The Real Housewives of Atlanta

Arguably, the Real Housewives of Atlanta is what made Bravo's "Housewives" franchise a household name. New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Orange Country, while they are all cute -- after the success of the Atlanta divas a particular model was followed and it's worked. The "Housewives" series remains one of the most popular reality shows on television.

Nene, Kim, Kandi, and Sheree are back, along with two newcomers for Season Three. Third time around, we get a terrific dose of drama, one-liners and heavy contur. In the first episode, the Diana Ross of the gals, Nene Leakes, is having marital issues and drama with her gay BFF, Dwight, which results in a heated screaming match. The high-octane Nene is still over the top, but there is an emotionality that we haven't seen in previous seasons. Like many of us, she is dealing with a relationship on the edge, something we all can relate to.

Episode One also deals with Kim's "alleged" bisexuality. The reactions from her cast members are hilarious -- Kim asks for privacy but did an interview with a tabloid magazine. She still rants about Big Poppa, rocks the Barbie wigs and has rekindled her relationship with Nene -- their on and off relationship nearly makes them seem like a couple! Nonetheless, when watching the season previews, Nene and Kim are clearly out for blood again with Nene jumping at Kim and roaring, "You better watch your tone and how you speak to people, especially when you talking to a sista'!" I love it...

Sheree is back, putting fashion on hold (umm, hmm) and deciding to be an actress. Kandi, whose fianc� was murdered last year, is dating again and, God forbid, putting Kim back in a recording studio.

In another cast change Lisa Wu Hartwell has been replaced, which is a disappointment. Rumor has it she didn't have enough "drama." Now there's a model named Cynthia Bailey, who wasn't in one frame of the debut episode, unless she's edited in when the show airs. Another new addition is a lawyer named Phaedra Parks, obviously set to be Nene's nemesis, both being from Athens, Georgia.

You can't forget the gays in heels who are sprinkled in nearly every scene. Yes, Bravo knows which side of their bread is buttered.

Overall, the first episode of Season Three is the best opener yet, setting audiences up for 16 episodes of escapist, reality show drama.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta premieres on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 9/8c on Bravo. For more information visit the show's website.