A great reality show isn’t defined by the setting, outrageous situations, or even the drama. The secret is the cast—a diverse mix of personalities when plenty of chemistry and conflict. The right group of people can make any series relatable, captivating, and completely addictive.
Few reality shows have mastered this formula like The Real Housewives, and specifically, The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY). From the very beginning, the series has brought together women whose honesty, ambition, and big egos create seriously unforgettable television. Of all the cast, though, Bethenny Frankel effortlessly stands out with her poise and magnetic personality. She’s a fan favorite whose wit, candidness, and entrepreneurial spirit have made her an icon of the franchise.
But Bethenny is more than just a reality TV star. She’s a powerhouse in business and social influence, keeping busy with ventures and public projects since leaving The Real Housewives of New York. To catch up with her, Lauryn and Michael invited Bethenny onto the Him & Her Show. You can listen to the full episode below, but we’ve collected the highlights to share with you here!
How Did Bethenny Frankel Get Famous and What She’s Doing Now
When we watch a reality star for years, it starts to feel like we actually know them. So when they leave the show and the weekly updates stop, it can seem like they’ve suddenly vanished off the face of the earth. But in reality, they’ve just shifted their focus to even bigger and better things.
Here’s a look at what Bethenny Frankel has been up to since stepping away from RHONY:
Who Is Bethenny Frankel?
Bethenny Frankel is a reality television personality, entrepreneur, and author. Beyond reality TV, she’s built an impressive business empire by founding multiple brands, investing in other entrepreneurs, and hosting her own podcast.
Why Is Bethenny Frankel Famous?
Bethenny gained fame as a popular reality star on The Real Housewives of New York City. Fans loved her for her wit, honesty, and larger-than-life personality. Those who don’t know her from RHONY probably know her as the founder of the Skinnygirl brand.
Feeling nostalgic? Grab a bowl of Skinnygirl Popcorn and start rewatching the series! If you’re not sure where to start, here’s our ultimate guide to watching Real Housewives like a pro.
What Happened to Bethenny Frankel?
Relocated to Florida
In 2025, Bethenny and her daughter Bryn packed up and left New England for sunny Florida. The move had been Bryn’s dream for a while, and after her divorce from Paul Bernon, Bethenny was ready for a fresh start. No stranger to real estate ventures, Bethenny successfully sold their historic Connecticut estate for an impressive $8 million.
And, unlike many, Bethenny didn’t expand her horizons to Los Angeles. When she’s not at her home in Florida, she spends time in New York City and the Hamptons.
Had Her Own Reality and Talk Shows
After she left The Real Housewives, Bethenny’s magnetic personality landed her a reality show of her own. It was called Bethenny Ever After, which aired from 2010 to 2012. The series followed her personal life, family, and entrepreneurial journey. It gave fans an inside look at everything she was up to post-RHONY.
After that, she hosted a syndicated daytime talk show simply called Bethenny (2012–2014). The show featured celebrity interviews, lifestyle tips, and personal stories, allowing her to connect with audiences in a new, more conversational format.
Appeared on Competition Shows
Bethenny is always a welcoming presence on a reality show, which is why she’s appeared on so many trendy competition series. She’s taken on the roles of judge, contestant, and host!
Fans may recognize her from The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, Skating with the Stars, Beat Bobby Flay, and Shark Tank. More recently, she hosted her own reality competition show tied to her Skinnygirl brand, called The Big Shot with Bethenny.
For more on her time on the screen outside of ROHNY, jump into the part of the TSC podcast where she discusses confidence and competition in reality TV.
Hosted a Rewatch Podcast
Who doesn’t love a good rewatch podcast? They always have a way of giving you a warm, fuzzy, nostalgic feeling. Bethenny Frankel hosted her own version, called ReWives, from 2022 to 2024. On it, she revisited her RHONY episodes and shared BTS info, insightful reflections, and wild stories from her experience. Other former cast members also joined her as special guests!
If you binge the whole series and are still craving similar content, we have just the thing. Jump into a spinoff with our favorite podcast episodes with The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast
Release More Books and Lifestyle Guide
There is a long list of books with Bethenny Frankel’s name on them. She’s been writing consistently since 2009, leaving fans with plenty to dig into. Here is a list of all of her published works:
- Naturally Thin: Unleash Your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting (2009) – Health & Weight Management
- The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life (2009) – Health & Cooking
- A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out of Life (2011) – Personal Development & Motivation
- Skinnygirl Solutions: Your Straight-Up Guide to Home, Health, Family, Career, Style, and Sex (2013) – Lifestyle & Wellness
- Skinnydipping (2012) – Memoir & Personal Life
- I Suck at Relationships So You Don’t Have To: 10 Rules for Not Screwing Up Your Happily Ever After (2015) – Dating & Relationships
- Cookie Meets Peanut (2014) – Kids & Friendship
- Business is Personal: The Truth About What It Takes to Be Successful While Staying True to Yourself (2022) – Business & Entrepreneurship
Love to read? Explore Lauryn’s Goodreads for more recommendations!
Launched Multiple Businesses
As a successful entrepreneurial superstar, Bethenny has founded multiple businesses since her time on RHONY. In 2009, she started her most famous business: Skinnygirl Margarita. It wasn’t just another cocktail—it was the original low-calorie brand that changed the game.
The brand later expanded well beyond that to other food products, cookware, supplements, and even apparel. In May 2025, she also launched “The List,” which is a shopping platform tied to her personal brand.
What Is Bethenny Frankel Doing Now?
Hosts Just B with Bethenny Frankel and Spinoff
We love a good podcast, and Bethenny’s has raised the bar. Just B with Bethenny Frankel features candid interviews on a wide range of topics—business, wellness, fame, and more. Nothing is off the table! If you’d rather just dive into her relationship talk, she also has a spinoff podcast called Just B Dating with Bethenny Frankel.
Raises Her Daughter Bryn
Despite all the business ventures, reality appearances, and podcast hosting, Bethenny still finds time to be a great mom. She’s in the thick of the teenage years with Bryn, but Bethenny’s maintained a great relationship with her daughter.
Though she’s an amazing mother, nobody is perfect—she tells Lauryn and Michael all about the struggles of balancing work and parenting without guilt.
Manages Parts of the Skinnygirl Brand
In 2011, Bethenny sold Skinnygirl Cocktails for an estimated $120 million. She still maintains ownership of other parts of the Skinnygirl brand, like its apparel and food products. With Bethenny’s leadership and consistent brand endorsement, Skinnygirl has grown into a wildly successful business that continues to expand and influence the lifestyle market.
Runs The List Shopping Platform
“The List” is a curated, intuitive shopping platform available on Bethenny’s website. It’s essentially a hub for all her product recommendations. You’ll find categories like “Handbag University,” “VIP Beauty Cabinet,” and “Kitchen Essentials.”
Each section is filled with high-quality products that have the Bethenny stamp of approval. If you love this icon’s personal style and approach to everyday living, you’ll love “The List.”
Invests in Other Business Ventures
Bethenny loves helping others bring their dreams to life, and she does so by investing in promising businesses and entrepreneurs. She has stakes in brands like ShopMy, Twisty, Cumulus Coffee, and Point.me. In addition, she co-owns Mingle Mocktails, a non-alcoholic beverage company, and owns Forever Young, a wine brand.
Markets Her Books and Lifestyle Guides
Bethenny Frankel promotes her books in a very hands-on way. She talks about them on her podcast. She shares sneak peeks and updates on social media. And, she chats about them during interviews and talk show appearances! Bethenny always gives back to her readers as well, offering signed editions and live book signings.
Gives Back Through Philanthropy Efforts
Bethenny Frankel is deeply involved in philanthropy, often focusing on disaster relief and women’s empowerment. She founded BStrong, a nonprofit that provides immediate aid during natural disasters.
Beyond that, Bethenny has also supported causes like clean water initiatives and hunger relief through her personal brand. If you’re eager to hear more, she discusses the impact of her charity work in her interview with Lauryn and Michael.
Bethenny Frankel is more than a reality TV star—she’s an entrepreneurial powerhouse.
No matter what Bethenny tackles next—whether it’s business, media, or motherhood—she does it with the same energy, wit, and determination that first captured fans’ attention on RHONY. She’s a reminder that staying curious, bold, and authentic can turn one opportunity into a lifetime of ventures.
Remember to listen to the full Bethenny Frankel podcast with TSC to hear all the details straight from the unstoppable woman herself. Once you finish that episode, jump into these other interviews featuring The Real Housewives of New York City alumni: