Andy Cohen is just as excited about Season 18 of The Real Housewives of Orange County as fans.

The Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host called the latest season of the O.G. Real Housewives franchise “the ultimate soap opera.” Why? Largely because of Alexis Bellino and John Janssen’s relationship, which he said took him by surprise.

“That is a shocking turn of events, and it is one that is befitting a soap opera,” Andy expressed during a recent episode of his Radio Andy series. “I think it’s so compelling.”

He further expressed his excitement about the season, which also features cast members Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and newbie Katie Ginella, on the June 25 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,

“It’s the 100th season of The Real Housewives, [it’s] so fitting that it’s happening with Orange County,” Andy said about the milestone moment. “It is a major return to form for that show in a very significant way.”

What to expect on RHOC Season 18

The aforementioned Orange County ladies will also be joined by a few familiar faces along the way: Vicki Gunvalson and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills‘ Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave and Sutton Stracke.​​

Vicki, Sutton, and Teddi will have cameos on the season, which will also highlight group trips to Big Bear, Sonoma, Palm Springs, and London.

Elsewhere throughout RHOC Season 18, drama unfolds between Tamra and Shannon, as well as Gina and Jennifer. Emily’s close friendship with Tamra also earns some questions from the other ladies, while Heather and new addition Katie apparently clash.

It’s all going down this season on RHOC. See even more of the Season 18 drama to come.