"I'm overwhelmed"— Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval bids goodbye to the show after 12 years

Tom Sandoval is among the Vanderpump Rules original cast members leaving the reality series after 12 years. This move has been confirmed after Bravo officially announced it will remake the cast entirely for Season 12— an end to an era for the long-running reality series.

Sandoval addressed his departure and reflected on his time on the series in a heartfelt Instagram post dated November 30, where he expressed gratitude for the experiences and memories gained during his tenure.

"Where do I begin…I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now…" he said.

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A milestone goodbye after 11 seasons of Vanderpump Rules

Vanderpump Rules— a reality television series that began as a spinoff of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills— debuted in 2013, and chronicles the experiences of employees at SUR restaurant, who are employed by Lisa Vanderpump in West Hollywood. Sandoval became a bartender and eventually one of the show's central characters.

He appeared on the show for more than 12 years, during which time he shared with viewers the ups and downs of his personal and professional life. In his Instagram post, Sandoval reflected on the unpredictability of his journey. He described how a chance meeting with castmate Jax Taylor and a Craigslist ad led him to join the show.

"From a random meeting with [Jax] while modeling in Miami, to responding to a Craigslist ad for another Tom looking for a roommate. Who would’ve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules," he said.

Sandoval acknowledged the transformative impact the series had on his life, both as an individual and as part of a tight-knit cast.

"We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives," he wrote.

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Reflecting on the journey

Sandoval’s farewell post highlighted the unique bond shared among the original cast members and the authenticity of the emotions displayed on the show. He credited the success of Vanderpump Rules to its portrayal of genuine friendships, challenges, and romantic relationships.

“The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure, honest, raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends,” Sandoval wrote.

He extended gratitude to the production team, Lisa Vanderpump, and fans who supported the show’s 12-year journey.

"It’s been a roller coaster ride and you’ve been with us though every step of the way....to each and every fan, THANK YOU ALL for believing us and being part of this 12 year journey," he said.

Sandoval also acknowledged the controversies and challenges that arose during his time on the show, describing the experience as a learning opportunity.

"Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories," he noted.

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A new chapter for Sandoval

Bravo is going to replace the cast of Vanderpump Rules after the dramatic Season 11, where personal feuds and love affairs involving Sandoval, Ariana Madix, and Rachel "Raquel" Leviss have been dominating the headlines. While the scandal dominated the news, giving this series even more publicity, at the same time, it created divisions among its cast.

As Sandoval progresses, he is also closing another chapter in his personal life. Schwartz & Sandy's, the cocktail bar that he co-owned with another cast member, Tom Schwartz, announced its closure. In an Instagram post on November 25, he said:

"With a heavy heart, we've made the difficult decision to close Schwartz & Sandy's at the end of December. This hasn't been an easy choice for my partners and me, but other priorities and commitments have taken hold."

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The revamped Vanderpump Rules signals a fresh start for Bravo and its audience, but Sandoval's legacy as a founding cast member will remain an integral part of the show's history.

Stay tuned for updates on the new era of Vanderpump Rules! Season 12 begins production in 2025, with the premiere date and cast announcements coming soon.