Vanderpump Rules Season 12: New Cast, New Drama at SUR

Vanderpump Rules season 12 brings a fresh cast to SUR, led by Lisa Vanderpump. Learn about the reboot, new faces, and what’s next. Read now!

Introduction

Vanderpump Rules season 12 is shaking things up with a brand-new cast, and fans are buzzing. After 11 seasons of drama at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant, Bravo announced in November 2024 that the show’s getting a full reboot, swapping out originals like Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, and Scheana Shay for a fresh group of servers, hosts, and bartenders. 

The decision comes after the “Scandoval” affair—Tom Sandoval’s cheating scandal with Raquel Leviss—fractured the cast and stalled filming. Lisa Vanderpump, the only returning star, is back to oversee the chaos at SUR and TomTom. 

Why does this matter? The reboot aims to recapture the raw, messy energy of the show’s early days, when it was about young, ambitious restaurant staff. X posts are split—some fans are skeptical, citing the Real Housewives of New York reboot’s mixed results, while others are hyped for new drama. Let’s break down what’s happening with Vanderpump Rules season 12.

Why Bravo Rebooted Vanderpump Rules

The decision to overhaul Vanderpump Rules for season 12 wasn’t random. The show, which started in 2013 as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spin-off, hit a wall after “Scandoval” in 2023. Tom Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss, while dating Ariana Madix, exploded ratings but left the cast divided.

Why it matters: The original cast—Sandoval, Madix, Katie Maloney, Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, Tom Schwartz, James Kennedy—had grown beyond SUR. Many started families or businesses, like Madix and Maloney’s sandwich shop, Something About Her. The show’s core concept—young servers navigating drama—was fading.

How it’s done: Bravo hit pause after season 11’s May 2024 reunion, where tensions, like Kent’s clash with Madix, showed no resolution. A source told People the cast was “still stuck in their feelings,” with no path forward. The reboot brings in new SUR employees to refocus on restaurant life.

Mistakes to avoid: Ignoring the cast’s age and life changes led to stale storylines. Bravo’s RHONY reboot in 2023 got flak for lacking chemistry, a risk here if the new cast doesn’t gel.

Consequences of errors: A poorly cast reboot could tank ratings. X posts show fans are wary, with one saying, “Taking this big a risk with their highest-rated show is a choice.”

Who’s in the New Vanderpump Rules Cast?

Lisa Vanderpump is the only confirmed returnee for season 12, with filming starting in April 2025 at SUR. The new cast, described as “close-knit SUR-vers” with “plenty of drama, situationships, and frenemies,” includes 14 members, per Collider. Some are full-time, others part-time, all working at SUR or TomTom.

Why it matters: The new cast must fill the shoes of icons like Stassi Schroeder and Jax Taylor, whose raw authenticity made the show a hit. A March 2025 report from Reality Blurb named Demyana Selem, a “Scheana look-a-like,” as one new face, hinting at a youthful, messy vibe.

How it’s done: Bravo cast actual SUR employees, aiming to echo the show’s early seasons when the cast lived and worked together. Producer Alex Baskin told Bravo it’s about “besties” in a “fun phase of their life.”

Mistakes to avoid: Casting people without real connections could flop, as seen in RHONY’s reboot. Chemistry is key—fans loved the original cast’s messy friendships.

Consequences of errors: If the new cast lacks spark, viewers might ditch the show. X posts show excitement but caution, with one fan noting, “They have big stilettos to fill.”

The Legacy of the Original Cast

The original Vanderpump Rules cast—Scheana Shay, Tom Sandoval, Katie Maloney, Kristen Doute, Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, and later Ariana Madix, Tom Schwartz, Lala Kent, and James Kennedy—defined reality TV. From season one in 2013, their fights, hookups, and betrayals hooked viewers.

Why it matters: The cast’s authenticity, from Sandoval’s meltdowns to Madix’s Broadway stint post-Scandoval, made the show a cultural phenomenon. Lala Kent called them a “once-in-a-lifetime” group on her podcast, per Collider.

How it’s done: They lived the drama—working at SUR, dating each other, and airing real pain. Their post-show success (Madix on Love Island USA, Schroeder’s books) shows their impact.

Mistakes to avoid: The show leaned too long on Scandoval, exhausting storylines. Bravo’s pause in 2024, partly due to Madix’s Love Island gig, was smart but risky if fans felt abandoned.

Consequences of errors: Sticking with a fractured cast led to season 11’s lukewarm reviews. Without a reboot, the show could’ve fizzled. Fans on X are nostalgic, with one saying, “It’s hard to imagine VPR without them.”

What to Expect from Season 12’s Drama

Season 12 aims to bring back the chaotic, youthful energy of Vanderpump Rules’ early days. Filming began in April 2025 at SUR, with Lisa Vanderpump teasing “very interesting characters” to Us Weekly. A retrospective special on the first 11 seasons will air before the premiere, likely in late 2025.

Why it matters: The show thrives on raw, interpersonal drama—think season two’s Jax and Stassi breakup. The new cast, described as “hot, talented, and messy” by The U.S. Sun, promises similar chaos.

How it’s done: Bravo’s casting focused on real SUR staff with existing friendships and rivalries. Baskin told Bravo it’s about “authentic connections,” unlike season 11’s forced conflicts.

Mistakes to avoid: Overproducing drama, like pushing Scandoval too hard, can feel fake. Fans slammed season 11 for lacking resolution, per Parade.

Consequences of errors: If the drama feels staged, viewers might bail. X posts show excitement for “new minxes” but warn Bravo not to “screw this up.”

The Role of Lisa Vanderpump

Lisa Vanderpump, 64, remains the show’s anchor, guiding the new SUR-vers as she did the originals. Her role as SUR and TomTom’s boss gives her authority, but her wit and mentorship make her beloved.

Why it matters: Lisa’s presence ties the reboot to the show’s roots. She told Us Weekly that SUR’s “revolving door of beautiful people” ensures drama, hinting at a cast with big personalities.

How it’s done: She balances business advice with personal guidance, as seen with Scheana in early seasons. Her February 2025 comments to Bravo suggest she’s hands-on with the new cast.

Mistakes to avoid: If Lisa overshadows the newbies, the show could feel like her vanity project. Her RHOBH exit in 2019 showed fans want her as a mentor, not the star.

Consequences of errors: Too much Lisa could alienate viewers wanting fresh faces. X posts praise her but urge focus on the new cast, with one saying, “Let the kids shine.”

How Scandoval Shaped the Reboot

The 2023 “Scandoval”—Tom Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss while dating Ariana Madix—changed Vanderpump Rules forever. It spiked ratings, earning an Emmy nod, but fractured the cast, with Madix refusing to film with Sandoval.

Why it matters: Scandoval showed the show’s power to grip pop culture but also its limits. A People source said the cast’s refusal to move on stalled season 12, leading to the reboot.

How it’s done: Bravo used the hiatus to reset, casting new SUR staff untainted by past drama. The retrospective special will likely frame Scandoval as a turning point.

Mistakes to avoid: Leaning on old scandals could make the reboot feel stale. Season 11’s focus on Scandoval got mixed reviews, per Rolling Stone.

Consequences of errors: If the new cast gets dragged into old drama, fans might lose interest. X posts suggest viewers want “fresh drama, not Scandoval 2.0.”

FAQs

Why was Vanderpump Rules rebooted for season 12?

The reboot came after “Scandoval” fractured the cast, with Ariana Madix refusing to film with Tom Sandoval. A People source said the cast was “stuck in their feelings,” with no progress by the May 2024 reunion. Bravo paused filming to cast new SUR employees, aiming to recapture the show’s early, restaurant-focused vibe.

Who’s in the Vanderpump Rules season 12 cast?

Lisa Vanderpump is the only returning star, joined by 14 new SUR and TomTom employees. Reality Blurb named Demyana Selem as one, described as a Scheana look-a-like. The cast, per Collider, includes full- and part-time staff with “messy” dynamics. Full names and roles will be announced later in 2025.

When will Vanderpump Rules season 12 premiere?

Filming began in April 2025 at SUR, per Us Weekly. No premiere date is set, but Parade suggests late 2025 or early 2026. A retrospective special on the first 11 seasons will air first, likely on Bravo and Peacock. Check Bravo’s site for updates.

What happened to the original Vanderpump Rules cast?

The original cast—Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Tom Schwartz, Lala Kent, James Kennedy—was replaced after season 11 due to unresolved tensions from Scandoval. Some, like Kent and Shay, will appear on The Valley. Others, like Madix, are pursuing projects like Love Island USA.

Will the new cast live up to the original?

The new cast faces pressure to match the originals’ iconic drama. Producer Alex Baskin told Bravo they’re a “dynamic” group with authentic connections. Fans on X are mixed—some are excited for fresh faces, others doubt they’ll top the “once-in-a-lifetime” originals, per Lala Kent’s podcast.

How can fans watch Vanderpump Rules season 12?

Season 12 will air on Bravo, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock, per Bravo. Past seasons are on Peacock and BravoTV.com. No premiere date is confirmed, but production started in April 2025, so expect late 2025 or early 2026.

Conclusion

Vanderpump Rules season 12 is a bold reset, swapping out the iconic original cast for a new group of SUR-vers under Lisa Vanderpump’s watch. Filming kicked off in April 2025, promising the messy drama fans love, but the reboot’s success hinges on the new cast’s chemistry. Scandoval showed the show’s cultural power but also its breaking point, pushing Bravo to start fresh. Whether the newbies can match the originals’ raw energy is the big question—fans on X are hopeful but nervous. Catch up on seasons 1-11 on Peacock, keep an eye on Bravo for premiere updates, and share your thoughts in the comments!