Even before Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules” reboot premiered for season 12, fans were already voicing skepticism, flooding social media with criticism of the retooled series. The new iteration features a completely different — and notably younger — cast working at SUR restaurant, marking a sharp departure from the group viewers had followed for over a decade.
As viewers were introduced to the new Gen Z cast, the group proved to be refreshingly and at times shockingly candid about their love lives, evolving friendships, sexuality, and even some eyebrow-raising career choices. Still, they’ve continued to defend their series, hoping viewers will continue to give it a chance to stand on its own rather than constantly comparing it to the past.
‘Vanderpump Rules’ Gets Early Renewal
NBCUniversalAccording to TMZ, the newly retooled “Vanderpump Rules” is getting renewed for another season. In fact, the rebooted series performed “so well on Bravo and Peacock” that it received an early renewal.
All of the season 12 cast members are expected to return, with additional new faces reportedly set to join the mix, a move that could amplify the drama already unfolding among Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR employees.
Back in January, cast member Chris Hahn told The U.S. Sun that fans could expect to see him and his cast back for another season. “It’s happening,” he shared. “You didn’t hear it from me, but it’s definitely happening. You’d for sure see me and the cast, maybe even more. Hopefully more, I love everybody,” he added.
There is still one more episode to go for season 12, airing on Feb. 24, with Part One of the reunion scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
Andy Cohen & Lisa Vanderpump Defend the Season 12 Cast
BravoThe cast has maintained that they are nothing like the OGs of “Vanderpump Rules,” emphasizing that it was never meant to replicate the original series. Instead, they’ve stressed that the show is intended to reflect a different generation.
Catching up with Lisa Vanderpump after filming the season 12 reunion, TMZ asked if she believed her cast exceeded her expectations.
“I think they definitely did,” she began. “They were authentic, they were totally kind of honest, not necessarily with each other, but for the camera, and everything. They got right into it, and it was a great season … it’s been number one on Peacock, so let’s keep going,” Vanderpump said.
TMZ also caught up with Andy Cohen, who hosted the reunion, and who expressed confidence that the reboot would earn a second season. “It’s amazing building blocks for the future. These guys have worked together for a really long time,” he said, adding, “They’ve known each other for a really long time. And so it’s an organic group of people. And I think season 2 will be even better.”
Fans React to the VPR Renewal with Positivity
BravoSeveral VPR fan Instagram accounts shared TMZ’s report that the Bravo series had received an early renewal, and surprisingly, many of the comments were overwhelmingly positive about the retooled series.
Instagram account @vanderpumprulesparty saw comments that read, “Loving it. If you stop comparing it to the original cast you find yourself with great characters for reality 👏.”
“I actually love the reboot,” another comment read. “Except for one cast member, I’m enjoying the cast and show. I’m looking forward to their new season,” another fan wrote.
“I genuinely liked the new season and cast!” A fan wrote.
Of course, there are still plenty of viewers who continue to have a hard time watching VPR without the OGs. “I genuinely tried, but just couldn’t stick with it. I am truly shocked they renewed it,” a viewers shared in the comments. “I was opened minded and I’ve given it a try but it’s just not interesting to watch, apart from Venus and Natalie,” another read.
