Andy Cohen has commented on the decision to reboot Vanderpump Rules with an all-new cast for season 12, explaining that it was a necessary move for the show. On his SiriusXM radio show, Cohen acknowledged that the series had drifted from its original premise of following the staff at Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant, SUR. Over time, many of the original cast members moved on from the restaurant, with James Kennedy being the last remaining connection to SUR, though he has since expanded his career with a Vegas residency.
Cohen also pointed to the fractured relationships among the original cast as a significant challenge for producers, noting that some members were no longer willing to share a space together, making it difficult to maintain the show’s dynamics. Despite these challenges, Cohen praised the OG stars for their authenticity, saying that whether fans loved or hated them, their genuine personalities were a major factor in the show’s success.
Production for season 12 of Vanderpump Rules will begin next year, with the new cast set to bring fresh energy to the series.