Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Premieres with a Fresh Cast and a Bold New Era

Bravo’s hit reality series “Vanderpump Rules” is back. Season 12 premieres on Tuesday, May 7th. The show returns with a largely new cast of employees from Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant, SUR.

This marks a full reboot for the franchise. It follows the seismic “Scandoval” cheating scandal that dominated pop culture. The network is betting on a new generation to carry the show forward.

Meet the New SURvers: A Cast Built for Authenticity

Lisa Vanderpump assembled the new team from her existing staff. According to The Hollywood Reporter, cast members like Marcus, Kim, Demy, and Venus have worked at SUR for years. Vanderpump emphasized cohesion and authenticity in the selection process.

She acknowledges the new faces face immense pressure. They must fill the shoes of iconic, polarizing original stars. Vanderpump told THR the cast is strong but entering a “whole new world.”

Two newcomers, Chris and Jason, have past reality TV experience. This has sparked some fan skepticism. Vanderpump notes they wanted to work at SUR before the reboot was confirmed. Another cast member, Shayne, is included as the best friend of a server, bringing a compelling personal story to the group.

A Gen Z Shift and the Heart of the Show

The new season reflects a generational change. Vanderpump calls this the “Gen Z” version of her show. She says these cast members are more comfortable on camera and more openly expressive about their feelings.

Producers contemplated significant changes for the reboot. They considered altering the show’s iconic opening title song. Vanderpump ultimately decided the classic soundtrack was emotionally essential to the show’s heart.

The core premise remains documenting the staff’s intertwined lives. It focuses on their work at SUR and their social lives beyond it. The goal is to return to the authentic, restaurant-centric dynamic that launched the series over a decade ago.

The premiere of Vanderpump Rules season 12 is a high-stakes refresh for a reality TV institution. Its success hinges on whether a new generation of SURvers can captivate audiences and write a compelling new chapter for the famous restaurant.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why did Vanderpump Rules get rebooted?

The original cast had fractured relationships after many seasons. Some refused to film together. Lisa Vanderpump saw a chance to return the focus to the restaurant with a fresh, authentic group of employees.

Q2: Are any original cast members in season 12?

No main original cast members are returning as full-time cast. However, Vanderpump mentioned that Tom Schwartz and Lala Kent have been supportive of the new season and its cast.

Q3: When and where can I watch the new season?

Vanderpump Rules season 12 premieres Tuesday, May 7 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. New episodes will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day.

Q4: Did they change the theme song for the reboot?

Producers considered changing the famous opening song. They ultimately kept it, believing it provided an essential emotional connection to the show’s long history.

Q5: What does “Gen Z Vanderpump Rules” mean?

Lisa Vanderpump says the new cast, belonging to Gen Z, is more savvy about being on camera. They are also more openly communicative about their personal feelings and stories compared to the original cast.