Watch What Crappens Episode #2716 Summary: "Crappy Hour 2/03/2025 Gretchen Rossi Returns, Spencer Pratt Holds Grudge Against Andy Cohen, Paige DeSorbo Moves On"

Release Date: February 5, 2025

In this episode of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the latest drama and developments within the Bravo universe and beyond. The episode is packed with juicy updates, insightful commentary, and plenty of humor as the duo navigates through the tumultuous landscape of reality TV's most talked-about personalities.

1. Show Recap and Recent Events (03:20 - 06:01)

Ronnie Karam opens the episode by expressing gratitude to their recent live show attendees in San Diego and San Francisco. She shares the excitement and challenges of putting together the live event, praising the audience's energy and the seamless organization by Richie D. Cadoos and Ross from Reddit.

Ben Mandelker echoes Ronnie's sentiments, highlighting Richie D.'s exceptional party-planning skills and the overall success of the event. The hosts emphasize the community spirit among their listeners, noting how individuals who attended alone ended up forming a "tribe" by the night's end.

2. Gretchen Rossi’s Return to RHOC (06:01 - 11:46)

The primary focus of the episode centers around the shocking news of Gretchen Rossi returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC).

Ben Mandelker raises critical questions about Gretchen's comeback, pondering whether Andy Cohen has relinquished his influence or was perhaps ousted without public knowledge. He states, “Gretchen is coming back to O.C. Did Andy just stop having a say? Did they just fire Andy and didn’t tell anybody?” (06:25).

Ronnie Karam provides background on Gretchen's tumultuous history with the show. She recalls how earlier seasons saw Gretchen becoming more closed off after Tamra Hall "raked her over the coals," leading to Gretchen's eventual departure due to not meeting the producers' expectations for authenticity. Ronnie speculates that Gretchen’s return might be a strategic move aligning with the current political climate, stating, “Gretchen Rossi kind of feels like she matches the current political climate. So there. I think Bravo's kind of like, let's match that.”

However, Ben counters Ronnie’s perspective, emphasizing that Gretchen’s defensiveness stemmed from being bullied by Tamra rather than simply putting up walls. He criticizes Gretchen for allegedly airbrushing her child’s photos, which has garnered public backlash. Ben humorously remarks, “I think Jesus just thank you for all the followers... She was starting to get a lot of trouble for airbrushing the child” (09:10).

Ronnie adds that Gretchen will be introduced as a "friend of the cast," which may limit her on-screen presence to group dinners and minimize the influence of Slade Smiley, Gretchen’s beau. She notes, “If she were not a friend of the cast, that would be like a full Gretchen, you know, housewife moment would be hard.”

The hosts also touch upon reactions from other cast members, including a supportive stance from Katie Janela, who has publicly expressed friendship with Gretchen, hoping Gretchen's return does not lead to being canceled alongside her friends.

3. Spencer Pratt vs. Andy Cohen Feud (11:46 - 19:23)

The episode shifts focus to the ongoing low-level feud between Spencer Pratt and Andy Cohen. Ben Mandelker recalls past conflicts where Andy.Cohen held grudges against Spencer, particularly referencing Andy's derogatory comments about Spencer's wife, Heidi Montag.

Ronnie Karam explains that Spencer is currently upset with Andy over past grievances, including Andy's infamous remark calling Heidi "trash." She reads a tweet where Lisa Vanderpump urges Spencer to give Andy a second chance, to which Spencer dismissively replies, “Lol. Yeah, so lucky. The guy that bashes my wife gonna be so lucky to sit with him” (16:23).

Ben adds context by mentioning that in 2023, Heidi Montag publicly stated that Andy's biases had hindered her potential as a housewife. This historical animosity resurfaces as Spencer's resentment towards Andy remains unresolved, fueling the ongoing tension.

Ronnie humorously suggests that Spencer and Heidi might be better suited for joining RhOC due to their MTV backgrounds, though they both laugh off the idea, acknowledging the deep-seated issues that prevent reconciliation.

4. Paige DeSorbo Moves On (19:23 - 53:21)

Paige DeSorbo's personal life takes center stage as the hosts discuss her recent breakup with Craig Conover and her rumored new relationship with Joe D’Amelio.

Ben Mandelker notes that Paige appears to be moving forward, vacationing with Joe in Miami, which Austin Kibby confirmed on Watch What Happens Live. He adds, “Paige was so mean to Craig. No, she wasn't. You're allowed to break up with somebody and then date somebody else.”

Ronnie Karam delves into Paige’s decision to freeze her eggs, highlighting the rumors and speculations surrounding her motives. She shares her thoughts on why Paige might choose to take this step, suggesting it could be a way to ensure she has family options if her current relationship doesn't materialize into marriage and children.

The hosts reflect on societal pressures regarding fertility and relationships, discussing how personal choices like egg freezing can spark public debate and influence public perception of reality TV personalities.

5. Additional Bravo Drama and Rumors (53:21 - 45:10)

Beyond the main topics, Watch What Crappens touches upon several other Bravo-related rumors and events:

• Brandi Glanville's Appearance on Botched: The hosts express concern over Brandi undergoing multiple biopsies to address her facial disfigurement, speculating on the mysterious nature of her condition. They ponder whether the issues are stress-induced or possibly parasitic, adding levity by suggesting humorous solutions like "just shoot it."

• Bryn Whitfield's Scandal in RHONY: A blind item hints at a significant secret involving Bryn, sparking rampant speculation among fans. The hosts discuss potential scenarios, from secret relationships to fabrications about her past, ultimately expressing skepticism about the rumors' explosive nature.

• Heidi Montag's Potential Move to Salt Lake City: The hosts humorously debate the possibility of Heidi joining another Real Housewives franchise, with Ben expressing support while Ronnie doubts Heidi's fit based on her persona and the show's dynamics.

• Kyle Richards’ Personal Life: Rumors about Kyle's sexual orientation surface, with the hosts debating the authenticity and impact of these speculations on her image and relationships within the RHOC cast.

6. Humorous Interludes and Off-Topic Banter (36:00 - 55:17)

Interspersed throughout the episode are comedic segments where Ben and Ronnie engage in playful banter and fictional anecdotes:

• Tilda Swinton and Countess Luann: The hosts fabricate a whimsical encounter between Tilda Swinton and Countess Luann, blending reality with absurdity for comedic effect. They joke about Luann's supposed performances and interactions, showcasing their trademark humor.

• Sperm Donor Preferences: Ronnie shares a humorous story about a friend preferring less attractive sperm donors, leading to a discussion on societal values and the prioritization of physical appearance over intelligence in reproductive choices.

• Fake Sponsor Shout-Outs: Towards the episode's end, the hosts perform a mock sponsor segment, playfully naming fictional sponsors with pun-filled names, adding a layer of satire to their typical advertising spots.

7. Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement (55:17 - End)

As the episode winds down, Ben and Ronnie wrap up with final remarks, thanking their audience and teasing future content. They encourage listeners to join their premium offers on Wondery+, subscribe to related podcasts like Small Town Murder and Encounters, and engage with their community through various platforms.

Ben concludes with a humorous nod to their discussion on Karen, reinforcing the episode's blend of serious commentary and lighthearted jest.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Mandelker (06:25): “Gretchen is coming back to O.C. Did Andy just stop having a say? Did they just fire Andy and didn’t tell anybody?”

• Ronnie Karam (09:10): “I think Jesus just thank you for all the followers... She was starting to get a lot of trouble for airbrushing the child.”

• Ben Mandelker (16:25): “But I can't imagine him being okay with... what's a good idea? Let's bring back Gretchen. What do you think?”

• Ronnie Karam (33:43): “If there is another person who went, who, who fled. It's like, that's wild. That's like a, that's like Bonfire of the Vanities right there.”

• Ben Mandelker (54:16): “Sometimes life works in mysterious ways. Maybe they can move to Orange County now. You know, they're looking. So they move there and be on O.C. I'm for it.”

Conclusion

Episode #2716 of Watch What Crappens delivers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current events in the Bravo reality TV sphere. From Gretchen Rossi's controversial return to deep-seated feuds like Spencer Pratt's with Andy Cohen, the hosts provide insightful analysis peppered with their signature humor. Whether dissecting relationship dynamics, addressing public rumors, or engaging in off-topic jokes, Ben and Ronnie ensure listeners are both informed and entertained, making this episode a must-listen for reality TV enthusiasts.