Southern Charm Season 10 Episode 1 recap: Three friends meet to heal or break

Southern Charm Season 10 premiered on December 5 with the episode "What Happened in Vegas.” The opening focused on Shep Rose's fallout with Craig Conover and Austen Kroll after his BravoCon 2023 incident required NBCUniversal executive intervention. Following the event, Rose attended a four-day spiritual retreat in Costa Rica while Conover and Kroll cut communication.

The Southern Charm Season 10 Episode 1 captured group dynamics at two main locations. First, at the Carolina Cup racing event, Madison LeCroy hosted a gathering introducing new cast member Molly O'Connell. Second, at Rose's family farm where the three men addressed their damaged friendship. Taylor Ann Green, now dating someone named Gaston, confirmed blocking Rose's contact information.

JT Thomas appeared with a cane after his ATV accident and attempted reconciliation with several cast members. The episode marked the absence of former cast member Olivia Flowers, who did not return for season 10.

Southern Charm Season 10 Episode 1 captures fallout between Shep Rose and former friends

The Southern Charm Season 10 opener revealed details about Rose's four-day spiritual therapy experience in Costa Rica. He shared how the retreat shifted his perspective and led to substantial lifestyle modifications. His new routine included consistent gym attendance four to five times weekly and reduced social drinking.

Craig Conover and Austen Kroll maintained limited contact with Rose after BravoCon, restricting their interactions to brief acknowledgments at the gym. During their confrontation at the farm, Rose questioned their sudden disappearance during his difficult period. Conover defended his actions by citing professional considerations, expressing worry about his store's reputation through association.

The conversation at Rose's farm brought deeper issues to light. Kroll revealed hearing about Rose's continued late-night activities since their distance began. Rose acknowledged these instances while emphasizing his efforts toward change.

The discussion turned heated when Rose pointed out their failure to communicate their concerns directly, instead choosing to step back without explanation.

Carolina Cup gathering

Southern Charm Season 10 Episode 1 featured Madison LeCroy organizing a social gathering where she introduced her friend Molly O'Connell to the group. The event took an awkward turn when Whitney Sudler-Smith arrived with a new companion, creating tension within the social circle.

The gathering featured Green's first interaction with Rose since their relationship ended. During a filmed confessional, Green confirmed blocking Rose's contact information after their breakup, explaining her need for firm boundaries in light of her new relationship with Gaston.

Family farm meeting

Conover took charge of transportation to Rose's farm, insisting on driving despite Kroll's protests. Conover emphasized safety concerns based on past experiences with the group's social drinking habits. Upon arrival, the three men addressed their fractured friendship in Rose's family property.

The conversation at the farm revealed multiple perspectives on their damaged relationship. Kroll mentioned receiving updates about Rose's behavior after New York events. Rose admitted to struggling with the sudden distance from his friends, sharing how their absence affected him during his attempts at personal growth.

Conover accidentally broke a chair during their discussion, adding brief levity to the tense atmosphere.

JT's storylines

JT Thomas arrived with a cane at the Carolina Cup event following his ATV accident in Costa Rica. Southern Charm Season 10 star attempted to lighten the mood by distributing canes to other cast members as peace offerings. His gesture backfired when he offered one to Patricia Altschul, who took offense at the implication.

JT Thomas's storyline expanded to include his developing connection with Venita Aspen, whom he bonded with after their Jamaica trip. Their interactions showed increasing closeness throughout the event. Thomas also voiced concerns about Kroll's relationship with his new girlfriend Audrey after Venita and Leva Bonaparte mentioned knowing several women who dated Kroll during the same timeframe.

The Southern Charm Season 10 Episode 1 concluded with mounting tensions. Madison probed into relationship allegations while Venita became emotional during group discussions. The final scenes showed Conover walking away from the group in frustration, indicating unresolved conflicts moving into future episodes.