This is a tough time to be a Real Housewives of New Jersey fan. It is one of my favorite franchises, but this season just didn’t work. There were a few fun moments, but not many. With Teresa Giudice and her sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga, refusing to interact, it was painfully awkward. Then Jennifer Aydin and Danielle Cabral put their hands on each other in a dispute over hair stylists and stealing from a charity.

Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

So, when Andy Cohen announced that the Season 14 reunion was a no-go, my heart sank. The only other Real Housewives franchise to scrap a reunion was Real Housewives of New York. And we all know how that turned out. A brand-new cast for Season 14. The future of RHONJ seems uncertain, and now news of the replacement for the reunion is ringing alarm bells.

RHONJ is having a finale watch party instead of the reunion

Variety reported that instead of a reunion, on July 15, Bravo filmed a finale watch party at Rails Steakhouse. That was where the wild finale was filmed. The cast was divided into two groups, who viewed the finale in two separate rooms.

Melissa was in one room, along with Rachel Fuda, Margaret Josephs, Danielle, and, Jenn Fessler. In the other room, Teresa held court with Jennifer and Jackie Goldschneider, who also had a friend role this season. And where was Dolores Catania, also known as Jersey’s own Switzerland? She floated between both rooms.

In previous seasons, Jackie and Teresa feuded and Jackie was besties with Margaret. And last season, Danielle was Team Teresa. The fracture in this cast is unbelievable, and unsustainable for a reality TV show. And Andy said as much, confirming that RHONJ would be getting a makeover.

It remains to be seen if that will be a complete reboot like RHONY. Another option is a major cast shake-up, like Real Housewives of Atlanta. Still, a rewatch party pales in comparison to the high drama of a reunion. The special will air on August 11, and we don’t yet know if it will be one episode or more.

Real Housewives of New Jersey airs on Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.