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Season 12 of Vanderpump Rules is officially on its way — but not the version fans originally expected.
The wait for the show’s return started after the previous season left the cast — and fans — at odds. Season 11 picked up months after Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix‘s split over his affair with their now-former costar Rachel Leviss. The cast — including Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney and James Kennedy — initially chose Madix’s side, while Tom Schwartz remained loyal to Sandoval.
However, things took a turn during the season 11 finale when Kent questioned Madix’s decision not to film with Sandoval after his cheating scandal. The divisive scene left Us unsure of the show’s future, which only got worse once Bravo put the show on pause.
Bravo finally offered a filming update in November 2024 after deciding to bring in an entirely new cast.
“What a thrill it is to build on the legacy of this series by doing it all over again,” executive producer Alex Baskin shared at the time. “With profound appreciation for the original group and their iconic run, we can’t wait for the audience to see a dynamic new group of coworkers and friends make their way through life together.”
Keep scrolling for what to know about season 12 of Vanderpump Rules:
Who Will Star in Season 12 of ‘Vanderpump Rules’?
According to a press release from Bravo, the new season will feature Lisa Vanderpump and “a new group of close-knit SURvers who are as complicatedly involved with one another as their iconic predecessors.” There has not been an official cast announced as of yet.
“The last 12 years of filming have been an extraordinary run full of laughter, tears and everything in between,” Vanderpump said in a November 2024 statement. “I can’t thank enough those who have shared their lives. How I love you all. In the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another. Cheers to the next generation of Vanderpump Rules.”
When Will Season 12 Air on Bravo?
Production on season 12 starts in 2025 and a premiere date and cast will be announced later. Bravo also has plans to celebrate the original Pump Rules cast with a retrospective special highlighting the past 11 seasons.
Will the Original Cast Make Cameos?
It is too early to tell how — if at all — the original Vanderpump Rules cast plans to be involved. Schwartz, Kent and Shay, however, will make appearances on season 2 of the Vanderpump Rules spinoff The Valley. This will reunite them with OG VPR stars Jax Taylor and Kristen Doute. Vanderpump, meanwhile, reunited with Stassi Schroeder for season 2 of Vanderpump Villa.
How Did the OG Cast React to the News?
Kent admitted she had “mixed feelings” about the shakeup, writing via Instagram, “It’s no secret I do not like change. This is the exception. I want to say thank you for rocking with us for so many years. This show changed my whole life. I’m unbelievably grateful for every moment.”
Meanwhile, Maloney noted the “wouldn’t change a thing” about her time on the show. “Thank you for the memories and the love the last 11 years,” she added in a social media post.
What Is Next for the Past Stars?
Before the news about the overhaul, some VPR stars already found offscreen opportunities, with Madix and Maloney teaming up on a sandwich shop called Something About Her. Schwartz and Sandoval meanwhile, announced the closure of their bar Schwartz & Sandy’s.
