The Real Housewives of Orange County

10 Worst Episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County

Bravo brings you into the lives of five women and their families who live in one of the wealthiest communities in the country. They take the viewer "inside the gates" to show their lives aren't always perfect.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 10, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Real Housewives of Orange County - S4E12

#10 - Are We There Yet? (Season 4 - Episode 12)

Vicki Gunvalson launches her L.I.F.E. with Vicki cruise and is thrilled to get so much attention from her colleagues, but is frustrated when she can't seem to get any props from her own family. Jeana Keough and her daughter, Kara, drive to up to Berkley to move Kara into her apartment. They find themselves strangers among the "bums" and "hippies." Tamra Barney visits her dad in Iowa and puts it all on the line, spilling her heart out to her estranged father. Gretchen Rossi does Dallas, reuniting with her four best friends from college. Lynne Curtin and her husband, Frank, take a romantic getaway to San Diego leaving their teenage daughters, Raquel and Alexa, home... with Grandma.

The episode was rated 6.76 from 21 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S4E9

#9 - Why Are You Being So Mean To Me? (Season 4 - Episode 9)

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With Tamra Barney's formal seven-course dinner winding down, Tamra's son Ryan sees an opportunity to make his move on a very drunk Gretchen Rossi, leaving the rest of the ladies to worry and wonder about Gretchen's well-being. Lynne Curtin works on her budding jewelry design business. When businesswoman Vicki Gunvalson accuses her of not knowing how to work, Lynne goes out of her way to prove Vicki wrong. Jeana Keough finally moves her ex-husband, Matt, out of the house, but she struggles with how to get on with her new life. The ladies travel to Santa Monica for a trendy shopping day. Over lunch, when Gretchen confides in the women about her finances, it sparks a heated argument between Lynne and Vicki.

The episode was rated 6.75 from 24 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S2E8

#8 - Birthday Sex (Season 2 - Episode 8)

It is Jeana's birthday and no husband but Vicki's husband Don comes at least. And the rest of the Orange County girls are not pleased with Jeana's husband. Jo has a big meeting with a record company about her first single, does Slade make a fuss? And does she get naked for the photo shoot Slade sets up? The teens of Orange County are 'Angles' for Tammy's ex husband's new sport drink but are they really all Angles? Tammy and Duff to be or not to be, Duff is jealous of whom?

The episode was rated 6.75 from 28 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S13E16

#7 - Twin Tweaks (Season 13 - Episode 16)

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Vicki and Shannon proceed with dueling plastic surgeries; Emily and Shane attend couples therapy and face a painful memory; Gina gets herself in hot water with Tamra after she confesses to Shannon about what the ladies were saying behind her back.

The episode was rated 6.72 from 87 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S4E4

#6 - You Just Don't Get It (Season 4 - Episode 4)

While her fiancΓ© is in the hospital, Gretchen Rossi lifts her spirits by hosting a burlesque party at her home. Vicki Gunvalson and her family tour a million dollar yacht that she hopes to buy despite her daughter Briana's protest. Life without their father around pushes Jeana Keough's kids, Colton and Kara, to grow up quickly and seek out other paternal figures. Meanwhile, Tamra Barney's son, Ryan, has an abrupt change of career aspirations much to Tamra and Simon's surprise. New housewife Lynne Curtin is introduced and we meet her husband and two precocious teenage daughters, Raquel and Alexa. The eldest, Raquel, pushes her parents into having a huge 18th birthday blowout bash at their house. Vicki, Jeana and Tamra try to have a girls night out but a discussion about marriage and ex-husbands turns into a contentious situation between Vicki and Jeana.

The episode was rated 6.70 from 20 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S4E7

#5 - And They're Off... (Season 4 - Episode 7)

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Although Jeff remains in the hospital, Gretchen Rossi still has something to get excited about when her new 5K diamond encrusted engagement ring arrives in the mail. While Vicki Gunvalson is attending a convention in Florida, her son, Michael, decides to have a pool party at the house.Nosy neighbor Jeana Keough tattles on him, prompting Vicki to call Michael during the party. Jeana meets with her new employer, her first ex-husband, Gary Tomasina. Tired of working for a large real estate corporation, Jeana decides she needs a change and joins Gary's boutique realty company. Tamra Barney and Lauri Peterson have lunch to catch up.Tamra can't wait to gossip about the latest escapades involving the housewives, most especially drama with Gretchen Rossi. The ladies attend the opening day at Del Mar Racetrack. New housewife, Lynne Curtin, looks forward to getting to know the other housewives better. Unfortunately, Vicki and Tamra snub both Lynne and Gretchen. Lynne makes the best of it as she bonds with Jeana. Gretchen makes the best of it by partying with other people at the races, further angering Vicki and Tamra who are annoyed with her flirtatious behavior.

The episode was rated 6.67 from 21 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S1E3

#4 - Upgrading Has Nothing to do With You Honey (Season 1 - Episode 3)

Jeana's teenage son tries to get a coaching job at a college; and things get wild when Kimberly goes on a women-only excursion to Palm Springs. Meanwhile Jo helps her fiance land a lucrative business deal; and Vicki and Lauri prepare for a big New Orleans convention by getting Botox injections.

The episode was rated 6.56 from 27 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S1E2

#3 - Is It Hunting Season, Yet? (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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The opulent community is being overrun by pesky rabbits that are destroying the landscape, so Jeana's 18-year-old son , with weapon in hand, goes gunning for them. Meanwhile, Jo adds some spark to her boring life by playing tennis with Kimberly; Kimberly's family shops for a new SUV; and Vicki's daughter and her cheerleader gal pals go wild on their senior trip: a Mexican cruise.

The episode was rated 6.52 from 31 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S1E1

#2 - Meet the Wives (Season 1 - Episode 1)

Jeana's 18-year-old son , an aspiring baseball player, waits to hear if he was drafted by a team, while her 16-year-old daughter is upset that she received a hand-me-down luxury car. Meanwhile, Jo tries to spice up her lonely life of leisure; Kimberly talks about her breast implants; and Lauri copes with living outside the gated community after her divorce.

The episode was rated 6.49 from 53 votes.

The Real Housewives of Orange County - S1E8

#1 - Reunion (Season 1 - Episode 8)

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The five housewives assemble in this reunion episode, which features updated interviews, best-of footage and reflections on the soapy drama's memorable moments.

The episode was rated 6.42 from 12 votes.

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