Melissa Gorga is happy to have reached the end of the 14th season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
After months of growing divide between the women of the show, much of which stemmed from her estrangement from sister-in-law Teresa Giudice, 52, Melissa, 45, is looking to the future, admitting that it’s time for the show to change as she addresses the swirling reports regarding a reboot of the cast.
“I do think that season 14 was crazy different than the rest,” Melissa told Distractify. “Obviously, with not having a cast trip with having a cast so divided.”
As Melissa “feels relieved” to be closing the series’ latest chapter, she said that when it comes to cast changes, “I think it’s called for; I think it’s time.” That said, she noted that not having the same cast would be “bittersweet.”
With a potential recasting looming, Melissa is focused on her projects outside of the show, including her Envy store, which expanded to a second location earlier this year, and her podcast, On Display.
“I just feel really good about it all,” Melissa said. “I feel relieved that that season is going to be in the past, and it’s time to move on. And it’s time to see what Bravo decides, you know, see which direction they’re gonna go. And the truth is no one knows. And we are all just waiting patiently, and we’ll see what’s next.”
In other RHONJ news, Melissa looked back on the 14th season during the July 26 episode of On Display With Melissa Gorga, via Monsters & Critics, admitting that she had a “f*ck off” attitude throughout.
“I really enjoy the new like f*ck you Melissa Gorga… I love that energy when you lean into that,” said Melissa’s guest, Watch What Crappens host Ben Mandelker.
“One thousand percent, that’s how I feel right now,” Melissa replied. “I used to tiptoe, now I’m like ‘go f**k off.’ How about that! I don’t give a f**k if you’re mad anymore, okay?”
While Melissa did her best to keep the peace between Teresa and Joe Gorga, 49, in past years, she admitted that things changed at the season 13 reunion.
“At that reunion, I just let go and spoke really how I feel and what I’ve been wanting to say,” she revealed. “I’ve been very protective for family purposes and for my husband. [But] all bets are off. We’re gonna speak our truth… I’m not covering for anyone anymore, I’m not lying for anyone, I’m not tip-toeing anymore.”
“That’s kind of my motto with the whole show now, with all of them, I’m not speaking about a specific cast member. I now am just like, ‘nope’ if I don’t like it and you say it, I’m gonna tell you,” she added.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 14 finale airs Sunday, August 4, at 8/7c on Bravo.