Episode Summary: "E849 - RHOC w/ Vicki Gunvalson, Wicked, VPR Recast, RHOBH, RHOSLC, Thanksgiving & Josh Allen’s Ex"

Release Date: December 3, 2024

Welcome to Episode 849 of The Viall Files with your host Nick Viall, alongside Natalie Joy and the Household. In this action-packed episode, the Household delves into a myriad of topics ranging from heartfelt Thanksgiving anecdotes to the latest drama in the Reality TV universe. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the episode:

1. Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

[03:01] Nick Viall:
Nick opens the episode by sharing his Thanksgiving experiences, highlighting how the holiday feels different now that he is married and has a child. He reflects on attending the family farm and the dynamics of integrating into his in-laws' traditions.

[05:16] Justin:
Justin chimes in, questioning Nick about his reluctance to save numbers on his phone, leading to a humorous exchange about family interactions and Nick’s evolving role as a husband and father.

[07:23] Natalie Joy:
Natalie discusses her daughter Rivy's interactions with the family during Thanksgiving, emphasizing the joy of seeing her child socialize and connect with relatives.

[08:27] Brittany:
Brittany humorously comments on Nick’s minimal Thanksgiving feast, noting, “He made a beef brisket. Turned out he did,” highlighting the slight changes in Nick’s culinary preferences post-marriage.

2. Special Guest Appearance: Vicki Gunvalson from RHOC

[02:49] Vicki Gunvalson:
Vicki joins the conversation via Zoom, bringing her iconic RHOC insights. Though there were scheduling hiccups, Vicki manages to share her thoughts on the current season’s dynamics.

[10:02] Natalie Joy:
Natalie inquires about Vicki’s feelings on how the first Thanksgiving episode played out, prompting Vicki to express her frustrations with the show's direction and cast dynamics.

Notable Quote:
[39:36] Vicki Gunvalson:
"It wasn't that he was paying for her stuff when he was with Alexis. Alexis has nothing to do with this."
Vicki passionately defends her stance on cast behaviors and the authenticity of their interactions, emphasizing her commitment to integrity.

3. 'Wicked' Press Tour and Performances

[15:05] Brittany:
Brittany asks if the Household watched Wicked, a popular Broadway musical. Nick admits he hasn't watched the full show but is familiar with the press tour clips he’s obsessed with.

[16:05] Vicki Gunvalson:
Vicki shares her appreciation for the performers’ talent, while Nick critiques the press tour dynamics, questioning the authenticity of the interactions and performances.

Notable Quote:
[19:26] Nick Viall:
"Most of these people who have performed their whole lives are lip syncing like it's a parade. Shut up and just eat your fucking pumpkin pie and drink your coffee and clap your hands and like, what are you doing?"
Nick expresses skepticism about the authenticity of performances during press tours, highlighting his preference for genuine talent.

4. Vanderpump Rules Recast Update

[55:38] Natalie Joy:
Natalie shifts the conversation to the major news of Vanderpump Rules recasting, which has become a hot topic among fans.

[55:49] Brittany:
Brittany expresses excitement and skepticism about the recast, drawing parallels with previous reboots like Vanderpump Villa and questioning the necessity of such changes.

[57:36] Nick Viall:
Nick discusses the potential impact of the recast on the show's dynamics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining original cast chemistry to retain viewer interest.

Notable Quote:
[56:33] Nick Viall:
"I just do not need Lisa Vanderpump's mentor. If you can't sit down and have a real conversation with normies like us, so to speak, there's going to be a level of disconnect and mistrust."
Nick underscores the necessity for celebrities to connect authentically with everyday people to bridge the gap between fame and relatability.

5. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) and Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC) Highlights

[58:03] Brittany:
The Household touches upon recent developments in both RHOBH and RHOSLC, discussing cast dynamics and ongoing storylines that are captivating audiences.

[60:18] Justin:
Justin highlights the contrasting environments of RHOBH and RHOSLC, noting how different production styles influence the nature of the drama and interactions among cast members.

Notable Quote:
[61:44] Vicki Gunvalson:
"When Vicky and I started dating, I told her, I said, honey, I don't want to be on the show. I don't want to do any of that."
Vicki shares her personal boundary-setting experience, reflecting on her preference for maintaining a drama-free personal life despite her television presence.

6. Josh Allen’s Engagement to Hailee Steinfeld & Associated Drama

[30:24] Natalie Joy:
Natalie reports on Josh Allen’s engagement to Hailee Steinfeld, delving into the public and social media reactions surrounding their relationship.

[33:16] Brittany:
Brittany analyzes the fallout involving Josh Allen’s ex-girlfriend, discussing allegations and the subsequent hacking of personal accounts, adding layers to the engagement narrative.

Notable Quote:
[35:11] Justin:
"Did you learn how to flip?"
A humorous exchange highlighting the playful banter among the hosts as they discuss the engagement drama.

7. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

[113:00] Nick Viall:
As the episode nears its end, Nick reflects on the importance of authenticity in reality TV and emphasizes the need for celebrities to remain genuine to foster trust and relatability among their audience.

[117:25] Nick Viall:
Nick concludes by expressing gratitude to Vicki Gunvalson for her participation, despite the technical difficulties and scheduling issues, reiterating the value of her insights.

Notable Quote:
[115:07] Nick Viall:
"We're talking about gambling. We're talking about people who have literally like bet their kids college savings, they've bet their mortgage and Jen Berger's husband, and now they've but to kind of."
Nick emphasizes the intensity and real-life stakes involved in the discussed topics, tying back to the relevance of their conversations.

Conclusion

Episode E849 of The Viall Files offers an engaging mix of personal anecdotes, reality TV insights, and celebrity interviews. From heartfelt Thanksgiving stories to the latest in RHOC, Wicked, and Vanderpump Rules, Nick Viall and the Household provide listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of love, life, and the ever-evolving landscape of reality television.

Notable Quotes to Remember:

• Vicki Gunvalson at [39:36]:
  "It wasn't that he was paying for her stuff when he was with Alexis. Alexis has nothing to do with this."

• Nick Viall at [19:26]:
  "Most of these people who have performed their whole lives are lip syncing like it's a parade. Shut up and just eat your fucking pumpkin pie and drink your coffee and clap your hands and like, what are you doing?"

• Nick Viall at [56:33]:
  "I just do not need Lisa Vanderpump's mentor. If you can't sit down and have a real conversation with normies like us, so to speak, there's going to be a level of disconnect and mistrust."

• Vicki Gunvalson at [39:36]:
  "We call him Dirty John."

Stay tuned to The Viall Files for more insightful discussions, celebrity interviews, and the latest in reality TV drama. Whether you're seeking relationship advice or simply want to stay updated on your favorite shows, this episode delivers it all with humor, honesty, and a touch of glam.