Taylor Hanson Shockingly Axed, Karen Huger Returns & Gil Bates Survives Scare

In breaking real-life reality TV news, Bringing Up Bates star Gil Bates was hospitalized on September 28 after suffering a mild heart attack, just days after his son Warden's wedding. His wife Kelly Jo revealed on Instagram that Gil had an 80% blockage in the LAD artery — nicknamed 'the widow maker' — and a 95% blockage in a second artery. Doctors said he was 'extremely close to having a major heart attack,' but after a four-hour cardiac catheterization procedure, Gil was discharged and will begin cardiac therapy. Kelly Jo called the survival a miracle.

The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 11 premieres Sunday, October 11 at 8pm ET on Bravo — and it is already shaping up to be one for the books. Karen Huger is back as a full-time Housewife following her stint in prison, while event designer Courtney Ajinça joins as the new Housewife. Season 11 also brings back RHOP alums Robyn Dixon and Monique Samuels as friends, and the trailer teases Karen's marital struggles and Wendy Osefo's ongoing legal drama involving husband Eddie.

Real Housewives of New York City Season 16 is only three episodes in and already delivering. Early storylines include Erin Lichy and Jessel Taank clashing over a pre-filming conflict, Sai De Silva's separation from husband David Craig sending shockwaves through the group, and newcomer Hailey Glassman's 'lavender marriage' rumor and past relationship with Jon Gosselin sparking major questions from her castmates. Carole Radziwill's return has also reignited public interest in her Kennedy family ties. New episodes air Tuesdays on Bravo.

After Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 dropped its truncated five-episode run on Hulu on September 10, the fallout has been swift. Both Taylor Frankie Paul and Mikayla Matthews separately announced they will not return for Season 6 after the season aired footage filmed before a production pause triggered by Paul's domestic incident with ex Dakota Mortensen. Matthews said there were 'so many things wrong with this situation,' while Paul said she no longer desires to move forward. Hulu has already renewed the show for more episodes.

Jeff Lewis officially made his triumphant return to Bravo with Still Flipping Out, which premiered September 28. The new series follows Lewis juggling his SiriusXM Radio Andy show, his design empire, and a chaotic group of employees. Episode 2, 'Sick of the Shtick,' airs Thursday, October 8, and the episode description teases Jeff giving staffer Joey some serious consequences — 'shape up or ship out.' Celebrity guests appearing this season include Andy Cohen, Phaedra Parks, and Meredith Marks.

ABC has officially renewed American Idol for its milestone 25th season, set to premiere in 2027 on ABC and stream live on Disney+. Season 24 concluded in May 2026 with Hannah Harper — a Missouri mom and country singer — taking the title. Auditions for Season 25 are already underway via the virtual 'Idol Across America' nationwide search. ABC has not yet confirmed whether judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, or host Ryan Seacrest, are returning.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Season 5, dubbed the 'Roaring 20th,' airs its penultimate episode this week before the finale, 'Bluestone Manners,' drops October 4 on Bravo. The season reunited Teresa Giudice, Luann de Lesseps, Kyle Richards, Vicki Gunvalson, Gizelle Bryant, Porsha Williams, and Lisa Barlow for a cross-country trip celebrating the franchise's 20th anniversary. Critics noted the premiere drew positive buzz and one reviewer called a surprise guest appearance a season highlight. Fans are bracing for a dramatic finale.

Peacock has officially renewed Love Island USA for a ninth season with Emmy-nominated host Ariana Madix confirmed to return. The renewal follows a record-breaking Season 8, which became Peacock's most-watched TV debut ever with 3.7 million views at launch and over 19 billion minutes viewed. Season 9 will premiere in 2027, alongside previously announced third seasons of Love Island Games and Love Island: Beyond the Villa. Madix and Andy Cohen co-hosted the Season 8 reunion on August 31.

If you tuned into NBC tonight looking for The Traitors: New Blood, you were out of luck — the show is skipping October 1 with no new episode scheduled. The civilian-cast spinoff of the hit Peacock series debuted on NBC on September 17 to strong buzz, featuring 22 everyday Americans (not celebrities) competing as Faithfuls and Traitors for up to $250,000, hosted by Alan Cumming. Episode 5 returns next Thursday, October 8, at 8pm ET on NBC, streaming the following day on Peacock.