Vicki Gunvalson’s Daughter Feared Reality TV Would End Her Romance

Gunvalson, a fixture of the franchise, shared that her daughter’s hesitation stemmed from long-standing skepticism toward the show’s impact on her private life. According to People, Culberson cautioned her mother, arguing that the series had historically led to the loss of her relationships. When the 64-year-old began dating Smith two years ago, her daughter urged her to keep him off-camera to protect the stability of their new life together.

Despite these objections, Gunvalson confirmed that Smith will make minor appearances in the upcoming 20th season, which premieres July 9. The original cast member noted that while she promised to limit his exposure, he did film segments throughout the year. This dynamic mirrors the resistance she faced in the mid-2000s when her then-husband, Donn Gunvalson, initially refused to participate in the show to preserve their home life.

Andy Cohen officially invited Gunvalson back to the series at BravoCon in November 2025, marking a full-time return for the veteran housewife. While fan reaction remains divided ahead of the premiere, the spotlight is firmly on whether Gunvalson can navigate the volatility of her castmates, specifically Tamra Judge and Shannon Beador. Although she maintains close friendships with both, Gunvalson acknowledged that the trio still requires significant effort to reconcile their fractured dynamic.