Jessel Taank on Why She’s More Guarded on RHONY Season 15

Credit: Danielle Levitt/Bravo

The Real Housewives of New York City is back for season 15 with its rebooted cast of ladies. Not everyone is pleased with the show, and the live viewership numbers show that. However, many viewers swear by this version of RHONY. Now, Jessel Taank is opening up about why she was more guarded for her second season on the show and why she’s not excited about getting pregnant again.

Last year, RHONY returned to our screens for season 14 with a brand new cast. All of the ladies are great and represent what New York is today. However, some feel that they don’t make for the best television. This is especially the case when you compare what they offer to some of the iconic antics of the OGs. 

Recently, Jessel, 44, sat down for an interview with PEOPLE, and she discussed her second season on the show and what fans can expect. She started by discussing what it was like watching season one. 

Jessel said, “I think as newbies coming into this world of reality, I think we were all a little bit shaken up once the show started to air.” 

She added, “It’s almost like it hits you like a tidal wave and you don’t really know what this is, or what to anticipate, or what to expect. So I do speak for the whole cast, going into season two, we all feel a little bit more just respectful.”

Jessel then discussed being more guarded on camera this season. She explained, “I don’t want to change who I am necessarily, but I felt like I was a little bit more guarded this season, just because I know what some of the repercussions are if you’re not.”

Jessel also said that there have been real-life consequences for some of her actions on the show. 

“You really need to condition your mind and your emotions to not let what people say affect you. I feel like people think it’s okay to just go on to our pages and say some of the most awful things and it’s not okay.”

Jessel continued, “And I think we want this to be a fun experience, and I think it should be a safe place for us to be able to, we want to entertain, but at the same time share important stories. I think that a lot of us don’t feel that we’re able to do that because of some of the reactions.”

The RHONY star also talked to PEOPLE about wanting to expand her family but not necessarily being excited about the process of getting pregnant. She explained to the outlet, “I think the conversation is really not easy because I have to go through the motions of IVFs to conceive.”

She went into more detail by saying, “I wish it was easier for me, but it isn’t. And so sort of conversations surrounding having another baby, it just comes with a lot of [effort] because I just can’t get drunk and get knocked up naturally. So, as much as I wish I could because it would make this so much easier, you’ll see us navigate what that journey looks like and what that path looks like.”

However, she is looking forward to having a new baby. She said, “But I would love another Jessel, I mean, it would be so cute for a baby girl.”

She then shared that her husband also has some concerns. In particular, he knows how financially straining the process can be and has reservations as a result. 

RHONY Live Viewing – This is also the live viewing thread for tonight’s new episode of The Real Housewives of New York City season 15, so feel free to comment and chat as the new season airs at 9/8c on Bravo.