A New Era for ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Begins
Bravo has announced a major shakeup for its hit reality series Vanderpump Rules. The upcoming season 12 will feature an entirely fresh cast alongside the iconic Lisa Vanderpump. This bold move marks the end of an era for the original SUR staff who made the show a cultural phenomenon. The network confirmed production will begin next year, with a premiere date and cast details yet to be disclosed.
In a statement, executive producer Alex Baskin shared his excitement about the reboot. “What a thrill it is to build on the legacy of this series by doing it all over again. With profound appreciation for the original group, we can’t wait for viewers to meet a dynamic new cast.”
The Legacy of ‘Vanderpump Rules’
Debuting in 2013 as a spinoff of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump Rules quickly evolved into its own phenomenon. It captured the lives of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant staff as they navigated personal drama and professional aspirations.
The original cast included memorable names like Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval, Kristen Doute, Jax Taylor, and Stassi Schroeder. Over the years, other fan favorites such as Tom Schwartz, Ariana Madix, Lala Kent, and James Kennedy joined the ensemble, adding more layers to the group’s dynamic.
Reflecting on the show’s history, Vanderpump expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt statement. “The last 12 years of filming have been extraordinary. I can’t thank enough those who shared their lives. How I love you all. Cheers to the next generation of Vanderpump Rules.”
Why Bravo Made the Bold Decision
The decision to overhaul the cast follows months of speculation about the future of the series. After the infamous “Scandoval” affair rocked the show in 2023, relationships within the group fractured. The drama between Sandoval, Ariana, and Rachel Leviss not only ended longstanding friendships but also divided the cast.
While the scandal brought renewed attention to the show—earning it an Emmy nomination—it also created challenges in moving forward. Cast members like Ariana refused to film scenes with Sandoval, further complicating production. This led Bravo to pause filming for an extended period, a rare move only previously seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Mixed Reactions from the Cast
Not all cast members agreed with Bravo’s direction. Tom Sandoval voiced hope for continuing the original story. “I feel like we still have a lot of story to tell,” he said. “But it’s not up to me.”
Lala Kent, however, had a different take. Speaking candidly on Jeff Lewis Live, she said, “Let’s just say there’s no more story to tell. That’s on Sandoval and Raquel.” Despite the drama, she expressed peace with the decision and emphasized her unwavering support for Ariana.
What’s Next for the Original Cast?
Many of the original stars have moved on to new ventures. Ariana Madix recently made waves hosting Love Island USA and returned to Broadway. Tom Sandoval is set to appear on The Traitors, while Tom Schwartz filmed a cameo for Summer House. Lala Kent and Scheana Shay have made appearances on The Valley, a spinoff that debuted earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the Toms announced the closure of their bar, Schwartz and Sandy’s, signaling a new chapter in their lives. Despite the changes, fans remain curious about how these former SUR-vers will continue to make headlines.
A Bold Gamble by Bravo
Bravo’s decision to start fresh is not without risks. Fans have grown attached to the original cast, and the shift could alienate longtime viewers. However, the network is betting that a younger, drama-filled group will capture the magic of the original series.
By introducing “close-knit SUR-vers who are as complicatedly involved with one another as their iconic predecessors,” Bravo aims to recapture the chaotic energy that made the show a hit.
What Lies Ahead
As Vanderpump Rules prepares for its twelfth season, the stakes are higher than ever. The new cast will have big shoes to fill, but they also have the opportunity to carve out their own legacy. With production set to begin next year, fans can only wait and see if the gamble pays off.
For now, viewers can stream past seasons of Vanderpump Rules on Peacock and prepare for a new generation of drama. This reboot will test whether Bravo’s gamble on fresh faces can reinvigorate the series—or if fans will miss the iconic original cast too much to tune in.
