Luann de Lesseps says the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives of New York” is the best yet … because Bethenny Frankel is off the show.

“I feel like this season, because [Frankel’s] not there, the women have a place to express themselves and show more of their personality. And I think this is the best season yet. It’s like, Bethenny who? It’s the best season ever!” de Lesseps told Rob Shuter’s “Naughty But Nice” podcast.

The reality show’s new season debuts in April, and is sure to be binge-watching fodder for shut-ins during the coronavirus pandemic. (Some die-hards even urged Bravo’s Andy Cohen to release the show weeks early, but he said it was impossible because of technical issues.)

De Lesseps added of what she views as Frankel’s welcome departure: “She’s a big personality, she takes up a lot of oxygen … I feel like people can breathe now.”

Frankel revealed last year she would not return for the show’s 12th season.

De Lesseps, who previously had to abstain from drinking booze because she was on probation for an infamous 2017 arrest for disorderly conduct, told Shuter that these days, “I’m no longer on probation. And now I’m in the driver’s seat and I can decide for myself. So I drink on occasion and I’m feeling really good.”