Pinky Cole and K. Michelle Join "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" for Season 17

The new season of the popular reality TV series will feature a mix of fan favorites and newcomers.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Bravo announced that "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" will return for Season 17 on April 5, 2026, with a cast that includes entrepreneur Pinky Cole, known for her Slutty Vegan brand, and Grammy-nominated singer K. Michelle. The new season will follow Cole as she navigates rebuilding her business after losing it, as well as the "sizzling plant-based beef" with the group. K. Michelle is also joining the cast, known for her outspoken personality and reality TV history. The season will feature a mix of fan favorites like Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks, along with new faces.

Why it matters

The Real Housewives of Atlanta is one of Bravo's most popular and talked-about franchises, so the casting of new personalities like Pinky Cole and K. Michelle is sure to generate a lot of interest and buzz around the new season. The show's ability to bring in new, high-profile cast members while also retaining fan favorites speaks to its enduring popularity and the network's skill in keeping the franchise fresh.

The details

Pinky Cole, the entrepreneur behind the Slutty Vegan brand, is joining the cast after what Bravo describes as a "new chapter" of losing her business and fighting to buy it back. This season will follow her as she balances life as a wife, mother of five, and CEO, while navigating "sizzling plant-based beef" with the group. K. Michelle, the Grammy-nominated singer known for her outspoken personality and reality TV history, is also joining the cast. The newly revealed full cast includes Porsha Williams, Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Angela Oakley, Kelli Ferrell, and Cynthia Bailey as a friend of the cast.

  • The Real Housewives of Atlanta will return for Season 17 on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 8 p.m.

The players

Pinky Cole

An entrepreneur known for her Slutty Vegan brand, which was once valued at $100 million. She is joining the cast after losing her business and fighting to buy it back.

K. Michelle

A Grammy-nominated singer known for her outspoken personality and reality TV history.

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What they’re saying

“They counted me out…….Bravo counted me in.”

— Pinky Cole (Instagram)

“I just flipped the switch, I don't know nobody else that's doing this.”

— K. Michelle (Instagram)

The takeaway

The addition of high-profile personalities like Pinky Cole and K. Michelle to the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta signals the show's continued ability to evolve and attract new viewers, while also retaining its core fan base. The new season promises to deliver the drama, glamour, and business moves that have made the franchise so popular.