THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY

The Real Housewives of New Jersey is a reality television program on the Bravo network. It is the network's fourth installation of the Real Housewives series, following The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of New York City, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

The first season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered on May 12, 2009. The five housewives are Teresa Giudice, Jacqueline Laurita, Dina Manzo, Danielle Staub and Caroline Manzo. The series follows five so-called Jersey Girls as they live lavish lifestyles and the drama associated with their lives.


 
The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice was born in Paterson, New Jersey to Italian-American immigrants. She attended Berkeley College where she majored in Fashion Marketing and Management, but did not graduate with an Associates Degree. After college, she worked in the fashion industry in New York. She is married to Joe Giudice, an entrepreneur also from Paterson. They have three daughters, Gia, Gabriella, and Milania, and are expecting a fourth child. Giudice serves as a committee member for her The Real Housewives of New Jersey co-star Dina Manzos’ “Project Ladybug”. Teresa manages her daughter's acting and modeling career.


Jacqueline Laurita

Jacqueline Laurita 38, is a stay-at-home mother and wife of Chris Laurita for the past six years. They have a six year old son, CJ, and Jacqueline has a 17 year old daughter, Ashley, from a previous marriage. [3] She gave birth to another son, Nicholas, on June 11, 2009, after four miscarriages. (The show is several months behind real life, and as of the June 9, 2009 airing of Season 1, Episode 5, she was not yet pregnant.)

Dina Laurita-Manzo

Dina Manzo is a mother, interior designer, and the founder of the non-profit organization Project Ladybug. She has been married to Tommy Manzo, co-owner of the catering facility The Brownstone, for four years. Dina has a teenage daughter, Alexia, from a previous marriage. Her wedding to Tommy Manzo was featured on the television show "My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding". Manzo's foundation, Project Ladybug, is dedicated to helping children with cancer. Manzo's goal is to one day open “Ladybug Houses” so children diagnosed with cancer, and their families, can have a safe and comfortable place to call home while receiving treatment.

Danielle Staub

Danielle Staub 45, is a single mother of two daughters, Christine and Jillian. Staub attends mass regularly with her daughters. She also enjoys social gatherings, and her co-stars have accused her of being a former party girl. In the first episode, she discussed having phone sex with a man for 2 years, though she never knew his name. Meanwhile, she tries to prove that she is a fit parent after her husband left her. [5] Staub is a subject of ex-husband's autobiography "Cop Without a Badge." The book features a mugshot of Staub from 1986 and accuses her of being arrested for kidnapping, extortion, and drug possession.

Caroline Laurita-Manzo

Caroline Laurita-Manzo has been married to Albert Manzo for 25 years; the couple have three children, Albie, Christopher, and Lauren. She is also the owner of two businesses, Opus Properties, a real estate firm, and 4 My Mom, a children’s accessories line. In addition, she serves on the board of her sister Dina’s foundation, Project Ladybug, and is affiliated with The Carolyn Gable Expect A Miracle Foundation, which helps single mothers.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey Episode Guide

Season 1 - The Real Housewives of New Jersey
Episode number Episode Title Original Air Date Summary
Season Preview "Preview Special" April 7, 2009 Five housewives from New Jersey invite viewers into their indulgent lives.
1 “Thicker Than Water” May 12, 2009 The surprising family bond is revealed between three of the housewives.
2 “Mama Knows Best” May 19, 2009 Danielle tries to befriend Dina, Teresa takes Gia to acting classes, and Jacqueline throws an over the top birthday party for CJ.
3 “Not One of Us” May 26, 2009 The five housewives have a spa day but the festivities soon turn sour. Caroline and Dina pressure Jacqueline to end her friendship with Danielle.
4 “Black & White and Read All Over” June 2, 2009 Dramas center on Danielle when her fellow Jersey girls congregate to dish on her past and Danielle clashes with Teresa's husband. Meanwhile, Teresa struggles to balance her daughter's thespian career and moving into a dream home.
5 “Casinos and C-Cups” June 9, 2009 Dina, Caroline and Teresa journey to Atlantic City for the weekend, but sex dramas surround Teresa when she bickers with her husband and considers getting plastic surgery. In addition, Danielle's relationship with her boyfriend crumbles; and a quaint birthday lunch deteriorates into a monumental cat fight.

6 “Final Dinner” June 16, 2009 Teresa plans her end of the year party for all the ladies.Tensions erupt when secrets and accusations are brought to the table. Danielle tells everyone how she feels and Dina and Caroline finally make Jacqueline choose between family or her friendship with Danielle. Who will she choose and will she make the right choice? The cat fight continues.