The countdown for season seven of the Real Housewives of New Jersey is on as Teresa Giudice’s prison release is mere days away. Despite this happy time for RHONJ fans, the Housewives of NJ may have something to worry about. It seems as if the RHONJ will only be getting paid the big bucks if they can bring some massive drama to season seven.

As of now, the RHONJ cast has been paid a lump sum for appearing on the show but sources reveal to NY Daily News that producers will now only pay them for the scenes they appear in!

Producers are hoping that this new plan will be an incentive for the ladies to bring ratings-soaring drama to NJ instead of coasting and cashing their paychecks.

Sources say that Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga will be paid $50,000 an episode IF they make it into the show each week.

No word on what Jacqueline Laurita will make but it’s rumored to be less than Melissa and Teresa.

As for friends of the Housewives, Siggy Flicker, Robyn Levy and wife Christina Flores they will only make around $50,000 for the whole season.

“The problem is you could sign a contract for an $800,000 salary and then sit back and do nothing,” reveals a source, “This way, you really have to bring it. Across all the (“Housewives”) series there are people who are more committed and people who are less committed. People sign up to do it and then lose their enthusiasm.”

This new plan is a way for producers to get the Housewives to work for their money and make sure they participate in the drama.

RHONJ isn’t the first franchise to be hit with this new pay approach as RHONY moved to a pay per episode plan last season. This new plan could begin hitting the other Housewives franchises as well to liven things up.

I don’t think this idea of pay per episode is a bad one especially for RHONJ because certain cast members did collect huge paychecks and let Teresa and her family supply all the drama and storylines. I think Teresa will be paid much, much more than Melissa and will get a lump sum salary not pay per episode deal. Bravo has waited over a year for Teresa to do RHONJ and I have no doubt they will pay her a ton to make sure she does the show!

Thoughts on the pay per episode plan? Do you think the pay per episode plan will help RHONJ? Should Teresa be paid more than Melissa?

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