Bravo has announced that “Vanderpump Rules” will undergo a complete recast for its upcoming season, following a turbulent and divided Season 11 that emerged post-Scandoval. The show, which reached significant ratings during its 10th season in 2023, thanks to the high-profile cheating scandal, encountered challenges during filming for its next season in the summer of 2023.
Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval, who parted ways after Madix learned about Sandoval’s affair with fellow cast member Rachel Leviss, struggled to film together due to the deep-seated personal animosity between them. Madix established firm boundaries that, while beneficial for her well-being, disrupted the group dynamics essential to the show’s format. Sandoval further complicated matters with his refusal to genuinely apologize for his actions and controversial interviews following the show’s premiere, leaving no room for his redemption.
Production for the new season will begin next year, with the new cast members yet to be revealed.
In the meantime, the spin-off series “The Valley” filmed its second season over the summer and features guest appearances from original cast members like Scheana Shay and Lala Kent. Given their friendships with the core cast of “The Valley,” it is possible some “Vanderpump Rules” stars may transition permanently to this spinoff.
Madix is currently thriving outside the show, with roles in Broadway’s “Chicago” and as a host on “Love Island” for Peacock, alongside her involvement in a West Hollywood sandwich shop called Something About Her.
The new “Vanderpump Rules” will bring in staffers from Lisa Vanderpump’s existing restaurant empire, reminiscent of how the series began in 2013 as a spin-off of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Alex Baskin, executive producer, expressed enthusiasm about creating a fresh narrative with a new group of dynamic cast members facing their own dramas and friendships.
Bravo is known for its willingness to revamp shows that aren’t meeting expectations, evident from the recast of “The Real Housewives of New York City” after a challenging 13th season, and speculation surrounds “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” regarding similar changes.
This strategic move gives hope for a reinvigorated “Vanderpump Rules” that may rise to new heights once again with fresh faces and exciting storylines, reminiscent of its early days when viewers were introduced to relatable conflicts and vibrant personalities in the restaurant scene.
In summary, Bravo’s decision to recast “Vanderpump Rules” reflects its commitment to ensuring dynamic storytelling and viewer engagement, fostering a hopeful future for both the show and its audience.