After 15 seasons of The Real Housewives of Orange County, fans know that each episode will be action-packed, whether a friendship is ruined, a party turns intense, or a marriage is suddenly on shaky ground. The best episodes of this popular Bravo reality show turn up the entertainment value by focusing on the relationships between cast members, and it’s always hard to look away from the small and big arguments that occur.
Fans have rated their favorite RHOC episodes from each season, and these episodes will always deliver the kind of conflict and surprises that viewers are searching for, whether Tamra and Vicki are still fighting or a new housewife is introduced.
“Shocking News” (S1, E6) – 7.3
While the RHOC cast has kept secrets, the first season of the popular reality series is fairly low-key, and in this highly rated episode, Vicki Gunvalson went her high school reunion and Slade Smiley’s mom and dad visit.
The most memorable storyline in season 1 is Kimberly Bryant getting plastic surgery, and she’s hoping to receive a phone call from her doctor in this episode. Kimberly was always very open and honest about getting a procedure.
“Birthday Sex” (S2, E8) – 6.2
Fans who remember Lauri Peterson might recall this episode as her child Ashley threw a messy party at their townhouse. Lauri always wanted to be a good parent after her divorce.
This episode also stands out because Vicki was still married to Donn at this point, and they talked to an astrologer to get some relationship assistance. Fans know that Vicki and Donn got divorced later on, so this is a trip down memory lane when the couple tried their best to stay together.
“Behind The Orange Curtain” (S3, E1) – 5.4
There are two memorable plotlines in this season 3 episode, which was the highest rated: Vicki bought Briana a car, and Tamra Judge struggled to make her son Ryan and then husband Simon happy.
Vicki’s fancy gift is still something that fans talk about, as it was a super expensive present, especially since Brianna was still young at the time. Looking back on this episode, viewers know that the tension between Tamra and Simon would only get worse. This episode is exactly why people watch RHOC, as it featured both glam and conflict.
“You Just Don’t Get It” (S4, E4) – 6.2
Vicki continued to live a sophisticated lifestyle in this popular season 4 episode when she wanted to purchase a yacht. Even if those watching don’t like boats and aren’t ever interested in having their own yacht, it’s still fun and entertaining to watch the cast members live large.
When Gretchen Rossi threw a Burlesque-themed party to take her mind off her fiance Jeff being in the hospital, this episode laid the groundwork for some big fights later on, as Tamra would wonder how devoted Gretchen was to her relationship.
“Is This All There Is?” (S5, E15) – 5.4
Tamra’s best RHOC episodes include the season 5 finale when she told Simon that she was ready to get divorced.
Fans will never know if Tamra had brought this up previously behind closed doors and before cameras began rolling, but either way, this was still a massive moment on the show that made it hard to remember what else had happened that season.
“Girl Fight” (S6, E13) – 5.5
A RHOC party is usually going to deliver entertainment and that’s what happened in the season 6 finale. When Jeana Keough came to the gathering, Tamra shocked everyone by throwing wine at her.
Sometimes the housewives on various cities fight over who is saying what to the media, and that was the motivation behind Tamra’s anger and decision to let Jeana know that she wasn’t happy with her. It makes sense that this episode was popular with viewers.
“Stranger Things Have Happened” (S7, E1) – 6.0
Fans are always happy to tune into the season premiere of RHOC and see what the cast has been up to, along with meeting some new cast members. When the show returned for season 7, Gretchen and Tamra tried to be friends again, and Vicki was divorced and dating Brooks Ayers.
While this was a fun episode to watch at the time, it feels even more dramatic now, as fans know that the Vicki and Brooks romance would become incredibly tension-filled once the cast realized that Brooks was pretending to have cancer.
“Hot In Orange County” (S8, E8) – 6.3
From Lydia McLaughlin wondering if her mom should smoke pot to Heather DuBrow shooting Hot In Cleveland, this season 8 episode had it all. Alexis Bellino also wanted to be an actress, which created some major drama.
Heather’s days on the show were always just as fancy as she is and it was fun seeing her pursue her acting career once again. This was also a relatable episode as Heather’s husband Terry was at home taking care of their children, which spoke to the age-old question of work/life balance.
“Point Break” (S9, E13) – 6.7
Tamra and Vicki’s dramatic RHOC scenes happened in every single season, and this episode continued their conflict over Brooks, as Vicki was hopeful that he and Tamra could get along, and Lizzie Rovsek hosted dinner.
Since everyone was at Lizzie’s beach house, the setting was beautiful and tensions were running high, which is often the case with this reality show.
“Game Changer” (S10, E5) – 6.7
Vicki received a phone call and learned that her mom had passed away in this season 10 episode when everyone was gathered to play Bunco at Shannon Beador’s house.
Fans remember this devastating scene as Vicki began crying on the floor and the cast hugged and comforted her. It was really sad watching Vicki process this news and a reminder that this show is about more than just big fights and quotable statements.
“Boogie Fights” (S11, E5) – 7.3
The most popular season 11 episode of RHOC is also one of the most conflict-filled. When the cast gets into huge fights, those tend to happen at a fun party or a setting that is otherwise meant to be peaceful. Of course, this makes the arguments even more impactful.
Kelly Dodd upset Shannon by suggesting that Shannon’s then-husband David’s affair made perfect sense. Understandably, Shannon was livid, and she didn’t want Kelly to stay at the party.
“It’s Either My Way Or The Feng Shui” (S12, E2)
The highest-rated episode of season 12 saw Meghan King Edmunds adjusting to motherhood, which was sweet to watch, and Shannon working with someone to have some feng shui in her life.
Shannon’s holistic lifestyle has been featured on the show quite a lot, including in this episode, and it was often her way of dealing with the changes or stressors in her personal life.
“Blow Up” (S13, E14) – 7.1
The season 13 cast trip was to Jamaica, and Gina Kirschenheiter upset Shannon by saying that Shannon ignored how much Tamra was suffering because her husband Eddie had heart problems.
This was a significant argument as Tamra felt she had been there during Shannon’s divorce and she needed her friend to return the support, compassion, and love. Fans were amazed by how tense and dramatic this episode got as Shannon was upset that Tamra would make that accusation.
“Spilling Tea And Throwing Shade” (S14, E13) – 8.2
When the cast members on this reality show celebrate a birthday, it’s bound to be fancy and fabulous.
During a tea party for Vicki’s birthday, Braunwyn Windham-Burke and Gina fought over Braunwyn’s comments about her kids not attending public school. This was a heartbreaking storyline as Gina shared that her daughter was struggling with her sensory processing and that she was doing her best to support her. It wasn’t fair of Braunwyn to judge. After watching the best RHOC episodes focusing on Gina, fans know that Gina is honest, kind, and a great parent.
“The Splash Heard Round The OC” (S15, E3)
The most beloved episode of season 15 also featured the most explosive argument from the entire season.
When Shannon hosted a housewarming party at her new place, it was time for Gina to ask Shannon if she really did insult her house and call it small, like Braunwyn said. Shannon kept saying that she would never be that cruel, and Gina wasn’t sure who was telling the truth. The best RHOC arguments can be tough to figure out at first, and that definitely keeps viewers entertained.
