If Thomas Ravenel has no fans, then Julia Garner is dead.
On Thursday night’s (Aug. 7) episode of Watch What Happens Live, the Fantastic Four star called on Bravo to bring Ravenel back to Southern Charm.
While giving her unpopular Bravo opinions, Garner implored host Andy Cohen to reinstate the OG Real Housewives of New York City “immediately,” and give Allison Dubois, the psychic who predicted Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky’s split on the first season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, her own spinoff show. But what shocked Cohen the most was when Garner said, “Bring T-Rav back to Southern Charm. Please!”
Ravenel was an integral part of the early seasons of Southern Charm. Then 50 years old, he struck up a romance with a 21-year-old Kathryn Dennis, with whom he shares two children: Kensington “Kenzie”, 11, and Saint Julien, 9. The first five seasons of Southern Charm documented their turbulent relationship, both as romantic partners and as separated co-parents.
The former Treasurer of South Carolina, however, was fired from Southern Charm ahead of Season 6 over sexual assault allegations from his former nanny. Ravenel pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and battery, receiving a 30-day jail sentence that was ultimately reduced to a $500 fine and probation. He and the nanny eventually reached a $125,000 settlement, per People.
Garner isn’t the only person who thinks Ravenel’s return could spice things up on Southern Charm. Ahead of Season 10—which finished airing in April—star Madison LeCroy addressed the online rumors that Ravenel would be making a comeback.
“No, I mean, unfortunately, it would be great for us, I think, but I have not heard that or seen that at all,” she told Page Six in March 2024.
Plus, at BravoCon 2022, Southern Charm matriarch Patricia Altschul revealed that she’d love to have Ravenel back on the show.
“I always said Thomas made our jobs a lot easier,” Craig Conover joked during the panel, while Altschul added, “I saw Thomas recently. Whitney [Sudler Smith] and I were at Halls Steakhouse [in Charleston] and Thomas was there. He apologized profusely. He was charming. He was funny. I think he should come back on the show … I think he’s changed. I really do.”
So, where is Ravenel now if not on Southern Charm? Back in February, he announced that he’d be running in South Carolina’s gubernatorial race as a Republican. But just four days later, Ravenel withdrew his bid to focus on raising his young children.
Watch What Happens Live airs Sunday through Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.
If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.