insulting.” These women are responsible for the show’s first success. They have no right to be nickel-and-dimed.”
A production insider quipped that the stars appear to believe they should be compensated at the same level as the cast of “Friends” during the show’s heyday.
In the meantime, a source close to the production stated, “They are generous offers, but a few of the women believe they should earn as much as the cast of ‘Friends’ did during its prime.” Jennifer Aniston and others were the first cast members to receive $1 million per episode.
“The network appears to have lost interest in pursuing the ‘Legacy’ edition at this time,” said a production source. “It seems producers are more focused on the ‘RHONY’ reboot, which is said to be fun, funny, and aspirational.”
Bravo and talent representatives declined to comment.
»Bravo has ‘lost interest’ in ‘RHONY: Legacy’ as money-related contract negotiations languish«