The decision to reboot Vanderpump Rules with an all-new cast for season 12 has sparked mixed reactions, but it seems to be the right move according to Andy Cohen. On the December 2 episode of his SiriusXM show, Cohen expressed his approval, saying that revamping the show was necessary. He acknowledged that, over the years, the original cast members drifted away from working at SUR, with James Kennedy being the last to maintain a connection by occasionally DJing there. Cohen also pointed out that the series had shifted away from its initial focus on the restaurant and its staff, as the original cast members found success outside of SUR.
Despite the changes, Cohen praised the original cast for staying true to themselves, even as the show evolved. He recognized the challenges of keeping the show going over the last few seasons, especially as the cast became more fragmented.
In addition to Cohen’s comments, the new season’s executive producer, Alex Baskin, shared his excitement about building on the legacy of the show with a fresh group of co-workers and friends. While the premiere date and full cast details will be revealed later, the reboot aims to bring a dynamic new energy to the series.
The announcement of the reboot also sparked emotional reactions from former cast members, with Ariana Madix expressing her gratitude for being part of the cultural phenomenon, and Jax Taylor reflecting on the ups and downs of the show. LaLa Kent, while expressing her dislike for change, also showed gratitude for the impact the show had on her life.