The Real Housewives of Orange County

- Season 16

(2021)

After a five-year hiatus, Heather Dubrow is back. Gina and Emily pay a visit to Dr. Jen Armstrong for some OC style self-care. Heather meets Noella, whose fun and fast lifestyle is enough to make anyone blush. Things go awry when Shannon spills a secret about her old friend, Nicole, leaving Gina and Emily in an awkward position. After an uncomfortable lunch, Gina wonders whether her promise to Shannon is worth more than her integrity. Heather invites the women to her home for an elaborate sushi party.

At Heather's fancy sushi party, Gina and Emily investigate a juicy rumor about Shannon and Heather's old friend, Nicole. While Shannon tries to shut down the rumor, Gina feels compelled to reveal the truth, resulting in an explosive string of arguments that shuts down Heather's party. After the dust settles, Shannon and Noella bond as Heather and her husband Terry wonder about Shannon's intentions. Emily and Shane discuss the role of faith in their marriage, while Dr. Jen and her husband Ryne explore their family dynamics. Feeling terrible about ruining Heather's ...

Shannon apologizes to the ladies after Heather's party, but finds that some are more receptive than others. Meanwhile, Noella's husband blindsides her with unexpected news. Gina struggles to move forward with her friendship with Shannon and Dr. Jen works on her relationship with her mom. Emily reconnects to her faith as her daughter prepares to be baptized in the Mormon Church.

The ladies gather to celebrate Shane finally passing the California bar. Despite making amends with Gina, Shannon runs into another roadblock with Emily. Noella's situation worsens as she struggles to find answers about her husband. Heather learns about Dr. Jen's issues with Noella and soon finds herself in Noella's crosshairs.

Shannon apologizes to Heather, but her atonement doesn't end there. Meanwhile, Dr. Jen's attempt to smooth things over with Noella unexpectedly blows up. As Gina and Heather bond during a glamorous day at the race track, Gina warns Heather about more negative comments Noella has made. Dr. Jen, still reeling from her argument with Noella, questions her story, but Emily does her best to set the record straight.

Heather treats Jen and Emily to a spa day where Jen opens up about her marriage. Shannon heads for Nashville to visit her mom and is surprised when her daughter Sophie opens up about her new relationship. Meanwhile, Heather throws her daughter Max a party to celebrate the launch of her book, but first attempts to clear the air with Noella.

Heather charters a private jet to Cabo San Lucas for the ladies. Noella ends up trailing behind after receiving a last minute invite from Gina. The crew enjoys some fun in the sun while Jen opens up to Heather about her struggles to find balance at home. Temperatures start to rise as soon as Noella arrives and Gina finds herself running interference.

As Cabo heats up and truths are revealed, the ladies struggle to keep their cool. Emily looks inward for answers, while Jen's pain pushes her to emotional limits. As Heather looks at properties, Gina questions whether her investment in Noella is worth the cost. And despite Shannon's efforts to keep the peace, she only stokes the fire more, causing an explosive chain of events.

During the ladies' final night in Cabo, tensions rise and Emily takes a fall. Back in the OC, Gina starts to question her friendship with Noella, meanwhile Shannon hopes to strengthen her friendships with Heather and Emily. Emily throws a game night, and Dr. Jen and Ryne come to a crossroads in their marriage.

When Shannon invites the ladies over to her home for a luncheon, Dr. Jen reveals her marriage is struggling and looks to the women for advice. Emily and Noella clash unexpectedly when Emily questions some details about her divorce. Heather spends quality time with her family, while Gina notices that not everyone is supporting her brand new venture.

Emily prepares for Annabelle's baptism, but struggles with her ongoing relationship issues with her father. Heather helps Gina purge her closet and finally lets go of her marriage. Noella gets some much-needed closure from her divorce proceedings, while Shannon stews over the fact that Gina said she is jealous of her. Heather throws a dinner party for Dr. Jen and Ryne in hopes of healing their relationship, but Dr. Jen overserves herself and nearly derails the entire evening.

While Heather and Gina take a trip to New York, Shannon has Emily, Noella and Jen over for a dinner party. Heather and Gina take a walk down memory lane and bond over their mutual support for each other, while Dr. Jen works on improving her marriage and herself.

The ladies' professional lives are booming. Heather celebrates the completion of a new project with Terry, Dr. Jen prepares to launch a new business venture and Emily meets with an exoneree as part of The Innocence Project. Dr. Jen finds herself at odds with Noella yet again, leading her to question if she should rescind an invite to an event she is hosting. Simmering frustrations finally boil over when Shannon and Gina confront each other over rumors of jealousy.

Tensions continue to rise between Gina and Shannon. Heather decides to address her lingering issues with Shannon, but is met with fierce opposition. Emily plans to celebrate her marriage with Shane, while Gina calls in reinforcements to conquer her Cabo demons. And just as the women come together to support the launch of Gina's business, Noella gets earth-shattering news.

The ladies head to Aspen for some fresh air and much-needed relaxation. Upon arrival, Noella and Heather go head-to-head over the primary bedroom. Shannon begins to question her friendship with Emily. A relaxing dinner is turned upside down when all the women face-off over brewing tension.

Noella makes strides with her divorce but struggles to control her emotions. Emily and Shannon make peace and band together to give the other ladies a scare. Noella pushes Gina to her limits, causing a chain reaction that makes Heather question her friendships.

Noella confronts Heather about rumors she heard at Heather's sushi party. Gina and Shannon try to salvage what's left of their friendship. Emily and Shane finally have their dream wedding photo shoot to celebrate their marriage. The women all come together to help Shannon pursue her dream of becoming a rock star.

A discussion about Heather's return reopens old wounds for Shannon; the narrative of Noella's divorce is questioned; Emily confronts hard truths from her childhood; Gina and Shannon's growing resentments of each other come to a head.

Gina and Shannon's friendship hangs in the balance; Dr. Jen gives insight into her marriage; Shannon discusses her next chapter; Noella goes toe-to-toe with everybody as they discuss their trip to Aspen.