After more than a decade of drama, intrigue, and on-screen tumult, Vanderpump Rules is getting a fresh start. Bravo confirmed on Tuesday, Nov. 26, that the popular reality series will return for a 12th season, but with a major twist: a brand-new cast. The new season will feature a new group of “close-knit SUR-vers,” according to the network’s statement, who will be just as entangled in personal and professional drama as the show’s iconic original stars. Lisa Vanderpump, the matriarch of the series and owner of the Los Angeles restaurant SUR, will remain a central figure on the show, but the focus will shift to the new generation of characters.
While Bravo did not disclose the names of the new cast members, the announcement has sent waves through the Vanderpump Rules fanbase, which has followed the ups and downs of stars like Lala Kent, Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, James Kennedy, Scheana Shay, and Tom Schwartz. Sources close to the situation say the legacy cast was informed about the reboot just one day before the news went public, and while the news shocked many, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Legacy Cast Responds to Reboot Announcement
A source close to the former cast told PEOPLE that the veterans of Vanderpump Rules were “understandably upset” by the decision to reboot the show, but there was also a sense of “relief” in finally receiving a clear answer about the future of the series. “It’s more relief that they finally have an answer,” the insider shared. “There were so many factions and unresolved issues among the group following the season 11 reunion, and it became clear that the network felt they needed to move on.”
The source explained that the decision to reboot the series was a result of tensions that had built up over the years, particularly after the drama that ensued in season 11. “There had been a long pause in production, and nothing had really changed among the cast since the reunion,” the source said. “Everyone was still stuck in their feelings and refusing to bend. The network felt there was no path forward with the group in that capacity.”
Additionally, the source noted that many of the cast members no longer worked at SUR or had any substantial ties to the restaurant that gave the show its name. “It just didn’t make sense to continue with this group,” they said. “This is an attempt to recalibrate and bring the show back to the thing that made it such a success to begin with. It’s a fresh start.”
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Money Was Not a Factor, Sources Say
Despite the speculation, a second source clarified that financial issues were not behind the decision to shake up the cast. “Money wasn’t a factor in the reboot,” the insider said. “The network opted for a reboot before any salary negotiations with the previous cast even began. It was completely driven by creative decisions.”
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Though the future of the original cast is now uncertain, Bravo is not ruling out future collaborations with the stars of past seasons. “The network isn’t closing the door on working with anyone in the future,” the source added. “They will always explore opportunities to bring these stars back to their screens in some form.”
The End of an Era: Social Media Reactions from the Cast
As news of the reboot spread, many of the Vanderpump Rules veterans took to social media to reflect on their time with the show. Lala Kent, 34, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her mixed emotions. “I have such mixed feelings right now,” she wrote. “It’s no secret I do not like change. This is the exception. I want to say thank you for rocking with us for so many years. This show changed my whole life. I’m unbelievably grateful for every moment. I’m unbelievably grateful for Bravo, for NBCU, for our crew, the entire cast, and most importantly all of you. We rocked this b**** until the wheels fell off 💃.”
Ariana Madix, who has been with the show since season 2 and whose dramatic breakup with Tom Sandoval dominated season 10, also shared her gratitude. In a poignant Instagram post, Madix wrote, “There’s no post or caption that could ever encapsulate everything. I am forever grateful to have been a part of such an incredible cultural phenomenon. Thank you to every single crew member, producer, and our showrunners. Seeing you guys every summer was like coming home to see family! That I will miss very much, but you have my number so… just text me 😂.”
Katie Maloney, 37, also shared her thoughts in an Instagram Story. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my time on the show. Thank you for the memories and the love the last 11 years,” she wrote, adding a heart emoji.
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Spinoffs and What’s Next for the Former Cast
While Vanderpump Rules as fans have known it is coming to an end, several cast members are still making waves. Kent, Schwartz, Shay, and her husband Brock Davies will appear in the upcoming Vanderpump Rules spinoff The Valley, which will explore the next chapter for these stars. Sandoval, 42, will also be featured in season 3 of The Traitors, while Madix, 39, continues her role as a host on Love Island USA.
Bravo is also planning to air a special retrospective episode for season 11, reflecting on the dramatic moments and the legacy of the original cast.
What’s Next for Vanderpump Rules?
Fans are left wondering how the new season will unfold with an entirely new group of stars. Will they capture the same energy that made the show a cultural phenomenon, or will it feel like a departure from the drama fans have come to love? Regardless, Bravo promises that the new cast members are eager to bring their own brand of chaos to the series. “Fans will be happy with what they see,” the source assures. “It’s going to feel like a return to form.”
As for the legacy cast, their next steps remain unclear. Although they are parting ways with Vanderpump Rules, it’s possible that they may return in some capacity in the future, whether through spinoffs, guest appearances, or other opportunities.
For now, fans can relive the drama of Vanderpump Rules seasons 1-11, which are currently streaming on Peacock. The 12th season promises to bring a new chapter for the franchise, and it’s clear that Vanderpump Rules still has plenty of life left in it.
