A recent report suggests that “Vanderpump Rules” is struggling to find a way forward with its legacy cast members. The major shake-up announced by Bravo on Tuesday was driven solely by creative considerations, as revealed by a source to People.
The insider stated, “There weren’t any negotiations happening between the cast and the network where money was even discussed.” Another source confirmed to the magazine that a new ensemble of close-knit SUR staffers has been selected for Season 12, primarily due to ongoing divisions among the cast that has been let go.
The insider elaborated, “Production had faced delays, and there had been no real changes among the cast since the reunion. Everyone was still entrenched in their feelings and unwilling to budge.” Consequently, Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, Katie Maloney, and James Kennedy were understandably disappointed by the development.
According to the source, “No one was necessarily surprised… it’s all coming to an end. It’s more of a relief that they finally have an answer.” They also noted that ties to SUR and Lisa Vanderpump had become virtually nonexistent, stating, “It just didn’t make sense to continue. This is an effort to recalibrate and restore the show to its original successful formula.”
The source further emphasized that this change means a fresh beginning, with new cast members eager and motivated to engage. “Fans will be pleased with what they see. It’s going to feel like a return to form,” they promised.
When “Vanderpump Rules” first debuted in 2013, it showcased Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Jax Taylor, and other reality stars employed at Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant. However, by the time Season 11 aired last year, none of the primary cast members were still working at the establishment.
Instead, Maloney, 37, and Madix, 39, focused on launching their sandwich shop, Something About Her, while Sandoval and Schwartz, both 42, managed their TomTom bar and Schwartz & Sandy’s lounge. Recently, it was announced that Schwartz & Sandy’s would close in December, nearly two years after viewers boycotted the venue following Sandoval’s infidelity with co-star Raquel Leviss.
In an Instagram statement, Schwartz remarked, “Other priorities and commitments have taken hold.” The day after, Page Six confirmed that production for “Vanderpump Rules” would begin next year with an entirely new cast.
“In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another,” Vanderpump, 64, noted in a press release. “Cheers to the next generation of ‘Vanderpump Rules.’” Two weeks earlier, Schwartz had hinted at this huge overhaul, telling Page Six exclusively that “all good things come to an end.” He and his co-stars shared statements on social media on Tuesday, with Schwartz posting nostalgic clips and Madix reflecting on the “incredible cultural phenomenon.”