Vanderpump Rules has aired for 11 seasons with fans watching the cast members go from being staff members of Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant to becoming household names and establishing their own careers in Hollywood. However, fans and viewers alike have wondered if the show may have run its course after the intense Season 11 finale.
While Season 10 focused on Tom Sandoval’s shocking affair with co-star Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, the following season showed the aftermath of that scandal, rightfully named Scandoval. The affair burned bridges between friends and Ariana Madix refused to film with Tom, frustrating the likes of Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, and many of the series’ fans. While Season 12 is on hiatus as these cast members take a break from a hectic season, there have been talks that a reboot may just be what the show needs, as fans are over the drama.
Why It May Be Time Vanderpump Rules Gets A Reboot
There is an ongoing debate about whether Vanderpump Rules should be rebooted or at least make a few changes in its cast following an intense Season 11. The last season continued to discuss the aftermath of Tom Sandoval’s cheating scandal that saw his relationship with Ariana Madix fall apart and the cast divided. However, fans are growing tired of the same drama.
A reason why VPR could use a reboot is that the tension between the cast members is at an all-time high. Before Tom’s affair, fans admired the friendship between Ariana, Scheana Shay, Tom Schwartz, James Kennedy, Lala Kent, and Katie Maloney, but the group have since become divided.
In Season 11, viewers watched as Scheana was put in the middle between maintaining her friendship with Ariana and trying to mend her broken relationship with Tom. In addition, Lala was furious with Ariana for not communicating with her ex. She made a good point, as it’s basically these reality stars’ jobs to give viewers good TV. Speaking to Bravo, Lala shared:
“I’m f****** offended. I’m gonna be real about Ariana. She coasts through every single f****** season, and we’re asking you to have one conversation with Tom Sandoval … Every single person on this show have the tough conversations.”
While fans love to watch drama unfold, they won’t get to see that with Ariana and Tom, as the reality star has made it quite well known that she won’t ever speak to him. How will a show run when two of its cast members aren’t speaking to one another?
It’s also worth noting that Ariana and Tom’s devastating breakup isn’t the only split that has caused tension among this group. When Katie and Tom Schwartz divorced, it was obvious that these friends were beginning to choose sides. Although we saw several breakups in early seasons, like OG cast members Stassi Schroeder and Jax Taylor’s split, they learned to move on and continue filming for the show.
Another reason why VPR should get a reboot is that there isn’t enough new drama. Having to circle around Scandoval for two seasons is enough for fans. Also, with the cast working on different projects, becoming adults and welcoming children, the show isn’t what it used to be. A cast shakeup might help in providing new drama that fans have always loved about VPR.
Fans Have Mixed Reactions About A VPR Reboot
While fans have watched the cast of Vanderpump Rules grow up on their television screens, they have mixed reactions about an entire overhaul of the show. According to Economic Times, a reboot might be in the works after the OG cast films Season 12.
In fact, a VPR fan Instagram account reported that after the cast has completed filming the season, the series will showcase a brand-new set of cast members working at Lisa’s SUR restaurant. Which was the whole point of the series when it first aired in 2013.
Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com via INSTARimages & Bravo
In a Reddit thread about VPR, a user posted a photo of the servers at SUR and asked if they may be the new cast members for the reboot. Users addressed the photo, which alluded to a possible cast shakeup. However, users were not in agreement over whether a reboot was good or bad for the series. Although those who considered a reboot, believed it was only right, seeing as the show was initially focusing on young people working at SUR and the drama that surrounded them.
“I’m so ready, I’m really surprised there isn’t more reality tv based on restaurants! The drama is by far the most insane and juicy.”
“I’d love a reboot for sure! I’m over Low Rent Kent, Scheaner, and the Tom’s. Time for new energy!”
“And honestly, it’s not a bad choice. I don’t think anyone on current main cast VPR still works at Sur. It’s lost its branding. The existing cast has moved on to adulting (well sort of) and there’s really no ties to LVP.”
Those who hated the idea of a reboot also made their voices heard on the Reddit thread. These users believed that a new cast was not going to live up to the VPR cast viewers have watched since the very beginning (i.e. Jax, Stassi, Kristen Doute), as well as the current cast.
“VPR was lightning in a bottle. You don’t do it twice.”
“I’ll watch it, but nothing can replicate the cast who truly worked there before the show and not just because of it.”
“Those are big shows to fill. Idk if they could do it. It’s just like jersey shore. The second group was s*** canned mid filming. No one can re-create what they had. A lot of it will be new cast trying to be better than og cast. Which means a lot of fakery and bs for the cameras.”
A Reboot For Other Bravo Shows Worked Well
The news that Vanderpump Rules may be getting a reboot may be hard to hear for die-hard fans of the show, but Bravo has rebooted other beloved shows before that turned out for the better.
One example of this is when the network announced an entire cast shakeup for The Real Housewives of New York City. Season 14 of RHONY introduced viewers to six new women; Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Dana Lichy, Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield.
What viewers really enjoyed about the new season is that the women came from different nationalities and backgrounds. In addition, not all of these ladies reside in the same location in Manhattan, (Sai lives in Brooklyn), which viewers have found refreshing. Of course, there is plenty of drama that’s unfolded with several of these women butting heads in the latest season. All six women are also returning for Season 15, with the addition of fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff.
In fact, the Real Housewives of New Jersey is also said to be getting a reboot after fans have been complaining about the show’s storylines. On an episode of Andy Cohen’s Sirius XM show, the Bravo host shared, “We’re gonna reboot it. We’re gonna do something different.” Andy shared that the series might also end up like RHONY when he added, “Maybe just all fresh faces.”
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