‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Star Erin Lichy Teases ‘Really Intense’ New Season (Exclusive)

The Real Housewives of New York City season 16 is sure to be one to remember, according to Erin Lichy.

“We’re not ready. We aren’t, especially not me,” Erin, 39, exclusively told Us at the Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip 20th Anniversary event on Tuesday, August 4. “I’m nervous for it all, like, it was really intense.”

She continued, “We really expressed ourselves and let it all out there. There was a lot of passion. I don’t know if I’m nervous, [but] I know it’s going to be a lot for everybody to take in.”

Erin is back for RHONY season 16 alongside costars Sai de Silva and Jessel Taank, as well as a few new Housewives, including Hailey Glassman and Erika Hammond. Carole Radziwill, who previously appeared on seasons 5 through 10, is making her highly anticipated return to Bravo when the show returns this fall.

“[She is a] very good friend of mine. She was great,” Erin teased to Us of Carole, 62. “She was herself. She was open and honest, and she was awesome.”

In addition to Carole, Erin noted that fans will be “surprised to see” which fellow Bravolebs she got closest to throughout production.

“It’s a surprise. I didn’t even expect it,” she acknowledged on Tuesday, noting the new episodes won’t be too different from seasons past. “It’s still got the same vibe. You know, it’s younger, it’s New York-centric in a different way. It’s more versatile, but it’s definitely different. … Everybody’s just baring it all out there.”

In addition to RHONY, Erin appeared on the network’s Ultimate Girls Trip outing at Dorinda Medley’s Bluestone Manor residence.

“What a gorgeous house! People don’t give it enough, like, credit for the sheer beauty of it,” Erin gushed. “It’s a beautiful home. [She] did a great job with it.”

Dorinda, 61, joined the RHONY cast in season 7 and remained a fan favorite until season 12. She and other iconic franchise stars did not return when the show was rebooted in 2023 for season 14 but will be featured on a new E! series called The Golden Life.

“I feel like they have been passing [the torch] for a while. I think people want it to be like there’s more cattiness [between the two casts], but … we really all have a lot of fun together,” Erin stated. “They’re awesome, and they’re doing their thing. They’re doing great. I can’t wait to see them on [Golden Life].”

The Housewives franchise is now celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary, Erin’s third year holding an apple.

“My [highlight] has been meeting honestly everybody that’s going to be in this room and all the amazing people at Bravo and the executives,” she told Us at the New York City premiere party, attended by a who’s who of Housewives legends. “The Bravo family is so amazing. I made the best friends ever.”

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th premieres on Bravo Sunday, August 9, at 9 p.m. ET.

The Real Housewives of New York City season 16 premieres on Bravo Tuesday, September 8, at 8 p.m. ET.