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 about to premiere on July 9, and the “RHOC” original forged member is revealing why her daughter, Briana Culberson, was against the concept.
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 forged, 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 within the 64-year-old’s personal life when she was a forged member.
Based on PEOPLE, Gunvalson revealed, “Briana said, ‘No, Mom. The show has never been good for you. You’ve at all times lost relationships.’” Currently, Gunvalson is dating Michael Smith, and her daughter feared that her return to the show could lead on to the connection’s eventual demise.
She stated, “She really enjoyed me with Michael, and we were just starting a brand new relationship, a pair years old, and she or he’s like, ‘Why do you wish to do that? 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. When it comes to 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 slightly bit this yr.”
Elsewhere on the “RHOC” premiere event, Gunvalson recalled that she initially turned down the show when she was approached within the mid-2000s, noting that her then-husband, Donn Gunvalson, was against appearing on reality television.
She stated, “My husband on the time, Donn, said, ‘There’s no way we’re doing a reality show. You’re employed too hard. I work too hard. I need to return home and have peace.’”
Fans Are Mixed On ‘RHOC’ 20 Ahead Of Its Premiere
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” stays one among Bravo’s hottest shows. Nonetheless, following the trailer release, some usual viewers say they might skip this season. Nonetheless, overall, Bravo fans seem excited for Gunvalson to seem on the show in a full-time capability.
One person said, “Hate to say it because I had high hopes with it being the twentieth season and Vicki coming back, however it looks dry and boring as heck.” Another person wrote, “One other BORING season.”
Nonetheless, A special “RHOC” fan stated, “Vicki and Shannon as much as their old antics, already has the makings of a classic OC season.” Another person said, “Love this forged apart from 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 on the convention.
Based on TV Insider, Cohen opened up about having Gunvalson return to “RHOC” at BravoCon. He explained, “I used to be so excited to offer Vicki that orange back. We don’t take it flippantly that ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ is popping 20, and so we thought it will be a extremely fun thing to bring her back. And I actually desired 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. Nonetheless, 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 women. She explained, “I believe that Shannon and I are still really close. I’m near Tamra.” Nonetheless, she stated that the three of them together have “slightly little bit of work to do.”
It’s also value noting that the previously released “RHOC” season 20 trailer shows Gunvalson making efforts to get Judge and Beador on higher terms.
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” airs on Thursday nights on Bravo.