Bravo has announced a complete recasting of “Vanderpump Rules” following a tumultuous and divisive Season 11, which came in the wake of the infamous cheating scandal dubbed “Scandoval.” The show experienced a surge in ratings during its 10th season thanks to the scandal’s fallout and even received two Emmy nominations. However, attempts to film Season 11 during the summer of 2023 faced significant challenges. Key cast members Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval struggled to film together in the wake of their breakup, which resulted from Madix discovering Sandoval’s affair with fellow cast member Rachel Leviss. Madix established firm boundaries for her well-being, complicating the filming dynamic essential to the show. Sandoval’s inability to genuinely apologize for his actions and his contentious interviews further deepened the divide.
The new season will begin production next year, with details on the new cast to be revealed later.
In a related development, the second season of the “Vanderpump Rules” spinoff “The Valley” was filmed over the summer, featuring guest appearances from familiar faces such as Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, and Tom Schwartz. These cast members may transition permanently to “The Valley,” where they have maintained friendships with the show’s core cast. Meanwhile, Madix is thriving outside the reality series, showcasing her talent on Broadway in “Chicago,” hosting “Love Island” on Peacock, and running her West Hollywood sandwich shop, Something About Her, alongside cast member Katie Maloney.
The fresh cast for “Vanderpump Rules” will include staff from executive producer Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants, revisiting the show’s roots from its origins as a spin-off of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Executive producer Alex Baskin expressed excitement about rebuilding the series’ legacy with a new group of servers and bartenders, hinting at plenty of drama.
Bravo’s strategy to revamp struggling shows has been evident in recent years, having successfully rebooted “The Real Housewives of New York City” after a challenging 13th season. Though there are considerations for similar changes with “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” the network is carefully determining the best way forward.
In summary, while “Vanderpump Rules” faces a significant overhaul, it also presents an opportunity for renewal and fresh storylines that could reinvigorate the audience’s enthusiasm. As fans look forward to a new chapter, the future may hold exciting developments for the franchise.
This reaffirmation of Bravo’s commitment to evolve its programming is a hopeful indication of its dedication to delivering quality content that resonates with viewers. The potential for fresh talent and storylines could mean a revival not just for “Vanderpump Rules,” but for reality television as a whole, showcasing the vibrant lives and interactions of the next generation.