Bravo has officially announced that “Vanderpump Rules” will return for its highly anticipated season 12, but with an entirely new cast. This announcement comes following a hiatus after the tumultuous “Scandoval” situation, which significantly affected the show’s original cast and drew both high ratings and mixed reactions from fans over the last two seasons.
Lisa Vanderpump, the executive producer of the series and owner of SUR, the Los Angeles restaurant that serves as the backdrop for much of the show, will continue to be a central figure. The new season aims to introduce a fresh crop of “close-knit SUR-vers” who will undoubtedly offer new layers of complexity and drama to the narrative. The production for the new season is set to commence next year, with details regarding the cast and premiere date to be revealed later.
In an interesting twist, original cast members including Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Brock Davies, and Tom Schwartz will appear in a spinoff titled “The Valley.” There is potential for other original cast members like Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, James Kennedy, and Katie Maloney to feature in this spinoff as well.
Additionally, a retrospective special that will celebrate the past eleven seasons is also in the works, showcasing the show’s journey through countless heartbreaks, friendships, and controversies.
Executive producer Alex Baskin expressed excitement about continuing the show’s legacy with a new group. Vanderpump reflected on the memorable experiences of the past twelve years and expressed hope for the future. The show has demonstrated remarkable popularity; for instance, the season 11 premiere attracted 3.2 million viewers within three days, and the season 10 reunion reached 4.6 million viewers shortly after airing.
The last season of “Vanderpump Rules” was particularly challenging due to the fallout from “Scandoval,” which involved a shocking affair between cast members. While the conclusion of this season left fans divided, Baskin is optimistic, believing that there is still life left in the show, hinting at potential cast returns along with new faces.
As the series moves on, it’s worth noting that both Schwartz and Sandoval have faced challenges of their own, closing their Los Angeles bar, Schwartz & Sandy’s, amidst lingering negativity following “Scandoval.” Meanwhile, Madix and her former partner Maloney have shifted focus to their successful sandwich shop, “Something About Her,” along with Madix’s forays into Broadway and other TV projects.
This fresh start could reinvigorate the series and draw in both loyal fans and new viewers eager to see the next chapter in the Vanderpump saga. As the reality TV landscape continues to evolve, “Vanderpump Rules” is poised to adapt and thrive with its upcoming changes.
Overall, this reboot promises to provide a new dimension to the beloved franchise while honoring its roots.