<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
LuAnn de Lesseps Bethenny Frankel Alex McCord Ramona Singer Jill Zarin