As season 12 of “Southern Charm” continues filming, Patricia Altschul has Bravo fans wondering why Craig Conover was nowhere to be seen at a recent cast gathering.
While Altschul offered a cryptic response to one fan’s question, a source tells Bravo and Cocktails that Conover has actually been filming throughout the season.
Patricia Altschul Addresses Craig Conover’s Absence
On May 21, Altschul shared what she described as a “prelude” to her annual guys’ dinner on Instagram. The video featured Shep Rose and hinted that this year’s gathering would be smaller than usual.
Fans quickly noticed that Conover was not part of the footage.
One follower asked, “Where’s Craig??”
Altschul responded, “We were filming for a particular reason … you’ll see why.”
The comment immediately caught fans’ attention. Some viewers speculated that Conover’s absence could be connected to the fallout from season 11, when he clashed with several cast members, including Austen Kroll and Whitney Sudler-Smith.
The tension between Conover and Sudler-Smith was particularly notable because Sudler-Smith is not only a cast member but also the creator and executive producer of “Southern Charm.”
Altschul did not elaborate further, leaving viewers to wonder whether Conover’s absence was connected to a specific storyline being filmed for the new season.
Source Says Craig Conover Has Been Filming All Season
Despite questions raised by the video, a source told Bravo and Cocktails that Conover remains an active part of season 12 production.
“Apparently, there’s a silly rumor circulating that Craig Conover isn’t filming. Not true! He has been filming the entire season,” the source said.
The insider pointed to several recent public events that were filmed for the show.
“Craig’s book cover reveal cocktail party was yesterday, and they were filming for the show — and Madison LeCroy and Salley Carson were there.”
The source also noted that cameras were present during another major event.
“Also filmed his store grand reopening and the big meet-and-greet, which had hundreds of people—just pointing these out because they were very public. He’s been filming regularly and spotted filming, so the rumor makes no sense & I keep getting asked ‘why isn’t Craig filming.'”
The comments suggest that Conover’s absence from Altschul’s event may have been tied to a specific production decision rather than his overall involvement in the season.
‘Southern Charm’ Season 12 Cast Returns to Charleston
As Entertainment Now previously reported, production is well underway on season 12 of “Southern Charm.”
Recent social media posts from cast members have offered fans a glimpse behind the scenes while also sparking speculation about shifting friendships and a possible new addition to the cast.
Conover appeared to confirm his return in a TikTok video shared by Madison LeCroy.
“We are back, baby. We are (expletive) back!” Conover declared in the clip.
According to a tip shared with Bravo and Cocktails, the entire season 11 cast is expected to return.
“Everyone is back and filming for ‘Southern Charm.’ One new gal has joined on. And from what I hear, Austen & Craig are getting along.”
The reported returning cast includes Conover, Kroll, LeCroy, Rose, Venita Aspen, Molly O’Connell, Whitner Slagsvol, Rodrigo Reyes, and Salley Carson.
LeCroy and Carson also recently shared an Instagram Story featuring Reyes and his fiancé, Tyler Dugas. Another clip showed the group joking about Carson’s nightlife habits while holding a sign that read “Bar Rat.”
“Rat girl summer!!” Carson and LeCroy wrote.
Meanwhile, Conover and Kroll have been spotted filming together with Bravo cameras nearby, leading some fans to believe the longtime friends may have repaired the relationship that fractured during season 11.
Bravo has not announced a premiere date for season 12 of “Southern Charm.”
