<P> While in pre-production , the show was initially titled Manhattan Moms , but it was eventually re-branded to become the second installment of the then - new Real Housewives franchise . The first season premiered on March 4 , 2008 , and starred LuAnn de Lesseps , Bethenny Frankel , Alex McCord , Ramona Singer and Jill Zarin . Despite the series title , most of the women featured were not housewives . Frankel and Singer owned their own businesses ; McCord and Zarin also had careers outside their home . </P>
<P> While in pre-production , the show was initially titled Manhattan Moms , but it was eventually re-branded to become the second installment of the then - new Real Housewives franchise . The first season premiered on March 4 , 2008 , and starred LuAnn de Lesseps , Bethenny Frankel , Alex McCord , Ramona Singer and Jill Zarin . Despite the series title , most of the women featured were not housewives . Frankel and Singer owned their own businesses ; McCord and Zarin also had careers outside their home . </P>
old cast of real housewives of new york
old cast of real housewives of new york
LuAnn de Lesseps Bethenny Frankel Alex McCord Ramona Singer Jill Zarin
LuAnn de Lesseps Bethenny Frankel Alex McCord Ramona Singer Jill Zarin