Andy Cohen Reacts to Report of Dolores Catania Joining RHORI as Sources Claim Dolores’ Casting is “Another Indicator” That RHONJ is “Dead in The Water”

Andy Cohen reacted to a report that Real Housewives of Rhode Island will feature a known cast member from another franchise, as sources claim Dolores Catania’s casting on the new show is “another indicator” that RHONJ is “dead in the water.”

Earlier this week, a source claimed that Dolores is moving to Rhode Island while transitioning to the new franchise. As of now, a year has passed since the last season of RHONJ, and Bravo hasn’t announced when (or if) a new season is coming.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Andy spoke to the speculation about a known ‘Housewife’ jumping to Real Housewives of Rhode Island.

“I think that’s been a little overstated,” said Andy, but the host admitted he’s open to it. “It’s really about who’s in Rhode Island.”

According to Andy, RHORI is “Italian with a capital I” and has “early Jersey vibes.”

As for the status of Real Housewives of New York, Andy stated, “There’s no real latest. We’re still… We’re just in between seasons … We’re always casting, and we have some great possibilities. That’s the latest.”

He was then asked if RHONY still has juice. Andy insisted, “Of course, it’s New York.”

Meanwhile, sources speaking to OK! Magazine addressed the report about Dolores.

“Dolores is going to be coming to the new show Real Housewives of Rhode Island. She’s going to rent a summer house there and will be a friend of the Housewives,” said the insiders, as one explained that Dolores has a real friendship with one of the castmates.

“No one knows what the future holds in terms of her being there,” said a source, “as she could inevitably become a full-time cast member and move to Rhode Island if she takes off on that show.”

According to an insider, this is “yet another indicator that [Real Housewives of New Jersey] is completely dead in the water.”

“With Melissa Gorga going on Wife Swap and now Dolores making the move to RHORI, the only one really left that fans would follow on RHONJ would be Teresa Giudice,” the source added. “Margaret Josephs still wants to return, but Teresa was not friendly with Margaret, so that pairing would never, ever happen.”

“[And Margaret] leading RHONJ wouldn’t make sense in the eyes of production,” explained the insider, given that Teresa and Melissa are considered the two stars, while everyone else picks sides — except Dolores, who “stay[s] neutral.”

“All in all, this is not a good sign for RHONJ as they are moving the women onto new projects and new shows,” the insider continued. “And, with Andy [Cohen] having already drawn comparisons between RHONJ and RHORI, they are hoping with moving Dolores, fans of RHONJ will follow suit and the new show will have an automatic, built-in audience.”

One source said that RHONJ “sadly” appears “more or less done,” though the “good news” is that fans will see Dolores in a “new iteration and [will] continue watching her.”