Kim Richards, ‘RHOBH’ Star, Gets New TV Show: ‘Real Housewives’ Kyle Richards Supports Amid Tragedy, Fearing Relapse

Kim Richards, famous for her role on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) and highly publicized arrests for charges ranging from public intoxication to shoplifting, is heading back to reality TV. Rather than re-join the Real Housewives family, Kim is teaming up with her youngest daughter for a new reality show, The Mother/Daughter Experiment: Celebrity Edition, reported E! News.

Richards and offspring Kimberly Jackson will co-star with five other mothers and daughters on the series from Lifetime. Debuting March 1 at 10 p.m., the reality show will follow the journey of the celebrities trying to mend their family problems. A therapist, Dr. Debbie Magids, will help the mothers and daughters learn to be friends as well as family.

In addition to Kim and her daughter, Heidi Pratt of The Hills and her mom Darlene Egelhoff will reveal what happened to cause them to be apart for two years. Darlene’s version contends that it’s Heidi’s spouse Spencer Pratt as well as Heidi’s obsession with fame that caused the estrangement. In contrast, Heidi believes that her mom is at fault because she turned on her in statements to the media.

Others starring alongside Richards include Courtney Stodden, who at age 16 tied the knot with Doug Hutchison, 51. She believes that she was exploited by her mother Krista Stodden for fame. Also appearing on the show are Kevin Federline’s ex Shar Jackson and her daughter Cassie.

Natalie Nunn of Bad Girls Club will try to mend her relationship with her mother Karen. In addition, Jessica Canseco of Hollywood Exes will work to resolve problems originating from the DUI arrest of her offspring Josie.

Jersey Shore producer SallyAnn Salsano and 495 Productions are behind the new reality show. Mark your calendar for the debut on Lifetime on March 1.

But is it possible that the stress of trying to air her problems with her daughter on national TV and meet the demanding schedule of another reality show could cause Kim to relapse, particularly after the recent heartbreak of her former husband’s death?

Richards is struggling after the death of Monty Brinson, her former husband, who passed away on January 24 after a battle with cancer, a source told People.

“It’s Kim who is taking it the hardest,” revealed the source. “Monty knew what was happening. He was prepared.”

The funeral and wake brought support for Richards. But, those who care for her are concerned, added the insider.

“The wake was very sad and emotional. Everyone is just trying to be there for [Kim] and hope that she stays safe.”

Because of Kim’s past problems with substance abuse and frail health, her friends and family are worried about the 51-year-old former star of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills.

“She is sober right now which is the best thing she can,” emphasized the source. “If [Kim] didn’t have her kids, everyone is worried what would happen. She is incredibly fragile right now, and with her history, it’s a scary place for her to be.”

Kim and Monty’s marriage lasted from 1985 to 1988. When he was close to the end of his lung cancer struggle, Monty resided with Kim. Now that he has died, among those seeking to help Kim survive her loss is her sister Kyle Richards, with whom she has had a rocky relationship.

“Kyle is supporting Kim throughout all of this,” clarified an insider who is close to the family in an interview with People. “No matter how strained their relationship, Kim and Kyle are sisters and family is more important than anything. Nothing else matters when a tragedy like this happens.”

Talking with ET about her arrest for public intoxication, rehab visit, and problems staying sober, Richards blamed, in part, the stress of her former husband’s illness and her rift with Kyle for her relapse at that time. That interview took place prior to Monty’s recent death.

“I’ve always loved sobriety, and relapsing was very hard for me. It was not easy….I really wanted to go to treatment because I needed a break from what I was going through at home. Monty, my ex-husband, is very sick and…I wasn’t talking to my sister [Kyle Richards].”

Richards credits her rehab treatment for helping her learn more about herself and which relationships she needed to work on mending. Her decision to check into rehab for the fourth time occurred following her arrest at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where her charges included battery of a police officer and public intoxication.

[Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]