Katie Ginella is saying goodbye to The Real Housewives of Orange County.
“After two seasons as a cast member on RHOC, the network has decided to move forward with season 20 without me,” Katie wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 9. “While disappointing, it’s not entirely surprising after seeing how season 19 played out.”
The reality star continued, “I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support I received — it was seen, felt and deeply appreciated. Representation matters, and I’m proud to have shown up authentically, even when it wasn’t easy. This chapter may be closing, but my voice and my story don’t end here. Love, Katie.”
Fans met Katie when she joined the Bravo reality show for season 18, which premiered in June 2024. At the time, she was introduced as a friend of cast member Gina Kirschenheiter.
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During her most recent season, she found herself at odds with a majority of the cast, including Gina. As a result, she didn’t appear on every episode.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in November 2025, Katie expressed hopes that she could repair relationships with some of the cast and continue with the show for its historic 20th season.
“I went into the [season 19] reunion thinking I have nothing to lose this year. If they don’t ask me back, they don’t want me, and that’s OK,” she told Us while hosting a watch party with costar Tamra Judge at Even House in Tustin, California. “I feel like I said my peace and I was done. I would love to come back to prove to these ladies that I deserve a spot just as much as they do.”
Bravo has yet to confirm any casting decisions for Season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County — minus the return of Vicki Gunvalson.
The “OG of the OC,” who was a Housewife when the show debuted in 2006, was surprised on stage by Andy Cohen during a taping of The Bravos at BravoCon in November 2025.
”Vicki, would you join us as a Housewife for Season 20?” Andy, 57, asked Vicki, 63. She enthusiastically agreed and was spotted carrying an orange during the remaining days of fan festival.
Season 20 aside, Katie — who was born in South Korea and adopted into a Catholic family in Georgia before moving to Orange County — was able to showcase her life as a busy mom of four kids.
She was also able to build an unexpected friendship with Tamra, 58.
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Before season 19 came to an end, Katie reflected on what her costar’s support meant to her.
“I think that she has felt like the underdog a lot, and she saw me get a pile on, and kind of felt bad for me, and I think she felt bad for what happened between the two of us,” she told Us in November 2025. “We talk every day, so it’s really nice.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County is streaming now on Peacock. A premiere date for season 20 has yet to be announced.
