The Real Housewives of New York City washed ashore this week to shoot footage for the show’s upcoming season.
The cast of the hit Bravo reality series has been on Island this week filming an episode that takes place on a Vineyard vacation, utilizing locations in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
On Tuesday, the Edgartown select board approved a filming permit for the show’s cast of eight and production crew of 20 to shoot in town from May 27 to May 29. Locations listed on the permit include Lighthouse Beach, South Beach, the finger piers and the Katama Airfield.
Production manager Gina D’Angelo told the board that she had been in touch with several business owners in town, who agreed to let the group film inside their storefronts.
“We’d love to get [the cast] in the shops, and then walking the streets of Edgartown, just to show off the beauty and uniqueness of this town,” Ms. D’Angelo told the board.
She also reassured the board that the crew would not be blocking off any streets or disrupting the flow of traffic.
“We don’t want to cause any trouble,” she said.
Also Tuesday, the Oak Bluffs select board gave Ms. D’Angelo the go-ahead for a crew of 10 to film the housewives shopping on Circuit avenue on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and for a crew of about two to film b-roll in town on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We want to see them having a shopping day in Oak Bluffs,” Ms. D’Angelo said.
Ms. D’Angelo said that Nomans and Lookout Tavern were among the businesses that gave the show permission to film inside.
The Oak Bluffs board granted the filming permit somewhat narrowly, with an abstention from select board chair Dion Alley and a nay from vice-chair Sean DeBettencourt.
“It sounds like in general the businesses do welcome this hubbub [and] the exposure,” select board member Emma Green-Beach said.
Mr. DeBettencourt was troubled by the fact that the select board was making a decision Tuesday for filming that would begin on Wednesday.
“Part of what we’re trying to do is create an environment in which people can enjoy their vacations, not necessarily a studio set,” he said.
Ms. D’Angelo said her team will keep its footprint small and minimize fanfare.
“We don’t have anyone famous, no one of any recognition,” she said.
Ms. D’Angelo also agreed to rely on street parking to house production vans while filming. Mr. Alley said that the crew will not be able to block traffic or tell pedestrians where they can and cannot walk.
“You’re going to have to fend for yourself,” he warned.
This article appears in May 29, 2026.
Bravo Sean DeBettencourt. Now if you would just keep the politicos’ out.
Eye roll
Why would anyone invite that circus to town?
Well Happy Birthday to ME !!
We don’t need this in Katama
Well, I never. For goodness sake. What were you thinking? What a slippery slope. There, have I covered enough old timer’s sayings? LMTO
Not on my watch!
Hopefully they support the local taxi companies
Never happen if I was selectman!
They are paying for the privilege, right? Right??
Seems harmless and maybe good for tourism but.., I don’t know the shows’ audience and if the exposure helps or harms the islands’ brand.
Just to be clear, this production of trash TV, just my opinion, did not obtain permission to film or use Lookout Tavern’s name or likeness under any circumstances.
No one contacted me nor did I or anyone of my staff members speak with them or give them permission.
I do not need that type of unrealistic fake exposure!
My customer base are real people that are unpretentious!
Its too bad they misrepresented themselves in front of the OB Selectboard.
I for one as a resident think our Town deserves better representation than being used for this type of production!
Please know the welcome mat is not out for The Real Housewives of RI. Production as a whole, at anyone of my businesses!
Respectfully
Michael Santoro
Santoro Hospitality Group