'Real Housewives of NYC': Sugar and Spice (and Every Last Vice)

Image credit: Andrei Jackamets/Bravo

The latest spin-off, Real Housewives of New Jersey (debuting May 12), takes place mere miles from its New York cousin but might as well be worlds apart, as it focuses on five tough Italian-American women — three of whom are related, guaranteeing family theatrics. And though Bravo won't give specifics, Berwick says they're always doing ''loads of casting'' in different cities that could yield a new Housewives incarnation. While rumors point to Dubai as a future location, Berwick is coy: ''We've certainly done casting in Dubai, but that's not necessarily Housewives specific.'' (Real Sheiks? Bring. It. On.) With four hives in place, the series is poised to debut a new episode every week for one year, ensuring a flow of fresh drama most networks would kill for. Production is in full swing almost continuously, as each 7- to 12-episode season takes approximately three months to shoot. It's a sacrifice the Housewives are willing to make. ''They've done some editing this year which I feel has been a little bit unfair to The Countess,'' says LuAnn, in her trademark third-person style. ''But I hardly notice the cameras anymore. It's not much of a hindrance at all.'' Adds Ramona, ''Clearly, I have no problem being myself in front of the camera — I'm as raw as can be!''

There's plenty of drama left to pack in the six episodes leading up to New York's May 5 finale. Expect an epic showdown between single ladies Bethenny and Kelly; Jill hosts a swanky Fashion Week bash; and we'll finally get the big reveal of Alex and Simon's renovated Cobble Hill brownstone, which was in a rather sorry state last season. Silex, as they're sometimes known, have emerged as the series' love-to-hate-'em couple, thanks to their social-climbing, faux-grandiose ways (e.g., vacationing in hoity-toity St. Bart's...during hurricane season). Simon shrugs off the controversy he engenders. ''In time, people will forget the minutiae of the show,'' he says, sitting in a suite at the Hotel Chandler, where he works as general manager. ''If we can spin this to be more than our 15 minutes, we will.'' (The duo, who have two young sons, are writing a book about child rearing.) Alex and Simon are less complacent about the vicious online postings about their home and family. ''The comments about our children are the only thing that really get me,'' says Alex, choking up instantly. Simon reaches for his wife's hand in a fierce, almost practiced manner, and simultaneously brushes away the tiniest tear, possibly forgetting that cameras aren't rolling. While Bravo has yet to greenlight a third season of the show, the pair (like the rest of the New York cast) say they would likely take another whirl in front of the cameras, if asked. Announces an earnest Simon, in battle-tested tones, ''In the immortal words of Edith Piaf, I regret nothing.''

NEXT PAGE: Kooky or full-on nuts? Rating the Real Housewives of NYC