THE BIG APPLE IS BACK IN A BIG WAY - BRAVO'S "THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY" NEARLY DOUBLES ITS AUDIENCE WITH SECOND SEASON PREMIERE

"The Real Housewives of Orange County" Scores Highest Rated Season Ever

NEW YORK - February 18, 2009 - The premiere of the second season of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York City" scored a series high across all key demos with 1.23 million adults 18-49 and 1.64 million total viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research (Fast Nationals). Up 86 percent among adults 18-49 (vs. 659,000) and a whopping 99 percent among total viewers (vs. 824,000), the series nearly doubled its audience versus the premiere of season one. The episode also marked the highest rated Tuesday 11 p.m. time period in network history among adults 18-49 and total viewers.

"The Real Housewives of Orange County" scored the series' highest rated season ever, averaging 1.3 million adults 18-49 and 1.7 million total viewers overall for its fourth season, up 27 percent in adults 18-49 and 30 percent in total viewers. Last night's finale delivered 1.4 million adults 18-49 and 1.97 million total viewers.

Bravo will air "The Real Housewives Confess: A Watch What Happens Special" reunion show on Tuesday, February 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted by Bravo's Andy Cohen, the reunion will bring all of the women together again on one stage. It's been an emotional season and viewers have watched the ladies tackle life's most important issues including love, marriage, divorce, fitting in with new friends, loss and betrayal. Questions will be answered about the current state of Vicki Gunvalson's marriage, Jeana Keough's life after divorce, and Lynne Curtin's attempts at tough love with her teenage daughters. But all the ladies are rendered speechless when Tamra Barney drops a bombshell, questioning Gretchen Rossi's steadfast loyalty to her late fianc�.

As is the tradition at the conclusion of every Housewives season, the editors at BravoTV.com dole out a number of awards based on readers' responses. Always wanted to give Vicki some chill pills? BravoTV.com did it for you! See what gifts the other housewives received exclusively on the Blog Awards at www.BravoTV.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/videos/its-the-blog-awards.

In next week's episode of "The Real Housewives of New York City," which moves to its regular timeslot on Tuesday, February 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Bethenny confides in Jill on the state of her relationship, and Jill tries to help her out in her time of need. LuAnn, Bethenny and Ramona get together while Jill tries to get the "scoop" on new housewife Kelly, which sparks an argument. While in the Hamptons, Alex and Simon engage in one of their favorite leisure activities - shopping! Meanwhile, Kelly receives VIP treatment when she shows up at a party that she is covering for work. Also, LuAnn is being honored by The American Cancer Society and Bethenny and Jill attend to show their support.

Source: Nielsen Fast National Ratings, 2/17/09, Live + Same Day; Nielsen Galaxy Explorer, Live + Same Day through 2/16/09

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