ABC is eager to ‘fill the void’ left by Bravo – who has made it clear they do not want the reality star back on their network

 

JEN Shah’s future on television is still looking bright despite the reality star serving nearly three years in prison for orchestrating a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme, The U.S. Sun has learned.

After Bravo boss Andy Cohen made it clear that the reality star would not be returning to The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, opportunity appears to be knocking in a new, unexpected way.

Jennifer Shah in an embroidered dress with a thigh-high slit.
Jen Shah posing for The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City before her prison sentenceCredit: Getty

Jen Shah taking out trash at federal prison in Bryan, Texas, wearing a uniform, earrings, wedding band, and a prison-issued watch.
Jen Shah, currently incarcerated at a federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas, is seen taking out the trashCredit: BackGrid
According to a production source, DWTS producers are already looking to cast Jen, 52, for season 35 following her upcoming release from prison on December 10.

“DWTS is eyeing Jen Shah for next season,” an insider said while immediately adding: “They know, they know. They know the backlash will be loud, but frankly, they aren’t scared of it.”

The source went on to explain: “They’ve cast Sean Spicer. Bristol Palin. Anna Delvey.

“They aren’t afraid to make a splash. They know Bravo isn’t going to touch Jen anytime soon, they’ve publicly said that they aren’t.

“Which gives fans that both love and hate her the hunger to see how post-prison life is.

“There will be a hole there that ABC can step in and fill in. Obviously, nothing is for sure yet since she hasn’t even been released yet.

“But people on the show’s side have been in touch with members of her team.”

The U.S. Sun has reached out to reps for both Jen and DWTS.

Jen Shah and a man smiling while sitting next to a black fence.
Jen poses with her husband, Coach Shah, inside of her Texas prison facilityCredit: Instagram/therealjenshah

Jen Shah and a man pose with heart-themed props against a splattered backdrop.
Jen and Coach Shah celebrate their anniversary from her prisonCredit: Instagram/therealjenshah
During a behind-the-scenes Q&A over the Summer at his show, Watch What Happens Live, Andy was asked who had less of a chance of returning to RHOSLC, Jen or fellow controversial alum, Monica Garcia.

“Jen Shah – I never want to see again,” Andy fired off without hesitation.

Additionally, Bravo executive Frances Berwick, who is in charge of the network’s unscripted programming, echoed a similar message.

“It’s a variety of things, and it’s also about the level of accountability, the level of change that that person is going to make,” she told Variety about Housewives who have served time for crimes returning to TV.

“The audience is with Karen [Huger], because they’re rooting for her, because they think and believe that this will profoundly change her.

“I took the standing ovation as a sign of support for somebody who’s now taken accountability. That’s borne out by what she says to Andy.

“And then I think that there are things that are less forgivable,” she added, acknowledging Karen’s DUI arrest.

When Jen was specifically mentioned as being “less forgivable,” the exec confirmed, explaining: “For me personally, yeah. But you know, again, I have no idea on the level of accountability. But yes.”

LIFE BEHIND BARS

Jen began serving her 6.5 year prison sentence in February 2023 but had her release date bumped up several times.

Now, Jen will officially be released from the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, on December 10 following less than 3 years serving time.

This came after she pled guilty in July 2022 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a scheme that targeted thousands of vulnerable victims, including the elderly.

Jen was a main cast member on RHOSLC from its first season, which premiered in November 2020, up until her departure in season 3 – which captured the aftermath of her arrest.

RHOSLC has continued to thrive without Jen, as it is current airing its explosive fifth season starring Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, Heather Gay, Whitney Rose, Mary M. Cosby, Bronwyn Newport, and Angie Katsanevas.

Dancing with the Stars judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli with cast members.
Judges CARRIE ANN INABA, DEREK HOUGH, BRUNO TONIOLI pose with producers on DWTSCredit: Getty

Jen Shah leaving Manhattan federal court after receiving a 6.5 year sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Jen Shah is seen leaving Manhattan federal court after receiving a 6.5 year sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud on January 06, 2023 in New York CityCredit: Getty