Vanderpump Rules Producer Shares Cryptic Updates On Who Will Return For Season 12 After Explosive Reunion (2024)

Vanderpump Rules season 11 ended with an explosive end to their reunion, leaving the cast members uneasy with one another, and showrunner Alex Baskin cryptically teased what’s next for some of the most popular cast members. Throughout Vanderpump Rules season 11, the cast has been looking ahead while trying to reconcile the past. After the fallout of Scandoval, the name for the drama surrounding Tom Sandoval’s affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss behind Ariana Madix’s back, things were tense. The Vanderpump Rules cameras picked up quickly after the show’s last reunion, ready to watch the dynamics shift in real time.

"We’ll figure out what the path is going forward.”

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Alex shared that he’s not sure what’s on the horizon for Vanderpump Rules season 12 after it

was announced that the show wasn’t picking back to film in June, as has been the norm for years. “Everyone needs time to reset,” Alex explained of the cast, who have been contentious with one another this season. “We don’t want anyone to do the show if it doesn’t make sense for where they are now…I don’t think that would be great. I don’t think that would have been enough time [to recharge].”

Alex appeared to be hinting that some cast members may not choose to return to the show, which shouldn’t be a surprise to Vanderpump Rules viewers. After Scandoval, many wondered how Ariana and Tom would both remain on the series in full capacity. The season was tense, as the former flames weren’t interested in interacting, and their tension spread to the rest of the cast. Alex shared the show's decision about when and how to continue, “will be informed by what everyone individually wants to do. And then we’ll figure out what the path is going forward.”

Which Cast Members Should Return For Vanderpump Rules Season 12?

Vanderpump Rules cast members like Ariana, Tom, and Scheana Shay have been on the series since the early years, but it’s obvious that some are feeling growing pains, while others are struggling to rebuild after the drama. Ariana, who has been the central focus of Vanderpump Rules season 11, seems to be setting up her exit from the series. Though it may not be purposefully, by stacking her schedule with projects like hosting Love Island USA this summer or returning to the Broadway stage in Chicago this fall, Ariana’s availability for Vanderpump Rules may limit her from returning at all.

For others like Tom, Vanderpump Rules appears to be the only thing that’s brought his career relevancy. Prior to the show, Tom, Scheana Shay, and Lala Kent were struggling in the entertainment space. Aspiring actors, models, and entertainers, those who have stayed on Vanderpump Rules through the years and brought drama to the series don’t necessarily feel like they belong on the cast anymore. On a show that is searching for authenticity, Tom’s behavior has felt overwhelming, while Scheana and Lala have played unnecessary parts in the drama. Vanderpump Rules may be ready to move on with a complete reset.

With Vanderpump Rules season 12 on pause for the foreseeable future while the series decides where it’s headed, the current cast have made it clear where they stand after the dust from drama that rocked their friend group settled. With Ariana and Katie Maloney on one side, Scheana and Lala on the other, and Tom in the middle, the issues between the friend group have intensified, leaving some viewers wondering what it will take to break them apart. As viewers settle in for a long wait for Vanderpump Rules season 12, many are wondering what it’ll be when it returns.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Ariana Madix/Instagram

Vanderpump Rules

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Vanderpump Rules is a reality-drama series created for Bravo that stars Lisa Vanderpump, a former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, as she expands her restaurant empire and staff. The cast consists of Lisa's staff members across her various establishments in West Hollywood as they try to build their futures and establish relationships that range from friendly to romantic. All of which frequently turn messy as mixing with business pleasure, as they are warned, doesn't always end well.