If you’re a fan of reality TV, you’ve probably heard of Vanderpump Rules. The show started as a behind-the-scenes look at Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant, SUR, but quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It gave us a mix of workplace drama, complicated relationships, and unforgettable feuds that hooked fans for over a decade.
But as time went on, the original cast of Vanderpump Rules started to evolve. Some left the show, others faced controversies, and Bravo decided it was time to shake things up by introducing new faces. This major shift has stirred lots of emotions from fans, with many asking if the show can keep its charm without the original stars.
In this article, we’ll dive into the journey of the Vanderpump Rules cast, how the changes came about, and what fans can expect in the future. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or someone curious about the hype, this guide will help you understand the evolving dynamics of one of reality TV’s most iconic shows.
The Original Cast and Their Journey
Key Members and Their Roles
When Vanderpump Rules premiered in 2013, it introduced viewers to a group of young, ambitious individuals trying to make it in Hollywood. These cast members weren’t just co-workers at SUR; they were also friends (and frenemies) whose personal lives were as messy as their professional ones.
Here’s a breakdown of the key original cast members:
- Lisa Vanderpump: The boss, mentor, and queen of the show. Lisa’s role as the owner of SUR tied the cast together, and her no-nonsense attitude often kept the group in check.
- Stassi Schroeder: Known as the “queen bee,” Stassi was a fan favorite for her sharp wit and dramatic personality. Her love life and feuds with co-workers made her one of the show’s most memorable characters.
- Jax Taylor: The self-proclaimed bad boy of the group. Jax’s cheating scandals and lies were central to much of the drama in the early seasons.
- Tom Sandoval: A bartender with big dreams, Tom’s charisma and evolving relationships made him one of the show’s leading men.
- Scheana Shay: The bubbly and ambitious Scheana often found herself on the outside of the main friend group, but her determination and drama kept things interesting.
- Kristen Doute: Kristen was the unpredictable wild card. Her intense relationships and constant conflicts made her one of the most talked-about cast members.
- Tom Schwartz: The lovable but often indecisive bartender (and later co-owner of TomTom). His bromance with Sandoval and relationship with Katie Maloney added layers to the show.
Each of these cast members brought their own personality, creating a dynamic mix of friendships, rivalries, and romantic entanglements.
Major Storylines and Conflicts
The original Vanderpump Rules cast didn’t just work together—they fought, loved, and betrayed each other in front of the cameras. Some of the most iconic storylines included:
- The Scandoval: One of the show’s most shocking moments was when Tom Sandoval cheated on Ariana Madix with Raquel Leviss. This betrayal sent shockwaves through the fanbase and dominated headlines.
- Stassi vs. Kristen: Their friendship turned into one of the show’s most dramatic feuds when Kristen revealed she had slept with Jax, Stassi’s boyfriend at the time.
- Jax’s Many Scandals: From cheating on Stassi to lying about everything, Jax’s actions often set the stage for the show’s most explosive moments.
- The Toms Go Into Business: Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz ventured into the restaurant business with Lisa Vanderpump, opening TomTom. Watching their journey from bartenders to business partners was a highlight for fans.
- Katie and Tom Schwartz’s Marriage: Their relationship had its ups and downs, and their eventual wedding was a major milestone on the show.
These storylines weren’t just entertaining—they were relatable. Fans saw echoes of their own friendships, relationships, and mistakes in the cast’s messy lives.
The Decision for a New Cast
Reasons Behind the Reboot
After nearly a decade on air, Vanderpump Rules faced a turning point. Several original cast members left the show, including Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, and Kristen Doute. Some departures were due to controversies, while others were simply a result of life changes. Bravo decided it was time for a reboot to keep the show fresh.
Here’s why the network made the decision:
- Creative Renewal: After so many seasons, the storylines with the original cast started to feel repetitive. Introducing new faces allowed producers to explore fresh dynamics.
- Real-Life Changes: Many of the original cast members had moved on from working at SUR, which made it harder to keep the show’s workplace theme intact.
- Controversies: Bravo faced backlash over some cast members’ past behavior, leading to firings and a need to restructure the show.
- Appealing to a New Audience: Younger, fresher faces could attract a new generation of viewers while keeping the franchise alive.
Fan Reactions to the Cast Change
Unsurprisingly, the decision to introduce a new cast sparked intense reactions among fans.
- Supportive Fans: Some viewers were excited about the change, hoping it would inject new energy into the show.
- Skeptical Loyalists: Others were hesitant, arguing that the original cast was irreplaceable and that the new members wouldn’t have the same chemistry.
- Social Media Buzz: Platforms like Twitter and Reddit were filled with debates about whether the reboot would succeed or fail. Memes, polls, and heated discussions reflected the mixed emotions of the fanbase.
One thing is clear: the new cast has big shoes to fill.
What to Expect from Season 12
Season 12 of Vanderpump Rules promises a blend of old and new. While some original cast members like Tom Sandoval and Scheana Shay are returning, they’ll be joined by fresh faces who are ready to make their mark.
Introduction of New Cast Members
The new cast is expected to bring fresh storylines and drama. Here’s what fans are speculating about:
- New Friendships and Feuds: How will the new cast members fit in with the returning stars? Will they form alliances or clash with the veterans?
- Fresh Drama: With younger, ambitious individuals joining the group, fans can expect new love triangles, workplace conflicts, and personal rivalries.
- Balancing Old and New: The challenge will be finding a balance between honoring the legacy of the original cast and building something fresh.
Lisa Vanderpump’s Continued Role
One constant in Vanderpump Rules is Lisa Vanderpump. As the owner of SUR and the mastermind behind the show, Lisa remains a central figure.
Her role in Season 12 will likely involve mentoring the new cast while managing the fallout from previous seasons’ drama. Fans can count on Lisa to provide her signature mix of elegance, humor, and tough love.
The Future of Vanderpump Rules
Implications for Reality TV Trends
The decision to reboot Vanderpump Rules reflects larger trends in reality TV. Many long-running shows face the challenge of staying relevant, and cast changes are often a way to keep things fresh.
Shows like Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives franchises have also experimented with introducing new faces. The success of Vanderpump Rules Season 12 could influence how other reality shows approach cast transitions.
Predictions for Viewer Engagement
Here’s what might determine whether fans stick with the reboot:
- Authenticity: Fans love Vanderpump Rules for its raw, unscripted feel. If the new cast delivers genuine drama, viewers may embrace them.
- Connections to the Original Cast: Familiar faces like Tom Sandoval and Lisa Vanderpump will help bridge the gap between old and new.
- Fresh Storylines: The key to keeping fans engaged will be introducing compelling new dynamics that feel fresh but still connected to the show’s roots.
If the reboot succeeds, it could breathe new life into the franchise. If not, it might signal the end of an era for Vanderpump Rules.
FAQs
Who were the original cast members of Vanderpump Rules?
The original cast included Lisa Vanderpump, Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, Tom Sandoval, Scheana Shay, Kristen Doute, and Tom Schwartz. Each member brought unique drama and personality, making the show a hit from the start.
Why did Bravo change the Vanderpump Rules cast?
Bravo decided to introduce new cast members due to controversies involving some original stars, as well as the need for fresh storylines. Many original cast members had also moved on from working at SUR, the restaurant central to the show.
Is Lisa Vanderpump still on Vanderpump Rules?
Yes, Lisa Vanderpump remains a key figure on the show. As the owner of SUR and a mentor to the cast, Lisa continues to play a vital role in shaping the series, even as new members join.
What can fans expect from the new cast of Vanderpump Rules?
Fans can expect fresh drama, new friendships, and plenty of conflicts as the new cast members navigate life at SUR. The challenge will be maintaining the show’s authenticity while introducing new faces.
Will the new cast live up to the original?
It’s hard to say. While the original cast set a high bar with their chemistry and drama, the new members have the potential to bring something fresh. Whether fans embrace them will depend on their ability to connect with audiences.
Is Vanderpump Rules still worth watching?
If you love drama, relationships, and workplace chaos, Vanderpump Rules is still worth a watch. Whether you’re a fan of the original cast or curious about the new members, Season 12 offers something for everyone.