Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake looks like some of the most entertaining, wholesome content that Bravo have put out in a long time. Former Real Housewives of New York stars, Luann de Lesseps, and Sonja Morgan, are heading out to Benton, Illinois. There, they are hoping to spruce up the town – and maybe get lucky. But when can you watch the Luann and Sonja spinoff? Here’s the Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake, Episode 1 release date and time.
What is the Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake release date and time?
Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake Episode 1 will be available to watch July 9, 2023, at 9 p.m. ESTon Bravo.Episode 2 follows straight after.
After the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Benton City Council are looking for all the help they can get. They want to revitalize their small, yet homely abode. This means constructing a new playground, hosting a variety show, and upgrading their animal shelter.
With a population just shy of 7,000 people, Luann and Sonja are on the way to get their hands dirty. There’s even a cameo appearance from none other than Paula Abdul. This double episode premiere is certain to bring the laughs, which we’re sure will keep coming as the series continues.
Despite not yet airing, Welcome to Crappie Lake has already been compared to the likes of The Simple Life. Luann and Sonja aren’t afraid to make a fool of themselves in front of the camera, in the name of making good television. After such toxicity surrounding shows like Real Housewives of New Jersey, and even the last season of Beverly Hills, it’s time for something we can watch and simply enjoy.
TELL US – ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCH THE LUANN AND SONJA SPINOFF? WILL THEY SUCCEED IN THEIR SEARCH FOR CRAPPIE? WILL EITHER OF THE LADIES BAG A NEW MAN FROM BENTON?
If you are like many Americans, living paycheck to paycheck and often wondering how to get by each month, you’re in good company. It appears most reality television stars are in the same situation. Real Housewives of Orange County star Taylor Armstrong is going through some financial issues. Again.
It would be nice if Taylor could live worry-free for the rest of her life after what fans saw her endure on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. While she did escape a horrific situation, her life still isn’t perfect. Taylor’s husband was recently sued over a big debt, and the bank wants the money.
Cap One is calling
Taylor’s hubby John Bluher was hit with a legal suit that accused him of not paying his credit card bill. Also, this comes months after the IRS slapped an enormous lien on him. Now Capital One is coming in hot. Radar has the details.
A civil suit has been filed against John. We would all appreciate it if this man could pay his bills so Taylor doesn’t have to further suffer in life. Please and thank you. The case was filed earlier in Orange County Superior Court and Johnny is on the hook for $21,456.13. So apparently when Cap One asks John, “What’s in your wallet?” – the answer is “not much.”
Evidently, legal docs say “Money was lent by [Capital One] to [John] at [John’s] request.” Additionally, the bank is requesting the balance to be paid in full. John has not responded to the suit at this time.
Furthermore, this isn’t John’s first dance in the financial woes rodeo. In December 2019, Johnny received a tax lien. He was accused of owing $468,848.18 to the IRS for the year 2014. That debt remains active.
No word on whether or not Tamra Judge will use this as ammo to bash Taylor in future episodes. Real Housewives of Orange County airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
TELL US – ARE YOU SHOCKED AT JOHN’S MASSIVE DEBTS? DO YOU THINK TAYLOR WILL STAY WITH HIM?
Former Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah is working on herself during her prison stay. A judge sentenced Jen to 78 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She engaged in a scheme that took advantage of the elderly.
Since surrendering to FPC Bryan Prison Camp, Jen kept herself busy. She completed an anger management class while behind bars. I’ll bet her RHOSLC co-stars wish she had taken that course while filming with them.
Now Jen is using her time in prison to help others. The Messenger has all the details.
Jen is focused on helping others
“I took shortcuts and broke the law,” Jen said via an email interview. “I hurt people and I must reiterate that I blame no one but myself.”
She continued, “I am committed to doing the work necessary to make my victims whole and prove worthy of a second chance. I’ve learned to focus on what I can and cannot control,” she stated.
The RHOSLC alum is focused on helping others. Justin Paperny, Jen’s prison consultant, said that she is “not just working, sleeping or exercising her time away.” Jen has been tutoring inmates earning their ESL and GED. She is also serving as a mentor.
According to Jen, she helped other inmates create release plans and taught workout classes. She even created a play with her fellow inmates, aptly titled Real Housewives of Bryan.
“Jen has adopted a positive attitude in a difficult situation. Her focus on personal growth, building strong relationships, and helping others is a testament to her resilience and strength of character,” Justin said.
Alas, Jen’s actions are not totally altruistic. “She is pursuing educational opportunities to advance her release. By actively participating and successfully completing educational programs, she may increase her chances of earlier release or other benefits,” Justin explained.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to earn a second chance. I know some people doubt my sincerity and commitment,” Jen explained. Truth!
“I can only control what I do daily and how I prepare for my life after federal prison,” she added.
TELL US – ARE YOU IMPRESSED BY JEN’S ACTIONS BEHIND BARS? IS SHE TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF?
Let’s face it, Tom Sandoval of Vanderpump Rules may soon be wearing out his 15 minutes of fame. After Season 10’s rollercoaster of emotions storyline, thanks to Scandoval, it looks like supporters and Bravo fans are tired of the singer’s antics and are looking to get off the merry-go-round. For years, Tom was actually thought to be the number one guy at SUR. Look at his competition, Jax Taylor and Tom Schwartz, not the best prizes to be won at the State Fair.
After his affair with Raquel Leviss was revealed, the Tom Tom co-owner quickly fell from grace with no help to ease the hard landing back into reality. Bravo followers, if anything, are loyal to a fault. Once they heard how hurt Ariana Madix was, there was no chance of redemption for Tom.
More than anything in the world, Tom loves his cover band that he formed almost a year ago. The lead singer of the Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras has been throwing numerous resources into his hobby, including time and money. Tom had planned a May Flower Tour for, you guessed it, the month of May. The Vanderpump Rules star’s goal was to tour cities around the United States and share his vocals with his fans.
However, after his cheating scandal, ticket sales plummeted, and his fans were nowhere to be seen. Instead, Tom was often heckled while on stage. Many followers still chose to go to the gigs. However, instead of cheering him on, they documented moments when he sang badly or even when his own bandmate checked out during a set to look at their phone. What little rockstar power Tom thought he might be receiving quickly dried up.
With Vanderpump Rules Season 11 officially starting to film, no one from the cast is currently speaking with Tom. Even his best friend, Tom Schwartz, noted that he needed to take a step back from his toxic friendship. The bartender also has been MIA from the first few episodes in order to film another reality TV show.
TMZ shared that Tom is actually filming Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. The show centers around how training for the elite forces like the Navy Seals would go if one of the reality stars were an actual recruit. Based on the UK’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, the series allows participants to tell their side of the story and essentially redeem themselves. However, Tom may have missed the boat for absolution.
The Vanderpump Rules Season 10 reunion didn’t do Tom any favors. Especially since even though they agreed not to, Raquel broke down and told the truth about their timeline. The former beauty pageant contestant shared that Tom had coached her on what to say in hopes of the two showing a united front. But all fans could see was Tom taking advantage of another young woman.
Even during his chat with Ariana, Tom made a series of excuses for not admitting his infidelity sooner to her, even bringing up his ex-girlfriend’s depression. Another excuse Tom tried to use for not telling Ariana sooner was the fact that they owned their Valley Village home together and that their separation would be complicated.
Above all, Tom chases fame and can’t get enough of the spotlight. But due to his actions, the limelight is getting dimmer and dimmer. The Vanderpump Rules star once burned bright, but like Icarus, Tom may have flown too close to the sun and is now hurdling toward Earth at warp speed. No matter what Tom does to rectify his past, it will always haunt him. Not only are Tom’s choices affecting him, but they are also affecting his business partners and employees, as fans are aiming to boycott his bars.
The big question remaining is, did Bravo know about the affair, and was the information used in a calculating move to keep Tom’s storyline fresh? If it turns out that Tom, in fact, played a bigger part in planning the tryst, there is no way he will be able to stay famous. In fact, after not being on the show for a season or two, viewers will even start to question, “Tom, who?”
TELL US – WHY DO YOU THINK TOM SANDOVAL LOVES FAME?
While not everyone is thrilled about the reboot of the beloved east coast franchise, one of the new cast members is working overtime to get fans excited about the premiere, and that’s Sai De Silva.
The RHONY newbie is a content creator, a fashion blogger, and a mother of two. And she has high hopes for the success of the new iteration of RHONY. The Sun recently caught up with her to dish on what fans can expect from the reboot, and she thinks they’ve got a hit on their hands.
Sai is ready to play
When chatting with the outlet, Sai promised that the upcoming season will deliver on all the notes we expect from a solid Real Housewives of New York City season: a little bit of fighting and a little bit of fun.
“You’re going to get that witty banter with what the young season of RHONY used to be,” she teased. “Of course, you’re going to get tension, you’re going to get bickering, but you’re going to get everything you would see in your own friendships.”
Although RHONY Season 13 was plagued by low viewership, Sai predicted that the Season 14 ladies have what it takes to bring the franchise back on top.
“The show will skyrocket. Everyone will love it. It’s a lot of fun,” Sai told the outlet, and she’s eager for the world to see exactly who she is. “I’m a New Yorker through and through, so you’ll see that. And I live a very aspirational and inspirational lifestyle, so I’ll bring that to the table as well,” she boasted.
With this level of confidence, Sai will fit into the Housewives world just fine. And although she believes we’ll see a bit of old-school RHONY in the reboot, she reiterated that they aren’t competing with the legacy cast members. Even Sai knows there’s no way they can completely live up to the original.
“I don’t think it’s a comparison. I think it’s a brand-new show. Those are really big shoes to fill that we would never want to fill,” the newbie admitted.
The shoes are big indeed, and we’ll see just how much they can fill them when Season 14 of The Real Housewives of New York City premieres on Bravo on Sunday, July 16 at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR RHONY SEASON 14? DO YOU AGREE WITH SAI THAT THE RATINGS WILL “SKYROCKET?”
Something odd is going on with Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann. While their PR has them publicly strolling around and going to “church” with the kids, the estranged couple has a new lawsuit.
It seems like the money problems are neverending for the Real Housewives of Atlanta alums. Hopefully, one of them gets a job and starts bringing in the cash. Truth be told, Kim could probably save the day, but someone would need to send her a contract. In the interim, there’s a new $213k debt. Allegedly.
More money, more money problems
According to court docs obtained by Radar, Kim and Kroy’s credit score just got lower. Along with the IRS, Target, BMW Financial, and several others, Simmons Bank is holding for them on line one.
The bank claims Kimbo and Kroy pulled a Home Equity Line of Credit for $300k with a company called Landmark Community Bank. The original date of maturity was back in December 2016.
In August 2017, the couple implemented a modification agreement and pushed the maturity date to December 2017. This begs the question, why weren’t they paying their bills back in 2016?
In 2018, the maturity date was modified once again and Kim and Kroy acknowledged the owed balance of $271,788.61. Simmons Bank was under the impression Kim and Kroy agreed on monthly payments of $1132.46, with the first installment due in February 2018. The final payment of the remaining balance was scheduled for January 24, 2038.
Kroy and Kim allegedly defaulted by skipping the payments due. The last one received was on October 28, 2022. They were notified of the debt in May 2023. Because of this contract breach, Simmons Bank wants the full balance paid immediately. Well, that sucks for Simmons because you can’t get blood from a turnip.
Right now, Kim and Kroy can add an additional $213k plus $1700 interest to the list of things they currently owe. They have not addressed or commented on the lawsuit.
I don’t think you need a crystal ball to see bankruptcy coming around the bend.
TELL US – WILL KIM AND KROY RECONCILE? DO YOU THINK THEY WILL FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY?
Who needs a therapist when you can go on a podcast and discuss your family trauma? That seems to work for MaddieZiegler, and we’re not mad about it because she delivered some major dish about her time on Dance Moms.
The reality TV alum recently sat down on Emily Ratajkowsi’s podcast. She chatted through her experience growing up on Dance Moms and dealing with one of reality TV’s most notorious villains, Abby Lee Miller.
Maddie’s mom, Melissa Ziegler-Gisoni, paraded Maddie and her sister Mackenzie Ziegler around on Lifetime for years. But now that the dust has settled, it sounds like they’ve all agreed that the show probably wasn’t the best for their mental health.
It’s never too late for an apology
Maddie started on Dance Moms when she was just eight years old. Her mom Melissa was one of the leading parents featured in the cast all the way through Season 6. Her drama with Abby and the other moms usually revolved around the fact that Maddie was the clear favorite in the Abby Lee Dance Company. Seriously, how many weeks was Maddie on top of the pyramid back in the day?
Whether it was favoritism or sheer skill, it paid off because Maddie, now 20 years old, has gone on to star in numerous TV shows, movies, and music videos. She has nearly 14 million followers on Instagram, for crying out loud. She’s set. But, she admitted on the High Low with EmRata podcast that her reality TV experience had a negative impact on her mental health.
“Last year, I was having a really bad panic attack, and I called my mom,” Maddie explained. “And things were coming up from the past, and she apologized to me, and she was like, ‘I am so sorry that I put you through that.'”
Thank goodness Melissa apologized because that show was truly an emotional rollercoaster. The weekly pyramid ranking would be enough to send someone over the edge. But, then add on Abby Lee’s constant screaming and the moms arguing? That’s a lot to take into during your adolescence. So, it sounds like Maddie is thankful for being out of the reality TV spotlight.
“I think it’s crazy because now I feel like our lives are way more relaxed than they were when we were young because it was such a high-pressure situation,” Maddie shared. “In a way, I think we’re so relieved that now it turned into more of a calm environment. And we’re just so happy that it’s transitioned into what it is now.”
In Melissa’s defense, Maddie explained that she became aware that the toxic Dance Moms environment was bad for their family. Maddie explained that while the show was airing, she tried to get them off it.
“She really did everything to try and break our contract and pull us out, and eventually did,” Maddie revealed.
For the sake of the kids, let’s hope there’s never another show like Dance Moms. But if you want to relive it in all of its 2010s glory, all eight seasons are streaming through Lifetime.
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED TO HEAR MADDIE SPEAK SO CANDIDLY ABOUT HER TIME ON THE SHOW? DO YOU THINK ANY OTHER FORMER CAST MEMBERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR CONVERSATIONS WITH THEIR PARENTS?
Derek appeared on Good Morning America to reveal the news. “This season on Dancing with the Stars, we are going absolutely mad. Mad, for Madix!” Derek revealed, before Ariana came into frame. “That’s right, I’m Vanderpump Rules’ Ariana Madix, and I will be joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars this season,” she said. “Say goodbye to the drama, and hello to the dancefloor! Let’s dance!” Derek signed off.
It’s been a long time coming, as rumors have been swirling surrounding Ariana and DWTS for some months now. Bravo’s own Andy Cohen even seemed to prematurely confirm that the Pump Rules veteran would be swapping Pumptinis for the ballroom blitz, in comments made earlier this year.
“She’s gotten endorsement deals. She’s on Dancing with the Stars,” Andy slipped, when talking about Ariana bouncing back following the devastation of Scandoval. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Scandoval refers to the uncovering of Ariana’s long-term boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, cheating on her with her former best friend, Raquel Leviss.
Exactly who else will be competing alongside Ariana remains to be seen. Now that she has been revealed, however, we should expect the other celebrities taking part to be announced in quick succession.
Alfonso Ribeiro returns to hosting duties, with new co-host, and former pro dancer and judge, Julianne Hough, by his side. “It is such an honor to be rejoining Dancing with the Stars as co-host,” she said upon the time of the announcement. “The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of.”
Dancing with the Stars will return in the fall, on Monday nights from 8 p.m. ET to 10 p.m. ET on ABC. It will also be streaming live on Disney+.
TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE ARIANA ON DANCING WITH THE STARS? WHO ELSE ARE YOU HOPING TO SEE TAKE TO THE BALLROOM? WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE SOME OTHER BRAVO STARS INVOLVED?
When Project Runway got started this week, the challenge seemed fun. It was the first of its kind. Christian came up with the concept. The Season 20 All Stars would be tasked with creating a look that was distinctively them, all using the same bolt of deep red fabric. Kayne was feeling the pressure after landing in the bottom the week prior. But when the episode drew to a close, emotions got the better of a handful of designers. It was ugly to watch. Some of the behavior was downright nasty. Let’s dig into what could have been an excellent episode of Project Runway.
Brittany shares an emotional and inspiring story
Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/Bravo
As the designers got to work, with around 10 yards of red fabric each, many of them came up with some daring ideas. One of the most unique was from Brittany, who wanted to go down the sportswear route. It’s not something one would immediately think of, but she has her reasons. Brittany reveals that in recent years, she suffered a stroke while on a flight. She couldn’t walk off of the plane, and after being taken to the hospital, was told that a blood clot had moved to her brain. Thankfully, she made a full recovery within six weeks. She puts a lot of that down to her newfound relationship with fitness.
As Christian walked around the room, he was fascinated by what Bishme had to offer. His sketches were certainly jaw-dropping, and he just hoped he would be able to execute it on the runway when all was said and done. Fabio, on the other hand, wasn’t ticking Christian’s boxes. “It’s a little safe,” the mentor opined. Still, Fabio wanted to stick to his guns. He had a vision, and was sure it would come to life.
Christian then told Rami that he was “pushing” him to do more. He recalled how “fast” he was at sewing, and wanted a more daring look. Kara Saun got a look of approval, as she was incorporating a reveal into her design. It would definitely make for a memorable moment on the runway if it came together properly. Meanwhile, Anna was going for ruffles, which is her signature. “What else can it be?” Christian asked. “Play around with it.” Anna looked terrified.
A treat for the designers, and a big prize
Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/Bravo
Christian revealed that he would be taking the designers on a personal shopping trip. Not only that, but this week’s sponsor would be gifting the winner of the red bolt challenge a whopping $10,000! Christian joked that all they got when he was a contestant was Chinese food, and it immediately made me hungry for takeout.
After spending some money, the designers got back to the workroom for their final touches. The models also arrived for their fitting. Korto throws a little shade about Anna doing a look we’ve all seen before, and Kayne hops on the bandwagon. It seems light at the time, but it later becomes something much more.
Fabio is worried only about his own look. He sees that other people have done draping. Elsewhere, Hester asks Bishme for help; is there fit issues on their look? Not quite, but that might be the least of their troubles. “Don’t overthink it,” Bishme says. It’s too late anyway. On to hair and makeup, before the runway!
Nina is alarmed, which is never a good sign on Project Runway
Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/Bravo
Judges Nina, Elaine, and Brandon are this week joined by special guest Lena Waithe. She’s a queer icon, and one of the most fashionable people to have ever graced the face of the planet, in my humble opinion. The show starts with a bang, but for Nina, fizzles into mediocrity. Not what you want on Project Runway!
Brittany’s look is first out. It’s runway ready, well-fitted, sexy, sensual, striking … all of the good words! She has nailed the challenge. Prajjé is next up, and his design flows really nicely. It’s not the most memorable, but it works well. Korto has a stunning weave design on the upper half of her outfit, and the way the pants move is kind of a moment.
Fabio is next up. His draping is exquisite, but the look is a safe one. Anna’s outfit is just not it for me. The ruffles sort of look like some of the padding you sometimes get in a parcel, dyed red. I don’t see any sort of shape in the design underneath the ruffles, and I’m just not loving it. Kara Saun, on the other hand, has an awesome offering. Despite not being able to do the reveal, because she underestimated the length of her model’s torso, it’s giving high fashion.
Hester’s look is tight up top, with flowy pants. It’s actually shaped extremely well, but does look a little cheap when compared to the rest of the looks. Laurence, meanwhile, gives a look that you wouldn’t be shocked to see the likes of Taylor Swift rocking on-stage. Kayne is next up. He’s opted for a red carpet gown, which wouldn’t look out of place on any Hollywood star. Still, it feels safe rather than daring.
Rami and Bishme round out the runway for the week. Rami’s look is a sophisticated one, but he adds a zipper to make sure it stands out among the crowd. Bishme, for me, stole the show. It’s a daring, creative, statement piece. Exactly why he was only deemed safe, rather than in the top three, is beyond me.
“Guess you all turned into drapers and minimalists!” Nina says after the final looks. Ouch. That was rude, and slightly uncalled for. Still, she’s the boss. “There were a lot of similar looks,” she tells the designers.
Who is ‘in,’ and who is going home?
Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/Bravo
Rami, Brittany, Anna, Hester, Fabio, and Kara Saun are named as the highest and lowest scoring designers of the week. Everybody else is safe, and sent backstage, where they can watch the rest of the night in peace. Well, it would be peace, if some of them didn’t want to destroy all of Anna’s confidence when she is declared as one of the highest-scoring contestants of the night.
Korto calls Anna’s placement “bullsh*t,” with both Kayne, and Laurence quick to agree. “It’s an insult, it’s insulting,” Korto carries on, as Nina tells Anna it’s clear she “worked your butt off.” Bishme sticks up for Anna in confessional. She’s someone he respects, as she knows what type of designer she is, and executes looks based on that.
Kara Saun’s look “feels fashion,” according to Nina. She’s also in the top, alongside Brittany, who Nina declares as “so smart,” for using white stitching to stand out against the red fabric that everybody was forced to use.
Rami, Hester, and Fabio are all in the bottom. In the end, Hester is sent home. Sadly, their elimination is overshadowed by the sniping backstage. “Clearly we can repeat looks here,” Korto says in earshot of Anna. It’s a “weird energy,” Anna says to producers. She feels like she’s being looked at as an “enemy.” It’s hard to stomach.
Drama for another Project Runway day
Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/Bravo
After Hester says goodbye, Kayne figures he wants a moment. “It feels a little disrespectful,” he tells Anna. The arrogance of this man is overwhelming, truly. He has had some incredible moments in this season already, but if his attitude continues to be this stank? They’ll be completely overshadowed.
Kara Saun proves she is worthy of a Project Runway All Stars title, as she defends Anna through tears. This is everybody’s art, and it’s time everyone calms the f*ck down. Still, the mood and energy has changed. Korto says this is going to “divide” the group. Sigh.
Project Runway continues Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – WERE YOU SHOCKED BY HOW HARSHLY ANNA WAS TREATED BY SOME OF THE DESIGNERS? WHO HAD YOUR FAVORITE LOOK OF THE WEEK?
