4 things to know about ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ Season 12

The Real Housewives of Orange County returns on July 10 for another season of drama that will lead to strained friendships.

It’s almost time for the RHOC Season 12 premiere. Judging from Bravo’s preview video for the upcoming season (below), we’ll be rolling our eyes and yelling at our TV on Monday nights. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Cheap champagne pairs well with housewives drama, so go chill a bottle or three and get ready for the season premiere.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, including cast info, guest appearances, and some scoop about the premiere.

‘RHOC’ season 12 premiere date and time

Bravo will air a 15-minute First Look special Sunday, July 9 from 7:32 – 7:47 p.m. ET/PT, followed by the July 10 premiere (“The Great Divide”) at 8:59 p.m. ET/P. Bravo will air future episodes at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The ladies of ‘OC’

Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge, Shannon Beador, Meghan King Edmonds and Kelly Dodd return for another season. Don’t expect Vicki and Tamra to rekindle their friendship.

Lydia McLaughlin (Season 8)  is back — Tamra Judge tells HuffPo that Lydia will “stand up for what she believes in.”

Peggy Sulahian joins the RHOC cast this season — she’s the 100th housewife to join Bravo’s Housewives franchise.

Guest appearances

Gretchen Rossi hasn’t been on the show since season 8. There were some rumors that she would be coming back as part of the full-time cast, but she’s just a guest — at least for this season. Also appearing as a guest is Lizzi Rovsek who was part of the Season 9 RHOC cast and a “friend” on Season 10.

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Season premiere preview

Bravo’s synopsis of the first episode of the season sounds a bit tame, but there’s no doubt things will heat up as the season progresses. One look at the preview below will convince you that season 12 will be anything but friendly.

"“Vicki expands her business and moves offices; Tamra reunites with an old friend; Shannon struggles with her weight and her marriage; Kelly worries her mother is becoming a hermit; Meghan returns after the birth of her baby, Aspen.”"

Watch the Real Housewives of Orange County at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Monday nights starting July 10 (8:59 p.m. start time for the premiere).

[Featured Image by Bravo]