Lisa Vanderpump is gearing up for a fresh chapter in the Bravo universe with the upcoming 12th season of Vanderpump Rules, which features an entirely new cast of staffers at her famed SUR restaurant. In an exclusive interview with E! News on May 8, 2025, Vanderpump revealed that the show is currently filming and moving at a "very fast pace." She emphasized that this season will be "totally different" from the original series, which has captivated audiences for years.
"Of course, it has to be different. That story had been told," Vanderpump explained, hinting at the fresh dynamics that the new cast will bring. Despite the change, she assured fans that the drama synonymous with the series will remain intact. "You could film that show 365 days a year," she quipped, noting that while some long-term employees come with their own baggage, new faces will add to the mix.
Vanderpump, a reality television staple, is also busy with her Hulu show Vanderpump Villa, where she recently reunited with former Vanderpump Rules star Stassi Schroeder for the second season. This marks their first collaboration since Schroeder departed Vanderpump Rules in 2020 under contentious circumstances. "I wanted her, I thought she'd be great," Vanderpump said. "She needed to come back to reality television and I needed somebody to play with."
In addition to her current projects, Vanderpump has reflected on her past relationships with cast members from both Vanderpump Rules and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Notably, she addressed her long-standing feud with Kyle Richards, suggesting that a reconciliation might be on the horizon. "We had so much fun," she reminisced. "I miss that part... I miss the fun part, which is what I signed up for." Vanderpump expressed a desire to reconnect with several former housewives, including Yolanda Hadid and Denise Richards, but notably excluded Richards, Kemsley, and Erika Jayne from her list.
Vanderpump's history with Richards has been tumultuous, particularly after the infamous "puppy gate" scandal, where Richards accused Vanderpump of leaking stories about her. This accusation ultimately led Vanderpump to exit Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and skip the Season 9 reunion. Reflecting on that moment, Vanderpump told PEOPLE that she felt rage when housewives spread falsehoods about her, recalling a particularly heated exchange with Richards. "When housewives say something about me that’s not true... I think maybe that’s when I’ve been the maddest," she stated, recalling the moment she told Richards to leave her home.
As Vanderpump prepares for the new season of Vanderpump Rules, she also took a moment to reflect on some of the most shocking cheating scandals that have rocked the series since its inception. For instance, the show was born out of the drama surrounding Scheana Shay's affair with actor Eddie Cibrian while he was still married to Brandi Glanville. This scandal set the tone for the series, which has been rife with infidelity and betrayals.
Among the most notorious cheating incidents was Jax Taylor's admission that he cheated on his then-girlfriend Stassi Schroeder during a trip to Las Vegas, where he also claimed to have gotten another woman pregnant. This shocking revelation shocked fans and cast members alike. Another infamous moment involved Tom Sandoval's complicated relationships, particularly with Ariana Madix and his later affair with Raquel Leviss, which led to the end of his nine-year relationship with Madix. Sandoval publicly apologized for his actions, stating, "I made mistakes, I was selfish, and made reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love."
Vanderpump's ability to navigate these dramatic narratives has kept audiences engaged, and the anticipation for the new season is palpable. The new cast promises to bring their own set of issues to the table, potentially leading to fresh scandals that could rival the show's earlier controversies.
While Vanderpump is excited about the new direction of Vanderpump Rules, she remains nostalgic about her past experiences. The drama, friendships, and betrayals have shaped her journey through reality television, and as she continues to evolve, fans are eager to see how the new cast will contribute to the legacy of the series.
As Vanderpump Rules prepares for its 12th season, Vanderpump's insights and reflections on her relationships with former cast members provide a glimpse into the complexities of reality television. The show, which has become a cultural phenomenon, is set to return with a fresh perspective, and Vanderpump's leadership will undoubtedly guide the new cast through the inevitable ups and downs of life at SUR.
With the new season just around the corner, fans are left wondering what fresh drama awaits them and how the new cast will handle the legacy of the original series. Vanderpump's commitment to authenticity and entertaining storytelling remains at the forefront as she embarks on this new chapter.
