Andy Cohen Addresses ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Cast Shake-Up

‘Vanderpump Rules’ Reboot Charts New Course: Andy Cohen Explains Why

Fans were shocked when Bravo announced a complete cast overhaul for season 12 of "Vanderpump Rules." Now, Andy Cohen, the network’s mastermind, is shedding light on the decision.

On his SiriusXM radio show, Cohen revealed that he believes refreshing the reality TV series was the right move. He pointed out that the show had drifted from its initial concept of following the staff at Lisa Vanderpump’s iconic West Hollywood restaurant, SUR. “[The show] morphed and changed as it went on,” Cohen explained.

With most of the original cast members no longer entwined with SUR, Cohen felt the time was right for a change. Even James Kennedy, who remained connected to the restaurant through occasional DJ gigs, has gone on to greater success, securing a residency in Las Vegas.

“Now he’s gone on and he’s got a residency in Vegas, and he’s having great success, and they’re all having good success outside of SUR," Cohen noted.

Adding to the complexity, Cohen revealed that relationships within the original cast had become strained. "You have others who don’t want to be in the same room, much less on the same show with each other, and that makes sense too,” he shared.

Despite the fresh start, Cohen expressed admiration for the original cast’s authenticity. “Like it or hate it, or like them or hate them, they were always very much themselves, and that’s what made that show so entertaining and surprising,” Cohen remarked.

Production for the revamped season 12 of “Vanderpump Rules” is slated to begin next year. Will the new faces capture the same magic as the original crew? Only time will tell.