Denise Richards is returning to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The actress confirmed on 2 November 2026 that she is filming the Bravo show’s upcoming sixteenth season, and she did it in the most Denise Richards way possible: casually, on a red carpet, while talking about a cast trip she had already taken.
Richards, 55, shared the news while attending the season two premiere of All’s Fair, the series in which she guest stars. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, she said: “I’m doing some episodes for next season. I just went on a cast trip and that was fun and exciting.” She also teased that there will be “lots of drama” and said she has missed being on the show.
A familiar face in a new role
Richards was a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in seasons nine and ten, after a guest appearance in season five, and she later returned as a guest in seasons 13 and 15. Reports say she will appear in season 16 as a “friend of” the cast, filming several episodes rather than holding a full-time diamond. That puts her alongside a returning cast reported to include Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley, Sutton Stracke, Erika Jayne, Kathy Hilton, Bozoma Saint John, Jennifer Tilly and Rachel Zoe, with newcomers Leah Remini and Tracy Tutor also joining. Amanda Frances, who joined for season 15, will not be returning, according to reports.
The return comes during a difficult period in Richards’ personal life. Her divorce from Aaron Phypers remains pending after he filed on 7 July 2025, citing irreconcilable differences, with 4 July given as the separation date. Reports say a February 2026 order requires her to pay Phypers $5,000 a month in temporary support plus $30,000 in legal fees. Her last guest appearance on the show, in season 15, touched on the split, and fans will be watching to see how much of the divorce story makes it into season 16.
Why the comeback matters
Richards has always been one of the franchise’s most talked-about cast members, from her first run in 2019 to her guest appearances since. Her return as a friend of the cast gives producers a familiar face with a real-life storyline, without asking her to carry a full season. For viewers, it also means more of the candour that made her popular in the first place.
Filming for season 16 is already under way, and Bravo has not announced a premiere date. Richards has not said how many episodes she will appear in, only that she is doing “some episodes” and has already been on a cast trip. For fans who missed her, that is enough for now: Denise Richards is back on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Related: Kathy Hilton Hosts Star-Studded Hunky Dory Pajama Party and Dorit Kemsley Accused of Freezing PK Out of Children’s Lives.
