The cast of “Southern Charm” is back in production for season 12, and new behind-the-scenes videos are already fueling speculation about cast changes, shifting friendships, and a possible new addition to the show.
Just weeks after season 11 ended with tensions running high between Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, several of the Bravo stars were spotted filming together in Charleston. Social media clips shared by cast members also hinted that the longtime friends may have repaired their fractured relationship ahead of the new season.
“We are back, baby. We are (expletive) back!” Conover declared alongside Madison LeCroy in a TikTok video shared by LeCroy over the weekend, confirming both stars’ return to the Bravo series.
At the same time, fans began questioning whether a new woman had joined the cast after multiple filming sightings featured unfamiliar faces alongside returning stars.
‘Southern Charm’ Season 12 Cast Appears to Include Everyone From Season 11
Although not every cast member appeared in the recent social media clips, a report from Bravo and Cocktails claimed the entire season 11 cast is expected to return for season 12.
According to the outlet’s tipster, “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, Shep Rose, Venita Aspen, Molly O’Connell, Whitner Slagsvol, Rodrigo Reyes, and Salley Carson.
LeCroy and Carson also shared a joint Instagram Story featuring Reyes and his fiancé, Tyler Dugas, while another clip showed the group joking about Carson’s nightlife habits with a “Bar Rat” sign.
“Rat girl summer!!” Carson and LeCroy wrote in the shared video.
Meanwhile, Kroll and Conover were also spotted filming together with Bravo cameras nearby, adding more speculation that the pair may have moved past the friendship issues that dominated season 11.
One video circulating online appeared to show Kroll having an intense conversation with an unidentified brunette woman. Fans on social media speculated the mystery woman could potentially be Kroll’s ex-girlfriend Audrey Pratt, Ally Lewber, or Bronwyn Newport from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
Craig Conover & Austen Kroll’s Feud Dominated ‘Southern Charm’ Season 11
The growing divide between Conover and Kroll became one of the biggest storylines during season 11 and eventually exploded during the reunion.
In a preview for part one of the reunion, host Andy Cohen referenced Slagsvol’s earlier assessment of the pair’s friendship.
“Austen has a victim complex and Craig is a narcissist,” Slagsvol said.
“No, narcissists are incapable of having empathy,” Conover responded. “And literally, as an empath, it would be impossible for me to be a narcissist. I do a lot of things wrong, but I’m far from a narcissist.”
When Conover later asked Kroll whether he believed he was empathetic, Kroll answered no.
“It’s really mean to say that about someone,” Conover continued. “Calling someone a narcissist means they’re incapable of showing empathy. And everything they do is for show. If that’s [what] you believe about me, then you shouldn’t be friends with me.”
As the argument escalated, Cohen called for a break and Conover walked off stage.
“Like, it’s very clear that it’s just pile-on Craig,” he muttered backstage before later adding, “I hate being here. I don’t even know if I’m coming back anymore.”
Craig Conover & Austen Kroll Clashed Multiple Times During Season 11
The fallout between the former best friends began early in season 11.
During episode 3, Conover confronted Kroll over his relationship with Pratt.
“You’re the only unhappy person here ’cause you’re living a lie,” Conover told him. “You’re stuck in a relationship, you’re not happy … You told me that you were jealous I was single.”
The confrontation left Kroll questioning their friendship.
“It’s been really tough the past few days to come to that realization, where it’s like, wait a minute, like, a real friend wouldn’t be, like, taking pleasure in making you feel like (expletive)” Kroll later said during episode 5.
Their friendship appeared to hit another breaking point during Kroll’s birthday dinner in episode 9.
“Austen hates me,” Conover told Rose at the table before Kroll interrupted.
“Yes, I do (expletive) hate you!” Kroll shouted.
His response prompted Conover to fire back, “So, we don’t need to be friends anymore.”
With production now underway on season 12, fans will likely see whether the longtime friends have truly moved forward — and whether the rumored new cast member changes the group dynamic.
Bravo has not announced a return date for “Southern Charm” season 12.
