How the stars of Vanderpump Rules are reacting to massive cast shake-up
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These were the most unforgettable moments of their lives, but now the original members of Vanderpump Rules are bidding farewell to the popular Bravo series.
On Tuesday, November 26, the network revealed that the Emmy-winning show Vanderpump Rules will be back for its 12th season, featuring a completely fresh cast. Lisa Vanderpump, who is the central figure and owner of various restaurants and bars where the cast works, will be the sole returning star from the original series.
The spin-off of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills launched in 2013, highlighting Vanderpump's former employees at her popular West Hollywood venue, SUR Restaurant & Lounge. This original group included Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval, Kristen Doute, Jax Taylor, and Stassi Schroeder. As time went on, the cast expanded to include Tom Schwartz, Ariana Madix, James Kennedy, Lala Kent, and Brittany Cartwright.
Last year, a shocking cheating scandal known as “Scandoval” rocked both the cast and devoted followers of Vanderpump Rules. Tom Sandoval, 42, and Ariana Madix, 39, ended their nearly decade-long relationship after it came to light that Tom, a co-owner of TomTom Restaurant & Bar, had been involved in a months-long affair with their co-star Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, who happens to be the ex-fiancée of Kennedy.
The consequences of Madix and Sandoval's relationship were highlighted in the season 10 finale of Vanderpump Rules, and in season 11, the former couple made a point of not interacting at all during the filming.
The original members of Vanderpump Rules have expressed their mixed feelings about the announcement of the reboot.
Madix has remained active and engaged even with the changes in the Vanderpump Rules cast. She was appointed as the new host for Peacock's Love Island USA, which turned out to be the most popular streaming show in the U.S. this summer. Additionally, she finished third in season 32 of Dancing With the Stars and is gearing up for a performance in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
On Instagram, Madix shared a series of nostalgic photos from her time on Vanderpump Rules throughout the years. The first picture featured Madix backstage during her confessional interview, and it was followed by group photos with her female castmates.
"In 'Vanderpump Rules,' you will always hold that special place," she started in her heartfelt tribute. "I stayed up until 4 AM searching for the perfect photos and the ideal words, but no post or caption can truly capture it all. I’m extremely thankful to have been involved in such an amazing cultural experience."
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In her post, Madix expressed gratitude to the official Instagram accounts of Bravo, the show's production company Evolution, and Vanderpump for all the amazing moments shared over the past decade.
“I’m incredibly grateful to each and every crew member, producer, and our showrunners. Being with all of you every summer felt like returning to family! I’ll truly miss that, but you all have my number, so feel free to reach out anytime,” she added. “A huge thank you to the fans, too. You’ve been a steady presence throughout the past ten years, and I’ll miss your love and support the most now that it’s coming to an end. You are the ones who made this show what it is.”
“To all our fans, both longtime supporters and newcomers, we owe our presence to you. I’m at ease with wrapping up this chapter and looking forward to what lies ahead. I can’t say these were the best moments of our lives, but they were certainly memorable,” Madix wrapped up her message, quoting the famous theme song of the show, “Raise Your Glass.”
However, a clear absence in her tribute was her former partner Sandoval and co-star Kent. Kent recently appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where she mentioned that she hasn't had any communication with Madix since the conclusion of season 11.
Shortly after revealing the closure of his restaurant and bar, Schwartz & Sandy’s, Sandoval shared a heartfelt message on Instagram marking the conclusion of Vanderpump Rules. The reality TV personality re-shared an Instagram Story from Bravo's executive producer, Andy Cohen, featuring a photo of Sandoval with his original co-stars during their first appearance on Watch What Happens Live.
“Grateful to @bravoandy,” he shared in another repost on his Instagram Story, adding a red heart emoji.
Sandoval's close friend and long-time business associate, Tom Schwartz, offered a heartfelt tribute inspired by the beloved show Friends for the enthusiastic fans of Bravo. The Instagram video, accompanied by the Friends theme song "I'll Be There for You," featured a collection of memorable highlights from Vanderpump Rules throughout the years.
"Schwartz wrote in the post, 'I often reflect on the past 12 years and how they replay in my thoughts.'"
In her Instagram Story, the co-owner of the Something About Her sandwich shop shared a picture from her early days on Vanderpump Rules, showcasing her in the iconic paisley-patterned uniform from SUR.
Maloney expressed, "It's a bit of everything. However, I wouldn’t alter any of it. I'm grateful for the experiences and affection over the past 11 years."
Maloney, whose romance and later divorce from Schwartz was a central theme of Vanderpump Rules, recently posted a series of nostalgic photos featuring her female co-stars. Among them were her close friends from the "Witches of WeHo," Schroeder and Doute, who were let go from Vanderpump Rules in 2020.
The artist known for "Good As Gold" posted a collection of pictures on Instagram showcasing her time on Vanderpump Rules throughout the years. Among the images was a shot of her in the SUR minidress uniform, along with various photos alongside the cast.
"It's the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another," she shared. "Honestly, I'm not sure where to start... but first, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who reached out to see how I'm doing. We've had an incredible journey together! When we filmed the pilot for VPR, I could never have predicted the success and longevity it would achieve."
“To our loyal fans who have supported us since the start, and to those who have come on board later, we are incredibly grateful. Sharing our lives isn't always simple, but hearing from any of you about how our experiences have connected with you truly makes it worthwhile!” she added.
Shay expressed her gratitude to Evolution, Bravo, and NBC for providing her with “an unforgettable experience.” She continued, “I will always appreciate the chances this show has brought me and the memories we've created throughout this journey.”
"We've been fortunate to collaborate with an incredible team and share countless unforgettable experiences together. Here's to the next adventure! The future is still a blank page..."
Kent, who became part of the Vanderpump Rules cast in its fourth season, also shared a series of nostalgic pictures and clips from the show's filming on Instagram.
"How do I even start?" she wrote in her caption. "I was just a young girl from Salt Lake City who moved to L.A. My name is Lauren, but my childhood best friend called me Lala, and that nickname caught on. SUR became my home. I wasn't just enjoying vodka sodas there; I was also working as a hostess. To this day, that job remains the most daunting one I've ever had."
"Not long after, I was offered a chance to appear on a show called Vanderpump Rules. I'm feeling really conflicted about it. I’ve always been open about my dislike for change, but this is a different situation," Kent shared.
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for being with us all these years. This experience has transformed my life completely. I’m extremely thankful for every single moment. I appreciate Bravo, NBCU, our fantastic crew, the entire cast, and, most of all, each and every one of you. We’ve truly given it our all!"
Kennedy, who was introduced as Doute’s boyfriend in season three and became a regular cast member the next season, shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram. The DJ revealed he struggled to hold back tears while honoring the show, expressing that it has been a joy to be part of Vanderpump Rules and to share their lives with fans on TV for the last ten years.
"I've put my heart and soul into this show, and I'm so thankful to everyone who has supported it," Kennedy shared. The reality television personality further expressed that "everything I've ever wanted is now becoming a reality," mentioning her recent DJ appearances at festivals like Neon Carnival, EDC, and Stagecoach, along with securing a residency in Las Vegas.
"And I owe it all to you," he continued. "It's been an incredible journey, and I'm eager to discover what lies ahead. While this marks an emotional farewell, I see it as merely the start of something new! THANK YOU."
