The Real Housewives of New Jersey is a reality television program on the Bravo network which originally followed the lives of five women in and around several upscale communities in Northern New Jersey. It is the network's fourth installation of The Real Housewives of... series, following The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of New York City and The Real Housewives of Atlanta. At the time of its airing, part 1 of the series' second season reunion had the highest-rated episode ever out of the entire franchise. The third season of the series premiered on May 16, 2011, at 9pm on Bravo, for a 90 minute episode. Melissa Gorga and Kathy Wakile are the newest housewives that were added. On June 7, 2011 Bravo renewed the series for a fourth season due to its record breaking ratings, and it has already begun filming and ready to end filming for season 4.
Claudine "Dina" Manzo (née Laurita) (born March 7, 1972) is a mother, interior decorator, and the founder of the non-profit organization, Project Ladybug. She and her family live in the affluent town of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She has been married to Tommy Manzo, co-owner of the event and catering facility The Brownstone, since 2005. Manzo is her second husband. Tommy's brother and business partner, Albert Manzo, is the husband of Dina's older sister and cast mate, Caroline, making the two also sisters-in-law. Their wedding was featured on the VH1 television show My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding. Dina has a daughter, Alexia ("Lexi", born on January 25, 1996) from her previous marriage to George Hadjiapostoli (co-owner of Nisha nail salon in Wayne, New Jersey). Season 1 focuses on the struggles Dina, like many other mothers, faces as Alexia grows up. Dina's foundation, Project Ladybug, is dedicated to supporting St.Joseph's Hospital Paterson and helping children with cancer. In 2010, Dina produced the return of the Off-Broadway comedy, My Big Gay Italian Wedding, at the St. Luke's Theatre in New York City. Dina will be hosting her own show, Dina's Party, on HGTV early this fall. The show will follow her event planning company, known for its outlandish celebrations and parties. It premieres September 10th, 2011.
