Article continues below advertisementThe Real Housewives franchise has become a hallmark of reality television, synonymous with drama and, if you're fortunate, hefty paychecks. Ever since The Real Housewives of Orange County debuted in March 2006, fans have been eager to learn how much their favorite cast members rake in each year."We never really talk about contracts and money," Andy Cohen shared with Entertainment Tonight. "That's usually just a line we don't really love to talk about. People are curious though.