I'm with you on the Insider and other shows like it. When you watch Bravo or E you can feel that it is intended as humor and entertainment. You can sort of feel the tv winking at you when you watch.

But Insider, Extra and all those types of shows are so pathetic. They act like someones outfit or who's mad at who is the single most important thing in the world. I can't watch them at all.

BTW, when is Jeff Lewis coming back? Soon, I hope!

The Insider and Entertanment Tonight are the same show with different hosts. They show the exact same footage but insert different interviewers asking the same questions. And just because you talk loud doesn't make it important news. It's time for Mary Hart to be replaced.

I despise Mary Hart, Billy Bush, and the like with a passion.

What I love about Bravo shows is the combo of the camp with the reality. One minute we're watching Tamra cry over a pink hat, the next minute WE'RE crying over Gloria's speech to Bethenny. Bravo viewers (and producers) understand the absurdity of these "character's" behaviors, but can also appreciate the pure humor behind it.

Anywho, Andy I hope blogging is giving you a welcome distraction. I find your stream-of-consciousness posts (like this one) the most interesting. Looking forward to Housewives tonight!

Sooo happy you're back.

As always, your finger is on the pulse. While most of us, even though some won't admit it, enjoy a bit of the celebrity chronicles, most of the entertainment news shows pander to the lowest common denominator and are unwatchable. It's much better to get your fix quickly online then gossip about the story du jour with your friends while running(it never feels as tawdry if you're simultaneously engaged in something good for you) or having cocktails.

Over all, I agree Bravo does do it with a wink. I can't express how much I'm enjoying RHNYC this season you all definintely have that balance fine-tuned. The OC version isn't nearly as addictive for me, but I think that's because the women are less relatable & redeemable.

And, I know I'm a complete broken record on the ATL version, which contains not ONE likable character. I boycotted the show after a few episodes. I'm extra sensitive because it's where I'm from, and I loathe that there is not ONE person that I feel is remotely representative of some of the amazing women in this town. Some of my African-American friends, in particular, are insulted by the overabundance of the baller's wives. Please, please in the next installment cast a housewife to raise the bar and balance the trash. It's really not fair that NYC has Bethenny, LuAnn, Jill and now Kelly, that while they have some issues, are immensely likable and relatable.

Hi Andy

Glad to have you back. I said last week how lucky you all were to have her in your lives but she was equally as lucky. Her family and friends were so dignified and gracious it was inspirational.

Now back to the business at hand. Real Housewives of New Jersey may be the best idea...ever.

xoxo D

I loovvee (sarcasm here) how all those gossip shows claim...WE have exclusive information and it's the exact same information the other 3 shows have (ET, Extra, Access Hollywood & The Insider). And who cares how long it took Lara to pick out her dress every day or where you can get it along with the accessories? Since when did it become about them and not the stars they're supposed to be reporting about?

I was wondering where that Kelly on NY Housewives came from? Also is it the editing that makes her so unappealing? Or is she like that in real life.

Talk about your small worlds, Andy... last week, it was the first time that I lost one of my true blue friends, too. For me, I am absolutely confident that the loss is only in the physical sense because, as corny and as cliche as it might be to say or write, they're never entirely gone from our lives. They may not be here physically, but their character and their legacy leave permanent markings on the souls of everyone that they touched.

Rome wasn't built on a day. Baby steps. That's all we can do. We'll slowly, but surely, find the ways out of our emotional mazes as we figure out how to deal with what has happened. It'll just take some time. Until then, it's TV people like you that I need to thank because television has served as a means to temporarily escape from the recent drama in my life. People might not understand why I spend hours watching TV when they think that I should be doing something more constructive to get my mind off of my current situation, but like we all learned from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," let your haters be your motivators.

Hi Andy, We ended our great trip to NYC yesterday at FAO, were you at the Apple on 5th? Now that would be a celeb sighting and I would not have been a subtle as the lady you met. So what Celebs did we see? Alan Alda doing press for the new Tony Soprano play and (hanging my head in shame)... Billy Bush. The day he was sub for Kathy Lee. Poor Houda. Poor me. He was outside of Rock and I should had taken a picture of the box they had him standing on!! Loved the whole trip! My 10 year old said "everyone is so nice to us". City does have some funky smells.. magnolia bakery one second, sewer gas the next. ps: we need to save Lara Spencer. used to love her sense of humor, now she is a skinny robot. cab report: all cabbies were great, but our tour guide on one leg of citytour bus did her spiel with her eyes closed, literally. glad you are back blogging, take it easy!

Andy, I was online constantly since hearing the news about Natasha. It's funny that you mention the Lara Spencer thing as I only tuned into the Insider/ET last week in the hopes of seeing new or enlightening information. What I discovered...and frankly feel the same about am tv is that it is just noise...it really makes me cringe. On the other hand...I eat up everything that you have on Bravo...starting with DH of OC, Kathy Griffin, Top Chef...the show with Jeff (can't think of the name) only thing you didn't grab was Ruby. I think you have a great eye, and clearly a sense of humor. I hope that laughter combined with the friends that you shared with Natasha keep you anchored during this tough time. Thanks for the great programming.

Andy---as a loyal viewer of Orange and NYC Housewives, I must tell you that, since I am allergic to Valium, these two shows allow me to de-stress like nothing else in my life (What does that say about me? Don't answer, please!). I think I get the joke but the shows also show how women interact with one another---the good, the bad and the oh-so-ugly. The shows help explain my gender to me. All this is a roundabout way of getting to my point--I am so sorry for your loss of a beautiful friend but please know that you have enhanced my life in your work and I know she was proud to call you friend.

Welcome back bobo...we missed you and love that you are you and can express that on these blogs. Honestly? I worry when you don't blog. Like your mother :) (your YOUNG mother!)

I'm so sorry about Natasha. It hurts more when the people that leave us are more joyful, a little more alive than the average person - that was her. What a loss - to all of us - but you her friend - it must be so, so sad. I met her a few times and she was a joy.

Unlike... Kelly. Jeez... what a sociopath! She obviously thinks she's too good for your show - too good for anyone who is not famous or a "hamptonista" or a "fashionista" - yuk. She is so unlikeable. I hope she's not back for season 3. I thought no one would ever annoy me more than Ramona... but Kelly makes Ramona look like a sweetheart. Jill's mother needs her own show - and Kelly needs to go - her contempt for everyone is just gross.

When is Flipping Out coming back??

Andy, you have to get kelly off the RHoNYC...Why did they bring this vapid and pointless woman on my fave show to take time away from the other actual interesting women? I can't even watch because I find her to be such a famehungry airhead...please do something!

tamra barney is the trashiest bitch ive ever seen. just watched the reunion show. that woman needs serious therapy. If you put that low class thing back on next season i will not watch. Ive been watching since the begining and have tv partys every week. my friends and i love watching. but i get too emotional when that horrible jealous thing speaks. get rid of that trash so we can go back to enjoying the show.

Hey Andy,

Having trouble getting my comments posted!! Just wanting to know when Jeff Lewis coming back? I also miss Kathy Griffin and her gang!! BIG FAN of the housewives. Wasnt too much of a fan of the Atlanta Crew. NYC.. Kelly can go. She is too self absorbed and she needs to brush that hair. Bethenny needs to have her own show about finding love!!

When is Housewives of Atlanta returning? I love the show!

I was 23 when my best friend died. Twenty years later it is still unbelievable to me she is gone. However, through the last twenty years I have always felt that I have had a special angel looking out for me. In fact my son was born on her birthday. After the raw pain, shock, denial and all those awful feelings, there will come a time when acceptance will take hold and your friend will have a different but even more special place in your life. All this time later out of the clear blue a memory of our time together gets me in a rolling laughter. The mind learns to remember only their beautiful memories none of the pain our loss. Your time too will come.

Very glad to read that you see that as a sociological study of not only weathly women but also a study in people in general who get a little bit of fame and what it does to them. Good thing they aren't really stars because they clearly don't cope well with the little amount of fame they have. I don't know if they realize that their fame is for being on a reality show and not for any acting skill. Again, more interest in the sociologic aspect of their personas. Clearly, these women don't know that the joke if on them. The least stable individuals are the ones who act out the most over their fame. Who would have thought that Alex and Simon would be the most normal as a result of fame.

Andy, may I offer my deapest condolonces for your loss of a dear friend. It is always hard to loose someone you care about, but you have to grieve infront of the public, and I feel sorry for you and Natasha's family and friends for that. I saw a picture of you and Ralph and the service's and the grief was truly overwhelming. Again, I am so very sorry for your true loss. Angela

Hey Andy,

I have really enjoyed watching the RH of NYC this season. It has been the best of all 3 RH so far. Looking forward to seeing the RH of NJ. I don't know where Bravo came up with the great (NOT) ideal to add Kelly to the bunch but I think Bravo should reconsider their NOT so great ideal. BTW does she have rosacea on her face?

Since Bravo blew it with this Kelly chic I wanted to give you my suggestion about increasing the ratings. Why not have a mother's day on the show? Where all the mother's of each housewife are brought together somehow. Definitely bring Jill's mom back she was awesome! I especailly think she is good for Bethenny and by versa! Bethenny deserves to have a mother like her and I really think they could enrich each others life! Thank God Jill's love for Bethenny and her mother made that possible! I mean really through all this drama I would love to see Bethenny's adopted mother rip right through Kelly, put in her place and bring her down a knotch or two! Wouldn't you? Oh yeaaaah!

I would never hang with anyone that acted like most of the participants of the Real Housewives. They would embarrass me to death. There are exceptions, but for the most part these people need to get real. I was raised to treat other people with respect and kindness and would never even consider treating another human being in the disgusting way that many of the cast members do. If the cast view the tapes of the season, do they honestly not see how horrendous their behavior is? I know that this is what is called entertainment, but that is a lot of what is wrong with society today. People have learned to treat others with disrespect and loathing.

I love the NYC housewives, mostly because NY is the most wonderful city in the world, and I love seeing the locations. I am disappointed that Bethenny (who is my favorite) is letting Kelly get to her so much. I wonder if that is just put it in for drama.Another point: I have never seen anyone as rude as Ramona.What's up with that? My other comment is on the Orange County wives. WHY, WHY,if they have so much money do they not all go to an excellent hair- dresser for a little conditioner. All of those dry, split ends kill me. (There are a couple of the NY wives that have the same problem.) Sorry to go on about this, but it distracts me every week. OK. Now this GA native has to vent. That Atlanta bunch does not represent the typical privileged of that city. Where did they come from? It is embarrassing.

Kelly You are right on regarding the E-extra they are soooooo pathetic!! I also love Jeff and his gang.

Andy, Please tell the folks at Bravo to BRING BACK FLIPPING OUT!!!!! And, the Real Housewives of NJ?? I place them with Real Housewives of Atlanta. I will not be a BravoWatcher for that show. Also, how about a wrap up show with Patti, she is a trip. I did not like the show, but it pulled me in. Good shows do that!! P.S. PLEASE show SILEX NO mercy!!!!!!! You are cool.

Andy--Please tell me something. WHY does Bravo allow Simon to blog on the Housewives of NYC? So many viewers find the guy annoying. I can't stand when he or his wife Alex are on the tv. I was really hoping they would be replaced after the first season. The other housewives and their spouses are enjoyable. I know you like the drama he and his wife bring but the viewers can't stand Simon.

Andy - Please, PLEASE get rid of Kelly. She's horrendous. It makes me want to turn the channel everytime she's on camera. All she does is rant on incessantly about herself. I think most fans of RH are probably over it. All the ladies (and Simon) have their flaws, but at least theirs are entertaining to watch. She just comes off...ugh, I don't know if I can even express it in words.

Even with a wink, she is beyond ridiculous.

I am Terminally Ill. I've lost my Townhouse,basically everything I owned because of not having the finances to battle a Major Insurance Company that asks "What If". I watch the Real Housewives of NY because at the end of an episode, I GENUINELY feel SORRY for these people. I end up feeling Great about myself, my Spirit and my Soul.

Hey Andy! Just watched tonight's show of RH NYC. OMG! Who does Kelly think she is? Inviting Bethenny for drinks to tell her she doesn't like her? She talked about Bethenny being immature and comparing it to high school, but what grown woman invites another for drinks to say "we will NEVER be friends?" She is a piece of work. LOVE how Bethenny kept her cool and said "I am calm." Kick Kelly off ASAP!!!!!!!

Where is the Real Housewives of Chicago?? You have the west and east coast, the south... but no midwest! BRING IT TO CHICAGO!!

Please rally to get rid of Kelly. They shouldn't waste anymore tape on her pretenious life!

I am a tremendous fan of your great Bravo shows - especially Flipping Out and Real Housevies (and Project Runway was my favorite...RIP). I grew up in Newport Beach and worked in LA, perhaps that's part of why I love the above 2 shows. I find Jeff Lewis so entertaining that I wished he'd left the nannycams installed so we could jump online and watch him whenever we wanted!! Jeff is a brilliant talent, I don't know how anyone tolerates working for him, but gosh I love the show.

As for the RH franchise, I started out liking the OC version the best and the current /recent season now NY is my favorite. I think casting on OC is not as strong as it was in past. I agree with many other posters that you need to boot Kelly from NY. If she's so famous and fabulous, what does she need this show for anyway! My fsvorites on that show are the Countess and Bethenny, queen of the one liners! Thank you for the phenomenal job you do bringing such great shows to Bravo.

(((((((xxxxAndyxxxx))))))) - that's a big hug. Andy, smile for the cherished times you had with your friend and smile for the cherished times you will leave others with.

I enjoy RHATL and RHNYC but I'm not going to continue watching if Kelly is continued into next season. It's good to have a villan, but she's not that, she's braindead. Five housewives for NYC is more than enough. Ramona can be the villan as she is a little over the top, but not nuts. Kelly is boring and very unsettling. I didn't even know you could be both at the same time. I thought she was going to punch Bethanny in the face when she stalked her downstairs. In her blog she lies and says Bethanny was waiting for her! I know you like to bring negative attention in case something crazy happens, but it would not be good if Kelly indeed does attack Bethanny or anyone else.

Hey Andy, You are still a cutie. Could you please get rid of Simon and Alex. Why is he always on anyways, he's no housewife - or IS HE?? While you are getting rid of people, throw Kelly in that batch too. Something is wrong with her face, like Alex's face/teeth. Please, they are soooo not a good part of the show. Also, why do we have NYC, and now NJ. Why not Dallas or Houston, or even South Beach or DETROIT!!! Even Puerto Rico would be interesting. So many Americans don't realize Puerto Rico is part of the united states, even they aren't one of the 50 states. How tropically cool would that be!! I love your tell all shows - those are the best. Have a great day and take care of yourself! Keep creating conflicts!!

hilarious... i swear as i was reading your cab report when you mentioned the drivers name i had a second of pause and thought to myself, 'hasn't he written about him before?'