BRAVO’S decline in ratings have left producers in ‘panic mode’ as some fan-favorite shows are ‘in danger’ of getting a cast reboot, a source exclusively told The U.S. Sun.

Executives at the network are allegedly wanting to shake up, or completely reboot, the cast of The Real Housewives of New Jersey with other shows also in discussions.

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Real Housewives of New Jersey 2023 cast photo pictured left to right: Rachel Fuda, Margaret Josephs, Melissa Gorga, Dolores Catania, Teresa Giudice, Jennifer Aydin and Danielle Cabral[/caption]

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According to Nielsen media data, 1.1m Bravo fans watched the season 12 premiere for RHONJ however, the number sank to 830k for season 14 – nearly a 20% drop in less than two years.

“The ratings decline has been catastrophic. Most shows have been in steady decline but there is hope that things will turn around. 

“On one end, there is a sense of panic within the network but that’s the state of TV right now. It’s not just Bravo, viewership for any linear network is down,” an insider told The U.S. Sun – noting how all of cable television has been deeply impacted by streaming services and modern times. 

“As happy as everyone is with the success of Peacock, that has hurt ratings for Bravo. Peacock really started to take off in 2022 and that’s when a decrease in network viewership and an increase in streaming viewership was really noticed by [Bravo]. 

“It’s difficult to navigate because it’s all the same company, so at the top it’s a win, but they also are two totally different entities. So different people feel different ways about it sucking the traffic. It’s complicated.”

NBCUniversal is the parent company of both Bravo and Peacock.

The source continued: “[Higher ups] at the network are not happy and having constant discussions about the numbers. 

“Then it trickles down to them wanting producers to get creative with adapting to what will keep eyeballs watching, which then results in enormous shifts like we’ve seen with the RHONY reboot and recastings on basically every show. 

“New Jersey is the main point of discussion right now. The OC cast will most likely be shaken up slightly but not completely rebooted. They’re happy overall with the drama those women brought.

“They’re waiting to see how Beverly Hills and Potomac plays out but Jersey and OC are in discussions now the most.”

The insider noted that Bravo is “happy with the Salt Lake City cast” which is currently the “most stable casting-wise of all the shows.”

Regarding who would be replaced on the network, the source claimed: “No one is safe. Any cast member on any franchise could be on the chopping block at any point and they’re not afraid to make the cuts when they need to. 

“If a total overhaul will save the day, that’s what they’ll do but everyone is working overtime to save what’s still good at the network – and there are still shows pulling their weight in ratings. 

“They’ve got a plan and the people there believe in what they’re doing, a lot have been there years so the spirit isn’t lost. 

“There is still so many successful aspects within the company. It’s an uphill battle but they’re fighting.”

Ratings that do not include streaming figures have been dropping for many Bravo shows across the board. 

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RHOC Season 18 cast pictured left to right: Katie Ginella, Gina Kirschenheiter, Heather Dubrow, Shannon Storms Beador, Tamra Judge, Emily Simpson and Jennifer Pedranti[/caption]

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RHOBH season 13 cast left to right: Annemarie Wiley, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, Sutton Stracke and Crystal Minkoff[/caption]

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RHOA reunion pictured left to right: Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Drew Sidors, Andy Cohen, Sheree Whitfield, Marlo Hampton and Sanya Richards Ross[/caption]

The RHOA average rating for season 12 – which was filmed less than three years ago – was 1.8m however, this most recent season brought in an average of 816k per week.

For RHONJ, their average in season 12 was over one million per week however, for the most recent season 14, a median of 732 people tuned in.

The average for RHOC’s season 15 on Nielsen was well over one million but for season 18, which is still currently airing, the number dropped to 600k.

However, a source close to the network noted that when the viewership from both Peacock and Bravo are combined, expectations have been exceeded with this season of RHOC being the most-watched in five years.

Shows outside of the Housewives franchise have also been impacted, such as Below Deck.

The yacht-based series averaged over one million last season however, the most recent season brought in less than 830k per week just one year later.

A rep for Bravo declined The U.S. Sun’s request for comment. 

Earlier this week, Bravo boss Andy Cohen seemingly confirmed a cast change was coming to RHONJ. 

After current star Jennifer Aydin, 47, commented on Instagram that she, along with Teresa Giudice and Dolores Catania, were “coming back” to the next season.

However, Andy, 54, furiously responded on his SiriusXM radio show that her claim was not true.  

When told by co-host, John Hill, that Jennifer confirmed she was coming back, Andy exclaimed back: “What?! No!! She confirmed that she’s returning?! No!”

“We’ve made no decisions on ‘The Real Housewives [of New Jersey]. We’ve done absolutely nothing. 

“Well, actually, we’ve done plenty. But that’s not – um no. I’ll wait until I get a… I wish her well. Wait until Bravo or I says something.”

Fans took that as a sign that things were not looking good for Jen, with one writing: “Andy definitely said ‘you did not make the cut. Oh she’s definitely fired now lol.”

For Orange County, controversial returning cast member Alexis Bellino, 47, is reportedly on the chopping block and likely not to return next season.

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Andy Cohen interviews Sutton Stracke at the RHOBH reunion[/caption]

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BravoCon Live with Andy Cohen! Dynamic Duos from Paris Theater in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday, November 4, 2023[/caption]

SNOOKER fans have been left stunned by Hossein Vafaei’s stunning fluke shot.

The bizarre moment occurred in the first frame of his first round clash against 62-year-old legend Jimmy White at the Northern Ireland Open.

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Vafaei apologised to his opponent[/caption]

Vafaei tried to pot the brown into the green pocket, firing it powerfully across the baize.

And somehow the ball flew up into the air and landed on the rail.

It then rolled along the top before falling into the opposite corner pocket to the amazement of everyone.

Eurosport’s commentator was left in shock, saying: “It is one of those flukes you see about once in every five years.

“Extraordinary, look at that. A remarkable thing to happen.

“It is a legal shot in case you are wondering – it gives him four points.

“In all the years I have probably only seen that seven or eight times.”

Fans were left equally stunned, with one saying: “That is crazy.”

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Another joked: “He must practice that!”

Vafaei even looked startled by the lucky shot himself and lifted his hand apologetically towards White.

The winner of Vafaei vs White will face Martin O’Donnell in the next round.

FRANK Fritz’s close friend has insisted American Pickers is not the same without the fan-favorite, with ratings for the premiere episode way down compared to previous seasons. 

Frank passed away at 60 years old on Monday, September 30, two years after suffering a stroke that left him in rehabilitation. 

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Frank Fritz passed away on September 30 from complications of a stroke he suffered in July 2022[/caption]

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Frank Fritz’s friend insists American Pickers was better with the star on the small screen[/caption]

The fan-favorite last appeared on American Pickers in 2020 after a falling out with his co-star Mike Wolfe, who he reconciled with at the time of his death. 

Frank’s good friend Gerry Gendreau exclusively told The U.S. Sun how the series hasn’t been the same without the star. 

“I think the show is not nearly as good as it was.

“With the ratings, it doesn’t have to be me or somebody thinking that, the nation knows it’s not what it was. 

“It needed Frank.”

Gerry previously told The U.S. Sun how Frank would’ve eventually returned to the show had it not been for the stroke. 

“Mike came up with the idea for the show. Mike was smart enough to know the show would be perfect with Frank,” Jerry said.

“My analogy of the two, Mike and Frank were like Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. 

“Jerry Lewis, Frank, was just as important or maybe even more important for the show. It’s very hard to be the Jerry Lewis all of the time.

“I think Frank would’ve went back, but he had his health issues. And he did have some serious health issues. From 25 or 30 on he suffered from Crohn’s.”

Crohn’s is a bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.

Jerry explained how Frank became a fan-favorite on the show because of his “spontaneity.”

“He was truly the comedian who popped out with some of the weirdest and dumbest things that you just go, ‘Wow,’” Jerry said.  

“He made a mark on history.”

RATINGS CRISIS

Season 26 of American Pickers premiered on October 9 with Mike and Robbie Wolfe, Jon “Jersey Jon” Szalay and Danielle Colby.

The hour-long premiere episode saw Mike, 60, picking through Evel Knievel memorabilia, including a one-of-a-kind billboard from his Snake Canyon jump. 

But the episode failed to attract many viewers, as The U.S. Sun reported just 565,000 fans tuned in. 

This is a drop from Season 25, which kicked off with a two-episode premiere in December 2023.

Classic Car Cemetery raked in 723,000 viewers and part two of the premiere, Hidden Cash Stash, had ratings drop to 676,000. 

Episode three saw an increase to 880,000 viewers, and the numbers remained around the same throughout the rest of the month.

By the January 24 episode, ratings skyrocketed to 948,000 viewers.

The numbers dropped back down through most of February with the lowest rating on February 14 at 774,000 viewers and the highest on February 28 at 966,000.

The finale episode on March 27 brought in 832,000 viewers. 

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Frank Fritz on an episode of American Pickers[/caption]

HONORING FRANK?

On premiere day, the series paid tribute to Frank by playing episodes featuring the fan-favorite, who appeared on the show from 2010 to 2020.

But when episode one of Season 26 aired, fans were saddened to see there was no mention of him.

One fan wrote on Reddit, “There was no dedication to Frank on the season premiere last night.

“I feel like they should have at least made a title card at the end or something to honor him?”

“Total disrespect! This show was and is still dead to me,” commented another.

“I saw the title card on one of the Frank-centric reruns last night but not on the new episode premiere,” wrote a third.

FRANK’S FINAL BOW

Frank’s final episode was in March 2020, as he left the show to recover from back surgery.

The operation left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.

During his time off, Frank lost 65 pounds and was living a healthier lifestyle, including being sober from alcohol.

Though he planned to return to the series after his hiatus, he was officially let go in 2021, Mike confirmed.

“I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey,” Mike said at the time.

The two had a falling out, as Frank exclusively told The U.S. Sun in a 2021 interview, “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.

“I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me.”

The two reconciled after Frank suffered the stroke in July 2022. 

Mike and loved ones were by Frank’s side at the time of his passing.

REMEMBERING FRANK

American Pickers posted on social media following Frank’s death, “We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. 

“Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade. We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time.

“He will be deeply missed.”

YouTube/Samcrac

The series now stars Mike and Robbie Wolfe, Danielle Colby and Jon ‘Jersey Jon’ Szalay[/caption]

The History Channel

Mike and Robbie Wolfe on an episode of American Pickers[/caption]

A NEW anti-theft law is set to go into effect that will result in harsher penalties for retail theft bandits.

As department stores across the nation continue to be tormented by retail theft and brazen smash-and-grab acts, a new legislation in California is just months away from going into effect that will seek to curb the issue.

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The organized retail crime bill, which was passed by Governor Gavin Newson in August, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2025.

The law will allow for stricter penalties for individuals participating in organized smash-and-grab, retail theft, and vehicle theft.

“The only way we can take these criminals down is by beating them at their own game,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said.

“We need to be equally nimble, coordinated, organized – and then some. I am thankful for great partners like CHP [California Highway Patrol], local law enforcement and district attorneys.

“We must be a united front that spans law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, and online marketplaces. The bulletin summarizes the new laws that can be used as tools to fight organized retail crime head on.”

The bill, consisting of 10 new laws, will form a collaborated district attorney effort that allows them to file specific theft charges against individuals suspected of retail crimes no matter what county the offense occurred.

The new policy will allow thefts against multiple victims or in several counties to be combined into one single and hasher charge.

The enhanced policies will also punish a person possessing stolen property that exceeds $950 to face a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by up to one year or as a felony for 16 months.

A separate policy will allow the court to ban an individual convicted of shoplifting, organized retail theft, vandalism, or battery of an employee from all of the department store’s locations or parking lot for up to two years.

Another law will create a new sentencing enhancement for individuals caught selling stolen goods worth $50,000 or more to crack down on smash-and-grab crimes at high-end designer locations.

Individuals convicted of selling stolen goods exceeding $50,000 can be sentenced to up to a year in prison.

The sentencing increases based on the cost of the stolen goods.

An individual caught trying to sell $200,00 or more of stolen items can receive a two-year sentence, three years in prison for property exceeding $1,000,000, and four years for items exceeding $3,000,000.

The charges can be brought against anyone not directly involved with the organized retail theft crime, such as middlemen who received items from thieves.

A separate law increases penalties for car break-ins and auto theft.

The bill includes a new law for possessing stolen property that was taken during a car theft or unlawful vehicle entry.

“These 10 new laws address gaps that made it more difficult for law enforcement and prosecutors to bring perpetrators to justice,” District Attorney Rob Bonta told ABC affiliate KXTV.

POPEYES has brought back a fan-favorite entrée ahead of Thanksgiving.

The unique holiday offering from the fast food chain seeks to help customers feed their families in 2024.

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Popeyes has brought back a menu favorite for Thanksgiving[/caption]

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The Cajun-Style Turkey is available for customers to order through the holiday[/caption]

While it might be famous for its fried chicken, the Cajun-Style Turkey has caught plenty of attention over the past few years.

It was introduced three years ago and is “hand-rubbed & infused” with a “signature blend of Lousiana seasonings,” per the Popeyes website.

The delectable bird is also pre-cooked, saving customers time on Thanksgiving with a simple process of thawing, heating, and serving.

Instructions for the process noted that customers should thaw the turkey for 72 hours in a refrigerator and then cook/reheat accordingly.

The product must then be consumed within three days.

Popeyes notes that the Cajun-Style Turkey will feed at least eight to 12 guests and weigh anywhere from 11 to 13 pounds.

Customers can order the entrée for pickup at their local Popeyes restaurant or have it delivered.

Sides and other menu items can also go with the Cajun-Style Turkey to make a complete Thanksgiving meal.

COSTLY CHANGE

Some Popeyes customers have been raving with excitement about the return of the Thanksgiving offering, but some noticed a crucial difference — the price.

“It’s really good. But I remember when they use[d] to be $39.99, too,” someone wrote in a thread about the Cajun-Style Turkey’s return on Reddit.

“Now it’s $99? Yikes!” another exclaimed.

The $99 isn’t necessarily accurate, as prices vary by location — and it’s more or less expensive depending on whether customers have it delivered or picked up.

Pickup at Popeyes has a price point hovering around $54.

Still, with the former price being $39.99 in previous years, that’s about a $14 increase.

Several said they were willing to fork over the cash for the dish and encourage others to do the same.

“So last year I got one of these and it was incredible, but I used the juices to make an even better gravy,” a customer wrote in the Reddit thread.

“If you are looking for a quick and easy option, do yourself a favor and get this. It’s one of the best turkeys I’ve ever had,” someone else said.

BASKET BONUS

A few major retailers have also released their Thanksgiving offerings to customers.

Aldi introduced its “lowest-priced” basket earlier this month for $47 to combat inflation and offer “welcome relief” to customers looking to afford a feast for everyone at home.

It includes a Butterball turkey, gravy, stuffing, spices, rolls, and a side of mac & cheese, along with ingredients to make cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Walmart also offered a competing Thanksgiving basket deal for around $50 and over 29 items and ingredients.

It promised the offering was “inflation-free” and noted it could be bought and donated to the Salvation Army for those customers looking to make a kind gesture this holiday season.

CHARISSA Thompson had fans dropping their jaws during a recent Fox NFL Sunday appearance.

The Fox reporter left viewers stunned with a figure-hugging dress during Sunday’s NFL action.

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Charissa Thompson stunned fans with her most recent Fox NFL Sunday appearance[/caption]

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Thompson dropped jaws with a figure-hugging red dress[/caption]

Thompson wore her hair at shoulder length while delivering a segment about Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

She looked incredible in a vibrant red dress while speaking to the Fox NFL Sunday crew.

The garment hugged her figure, and fans went wild for the stunning outfit.

“Charissa Thompson is so hot,” one fan said.

“Charissa Thompson looking absolutely stunning,” another fan said.

“They should just broadcast Charissa Thompson’s every movement,” a third fan said.

Outside of her duties on Fox NFL Sunday, Thompson airs her own podcast with fellow reporter Erin Andrews.

They talk about a multitude of subjects every week, most recently discussing a soft spot she has for a NFL quarterback.

“I know he takes a lot of s***,” Thompson said.

“Like ‘Oh, he gets all this money and he doesn’t win the playoffs, or it’s like this and that.

“Obviously, you and I get to know these guys on a personal level.

“If no one listening to this knows anything about Kirk Cousins, go back and watch Quarterback on Netflix.

“He is the sweetest, the kindest, like such a good human being,”

Thompson has covered Cousins’ career from college through the NFL, as she formerly worked in the Big 10.

She said Cousins remembered her from that time and it made their recent conversations even better.

“He gets up on to the set before we go on air, and he was like, ‘Hi Charissa!.. I remember when you covered the Big Ten Network,” Thompson said.

“I was like… you sit down right now you little cutie… He’s just such a class act.”

Cousins is having a solid debut season for his new team in the Atlanta Falcons.

He has thrown for 1,830 yards with 10 touchdowns, but has also thrown seven interceptions.

The Falcons are currently 4-3 on the season with Cousins at quarterback.

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Thompson also hosts a podcast outside of her NFL duties[/caption]

Elections BC said Sunday the recounts will take place from Oct. 26 to 28 in Juan de Fuca-Malahat and Surrey City Centre, where NDP candidates lead BC Conservatives.

The Alberta government has announced it's building 250 units of interim housing for Jasper residents displaced by a wildfire in July 2024.

Nearly six months after its opening, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is boosting Canada's energy sector as promised, but questions linger about massive cost overruns.

Raptors swingman RJ Barrett was upgraded to day-to-day, two days ahead of Toronto's home opener.