“Surprising season after season" — Vanderpump Rules' production and cast impressed Andy Cohen

As season 12 of Vanderpump Rules is set to begin production in 2025, Bravo’s executive producer, Andy Cohen, recently reflected on the series' enduring appeal. Cohen emphasized how the cast and production team remained “very true" to themselves, which became pivotal to the show’s success.

He also commended the show's ability to remain compelling season after season. In the December 2 episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, he said:

"They were always very much themselves, and that’s what made that show so entertaining and surprising season after season."

With the announcement of a revamped season featuring a new cast, Cohen likened the transition of Vanderpump Rules to Bravo’s recent reboot of The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY).

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Evolution of Vanderpump Rules: From SUR to broader horizons

Launch in 2013, Vanderpump Rules revolved around Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurant, SUR, and the dramatic lives of the staff members. However, the original cast grew up over time and pursued personal and professional interests outside the show, changing the dynamic of the series. Cohen commented that the producers did an effective job in handling the change:

“The entire point of the show morphed and changed as it went on, and it wound up that James Kennedy was the only one with any kind of footprint at SUR.”

Kennedy's exit, along with other cast members seeking new ventures, highlighted the need for transformation. Cohen recognized the creative work involved in keeping the show's attractiveness, noting:

“I am so impressed with how production kept the show going over the last, I’m gonna say, four years.”

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Cast transitions and new ventures

Cohen emphasized how the original cast naturally evolved into successful individuals, outside of SUR. He noted that Vanderpump Rules cast could remain relevant even after they transition into new chapters of their lives.

Andy Cohen gave instances of this, such as Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney opened their sandwich shop called Something About Her, which became a buzz in its own right. James Kennedy, who started as a DJ at SUR, secured a residency in Las Vegas.

With the introduction of a fresh cast for season 12, Bravo spoke about maintaining unpredictability and emotional depth that defined the series since the beginning.

“I’m so impressed with the gang from Vanderpump Rules, the production team, and the folks on the show,” Cohen said.

Cohen referred to these changes as “the absolute right thing to do” and applauded the authenticity the cast consistently displayed throughout the show’s run.

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Parallels with the RHONY reboot

Cohen drew comparisons between the direction of Vanderpump Rules and the reboot of The Real Housewives of New York City. In both cases, a longstanding cast was replaced by new faces to revitalize the franchise. Speaking about the decision to pivot, he explained:

“In RHONY’s case, we had 13 seasons of a show that was so beloved and so great. And it went on and on, and sometimes for a show, it’s the end of the road, or it’s time to curve or swerve or pivot, and that’s where we were with RHONY, and that is what is happening with Vanderpump Rules.”

Cohen encouraged fans to rewatch the final moments of season 12, calling it a fitting farewell to the original cast:

“Watch the last 10 minutes or five minutes. It felt like an absolute series finale.”

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Catch up on all the drama from previous seasons of Vanderpump Rules, now streaming on Peacock.