Winnetka, Community

‘Real Housewives’ of Winnetka? That’s not a thing.

Chicagoland residents earlier this week gushed over the viral mention of a “Real Housewives” franchise featuring Winnetka. 

But it’s just not true.

Local authorities and television executives have shut down the rumor that the popular reality television is coming to town.

To legally film a television or film in Winnetka, a commercial filming permit must be obtained from the local police department.

Keri Kaup, the administrative serivces manager in the Winnetka Police Department who oversees commercial filming permits, said nothing has come to the department related to “Real Housewives.”

“We haven’t received anything from the network or anything related to that show,” Kaup told The Record. 

“The Real Housewives” franchise is a reality show that typically follows the lives of a small group of women and socialites in upper-class communities. The first iteration, “Real Housewives of Orange County,” debuted on Bravo in 2006 and the brand has since has expanded into 11 series in the United States and 21 across the world.

The show has not yet featured an Illinois community.

Rumors began swirling Tuesday, June 7, on social media that the show would bring a series to Winnetka, as well as Nashville and Scottsdale. Described as breaking news, the information was reported by numerous entertainment and fan accounts and reached hundreds of thousands of people.

Bravo executive Jennifer Geisser was quick to squash the misinformation, saying there is “no truth to that rumor,” in an email to The Record.

Geisser — who is the executive vice president of communications for NBCUniversal, the parent company of Bravo — said neither a Winnetka nor a Chicago “Real Housewives” is in development at any level. 

While unambiguous in her rejection of a current concept for Winnetka or Chicago, Geisser did leave the door open.

“But you never know what the future can bring,” she wrote.


The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.

joe coughlin
Joe Coughlin

Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319

Related Stories