Content Warning: This article contains a discussion of sensitive themes and sexual assualt.
Bravo is a network centered around reality TV that has given us iconic TV shows like The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, and Summer House. Everything from the casting choices to the editing of these shows is iconic, and it’s why Bravo fans are so ionate.
Dubbed “Bravolebrities,” fans have grown attached to these Bravo stars and genuinely enjoy watching their storylines (and lives on social media) unfold. And while some Bravolebrities have storylines that appear forced or scripted, there are also moments that are so raw and honest that they bring tears to viewers' eyes.
RHOC: Vicki Found Out Her Mom Died While Cameras Were Rolling
Despite how viewers of RHOC feel about Vicki Gunvalson these days, the moment she found out she lost her mother without expecting it was harrowing. In season 10, all the ladies were at Shannon Beador's house for game night when Vicki got a mysterious phone call at Shannon's house.
On the other line was Vicki's daughter, Brianna, relaying the message that Vicki's mother died unexpectedly. Regardless of people's feelings of Vicki, watching her collapse to the floor was earth-shattering.
Below Deck: Captain Lee's Special Connection With Eddie
In 2019, Captain Lee's son, Joshua, ed away. Lee has always been a fan favorite on the series but his vulnerability surrounding his son's death was emotional.
Lee and Eddie's bond grew the more Eddie became serious about his job. Lee was so touched by his friendship with Eddie that he mentioned Eddie was what he hoped his son would have become had he lived. Lee continued his grieving process by talking about the death of a child with a charter guest. Seeing him in this softer light was hard to watch without bawling.
Summer House: Carl Got A Phonecall That His Brother ed Away On Camera
In February of 2021, Carl Radke found out—once again, on camera—that his older brother ed away. Carl was seen on the phone crying with his mom before being confronted by a castmate.
This moment was particularly challenging for fans to get over because Carl had a great head on his shoulders and was creating a new path in his life. The death of his brother made fans root for Carl all the more.
Vanderpump Rules: The First Time Scheana Confronted Mike At The Reunion
In season 5, Scheana and her longtime love, Mike Shay had problems in their marriage that were kept under wraps until Schena couldn't keep it in anymore. She and Mike were living two different lives and she wasn't sure if they would make it. Lisa Vanderpump was shocked by Scheana's truth and didn't expect it coming — and neither did fans.
At the season 5 reunion, Sheana and Mike spent time apart as they were dissolving their marriage and the reunion was their first time seeing and confronting each other about their issues. With their castmates surrounding them, it was a dark moment to see both of them cry because their love wasn't strong enough to keep their marriage afloat.
RHOA: Ayden Will Always Be Phaedra's Baby
Ayden's first day of school was a big moment for Phaedra. He is her youngest child and holds a special place for her. However, fans (and Phaedra) had no idea how sentimental the first day of school was about to be.
While on the drive to school, Ayden told Phaedra that he was nervous and didn't like not always being with her. Those words choked Phaedra up but the real waterworks occurred when he told her in his soft voice that he would always be her baby. Phaedra couldn't stop herself from crying after hearing those words.
Southern Charm: The Disrespect Ashley Threw Towards Kathryn
Kathryn Dennis has been through a lot during her time on Southern Charm. But just as Kathryn was getting her life on track, her ex, Thomas, began dating Ashley Jacobs — a woman who despised Kathryn.
The women went head-to-head all season but it was when Ashely called Kathryn an "egg donor" that really showed her true colors. It was hard not to feel sadness for Kathryn after such a despicable insult.
RHONY: Bethenny Gave Luann News That She Didn't Want To Share
Luann and Tom's relationship was dramatic from the start. Her friends felt like they had no choice but to Lu's new romance because she was finally happy. But when Bethenny had evidence of Tom cheating on her while they were engaged, it was painful for her not to say anything.
With tears in her eyes, Bethenny didn't want to ruin Lu's relationship but knew she had every right to know that her fiance was cheating on her. The entire conversation was devastating to watch when Lu began crying with Bethenny.
Vanderpump Rules: When Kristen itted To Sleeping With Jax
Stassi and Jax were not a perfect couple. They had a strong physical connection that kept them together but it wasn't enough to make the relationship last. It was after they broke up that Stassi began hearing rumors that her best friend Kristen slept with Jax while they were together. This would have meant that Kristen cheated on her boyfriend and Jax's friend as well.
Kristen denied the rumors for months, but after Jax itted it, it was game over. Kristen eventually came around and told Stassi that she did, in fact, sleep with Jax when Stassi and he were still together. Seeing the ission and the ensuing breakdown was a lot to handle.
Below Deck Mediterranean: Aesha's Pain
Aesha Scott became a quick fan-favorite during her time on Below Deck Med. She was like a walking ray of sunshine who was friendly with everyone and unapologetically herself. Like many of her colleagues, Aesha had a good time with her friends on her days off, but when an inappropriate joke about sexual assault was made, Aesha took a moment to herself.
She told the cameras that she was once assaulted after having too much to drink. She explained that the entire situation took a toll on her and she's sensitive when it comes to those kinds of jokes because they're never funny, especially not to victims. Watching someone so friendly go through such heartache was torture.
RHONY: Carole And Dorinda's Melancholy Trip To London
In season 7, Carole was heading to London to retrieve the urn of her late husband. Dorinda knew how big of a moment this was for Carole and wanted to be there to her. Dorinda was also a widow who knew what it was like to lose her husband, and the two ladies really bonded over that shared loss.
Tears were shed and stories were told about their marriages and it was impossible to ignore the emotions building up because of it.