The Real Housewives franchise is no longer a show, it's a phenomena. And no matter how much we try to deny it--they have absolutely taken over lives. CNN's Anderson Cooper isn't ashamed to admit ATL's Nene Leakes is "his boo," many of the ladies are writing books and yep, we're reading them (a la NYC's Bethenny Frankel & NJ's Teresa Giudice) And who do we have to thank for all of this? Mr. Andy Cohen - the Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Development at Bravo who also hosts the network's reunion shows.
And he, much like the wives, is a rag to riches story. Okay, maybe not rags, but not very many television executives go from the boardroom to the small screen. If you watch anything on Bravo, you know who he is. And if your DVR has ever run long, you might have caught him hosting the reunion shows of Housewives or his very own program Watch What Happens Live. So yeah, he is kinda of a BBFD (big Bravo freaking deal.) So when we ran into him at the Eden Roc Miami Beach and he agreed to answer a few questions, we shot him everything we have ever wanted to know.
New Times: It's freezing in New York City right now. Are you loving Miami?
Andy Cohen: I love Miami. The people, the weather, the heat, the food, the spiciness. You know what, it's very Cosmo and very European and I love that about it.
Tell us, what do you do when you're here?
I lay by whatever pool will have me. I love to run. I had the best run this afternoon on the beach. I love going out... late. It's just fun.
Why do a Real Housewives of Miami?
It's a gorgeous place. It kind of has an OC Housewives feel.
Will Real Housewives of Miami be anything like Miami Social?
It's completely different.
We die for Real Housewives of New Jersey. Which one is your favorite?
I am really obsessed with it all. Whatever season is on is my favorite.
You still are a top executive at Bravo and have your own show on a few nights a week. How do you do it all?
I don't sleep very much.
What about the rumor you're taking over for Regis Philbin?
I have a big day job and a late night show. I can say I'm going to sub for him in a couple of weeks later this year.
Speaking of your late night show, how did that all come to be?
It started as a web show. Then my executive producer said, "I have this studio and we could do it inexpensively on Bravo, lets try it. And it worked, I guess.
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