MTV Legend Devyn Simone Levels Up to RHONY Season 16
https://www.tmz.com/2026/05/30/devyn-simone-appearing-on-real-housewives-of-new-york/
Reality TV vet Devyn Simone—fresh off hosting The Challenge: Vets & New Threats just this year—is joining The Real Housewives of New York City Season 16 in a “friend of” role. This is the move we’ve been waiting for.
Simone isn’t some random brought in to stir the pot. She first gained attention on “The Real World: Brooklyn” in 2009, where viewers watched her pursue a career in entertainment. From there, she became a two-time finalist on The Challenge, later returning as host of The Challenge Aftermath and co-host of the award-winning Official Challenge Podcast. The woman has RANGE—hosting, competing, strategizing, talking her way through the toughest moments in reality TV. She knows how to read a room, how to hold her own, and how to make TV happen.
What makes this addition different is her actual credibility outside the Housewives bubble. Aside from being a reality TV vet, Devyn is also a dating expert and matchmaker, and has appeared on The Sherri Shepherd Show, Today, and Good Morning America. In 2023, Tinder named her its Resident Relationship Expert. She’s built a whole empire in relationship psychology and matchmaking—not just chasing clout. When she shows up to RHONY, she’s not desperate for a paycheck; she’s got actual gravity in the culture.
And here’s the timing play: Simone is not new to RHONY and made an appearance during Season 13 and had previously tested to be part of the cast before the reboot. She’s been circling this for years, waiting for the right entry point. Now she’ll be joining Carole Radziwill, who is returning to RHONY in a “friend of” role as well, alongside returning RHONY stars Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, and Jessel Taank.
The 16BARS take: Devyn isn’t just another reality TV name chasing a Housewives check—she’s a fully actualized entertainer with a real platform who’s coming in to teach the game, not learn it. RHONY is smarter for adding her.