Bravo has removed the entire original cast of Vanderpump Rules for Season 12, keeping only Lisa Vanderpump to lead a new group of SUR and TomTom staff members, the network announced on November 26, 2024. The production will begin filming in 2025, marking the first complete cast overhaul since the show's 2013 launch.
Executive producer Alex Baskin confirmed the departure of long-running cast members including Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, James Kennedy, and Tom Schwartz. Former cast members Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, and Tom Schwartz will make guest appearances on The Valley alongside Brittany Cartwright, Jax Taylor, and Kristen Doute.
Bravo reboots Vanderpump Rules with complete cast overhaul in Season 12
Bravo outlined plans to showcase a new group of Vanderpump Rules contestants who share deep connections similar to their predecessors, according to the official press release. Lisa Vanderpump acknowledged the transformation:
"The last 12 years of filming have been an extraordinary run full of laughter, tears and everything in between. I can’t thank enough those who have shared their lives. How I love you all. In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another. Cheers to the next generation of Vanderpump Rules."
The restaurateur emphasized the natural progression of change in the hospitality industry, comparing it to staff transitions in her establishments.
Executive producer Alex Baskin revealed that the Vanderpump Rules will maintain its roots in Vanderpump's West Hollywood venues SUR and TomTom. The production team aims to create fresh storylines while honoring the show's legacy.
“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 and their iconic run, we can’t wait for the audience to see a dynamic new group of co-workers and friends make their way through life together.” said Alex Baskin.
The network plans to reveal the new cast members and premiere dates in upcoming announcements. This extended break marks the longest gap between seasons since the show's COVID-19 pause in 2020.
Cast transitions
The final episodes with the original cast aired during Vanderpump Rules Season 11's reunion in May 2024. During these episodes, the cast addressed long-standing conflicts and personal changes. Tom Sandoval admitted to additional infidelities beyond the Rachel Leviss affair.
Ariana Madix expanded her career into theater with a Broadway run, while Tom Sandoval filmed The Traitors Season 3. Tom Schwartz and Sandoval also announced the closure of their bar, Schwartz and Sandy's, one day before the casting news broke.
Ariana Madix announced her professional expansion into Broadway and hosting roles. The cast filmed their last group scenes during the reunion, which required security measures due to heightened tensions.
Katie Maloney addressed the show's direction during a March 15, 2024, Watch What Happens Live appearance, revealing she anticipated major changes. Lala Kent confirmed on November 19, 2024, that she maintained limited contact with former castmates, signaling the group's natural separation before the official reboot announcement.
Recent timeline
The path to Vanderpump Rules Season 12's restructuring began in March 2023 when news broke about Tom Sandoval's months-long affair with Rachel Leviss while dating Ariana Madix. This revelation led to significant cast divisions and altered the show's dynamic.
The network took an extended pause before filming Season 12, breaking from its usual summer production schedule. Producer Alex Baskin addressed these changes on May 24, 2024, dismissing rumors about cast members' personal lives and confirming the show's planned return.
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Bravo Network plans to air a retrospective special highlighting memorable moments from the past Vanderpump Rules seasons before launching the new cast.
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