For more than a decade, Lisa Vanderpump has been the face of Vanderpump Rules, the reality show that brought us the drama, glamour, and chaos of SUR, her West Hollywood restaurant. But in recent years, a shift has occurred, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that perhaps it might be time for Lisa to exit the show for good. While she has undeniably been the force behind its success, there are compelling reasons to believe that leaving the franchise might be in her best interest. Here’s why.
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The Cast Doesn’t Need Lisa Vanderpump Anymore
At the heart of Vanderpump Rules is the group of young adults working at SUR, navigating relationships, friendships, and the challenges of life in Los Angeles. For years, Lisa Vanderpump served as their mother hen, offering guidance, tough love, and sometimes, a little bit of drama of her own. However, as the cast has matured, the need for Lisa’s presence has dwindled.
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The most telling moment came during the infamous “Scandoval” incident—the scandal involving Tom Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss while he was in a relationship with Ariana Madix. In the aftermath, the way the cast rallied around each other and dealt with the fallout, while largely ignoring Lisa’s input, highlighted a growing disconnect between the star and the cast. The drama was happening outside of her control, and when she did insert herself into the situation, her advice seemed somewhat out of touch. Lisa’s attempts to intervene often felt more like she was taking the side of Tom Sandoval rather than holding him accountable. In fact, at times, it seemed as if Lisa wasn’t fully aware of the magnitude of the betrayal that had unfolded.
For many fans, the lack of Lisa’s influence during such a critical time showed that the cast no longer needed her as their guiding figure. Gone were the days of Lisa swooping in to set the staff straight or giving them wisdom about how to navigate the entertainment industry. Now, the cast is made up of fully grown adults who have their own lives, struggles, and relationships, and it seems they no longer need a 24/7 “babysitter” in the form of Lisa Vanderpump.
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Vanderpump Rules Can Thrive Without Lisa Vanderpump
As Vanderpump Rules continues to evolve, it’s clear that the show no longer hinges on Lisa’s presence in the same way it did when it first began. Over the last few seasons, Lisa has been noticeably less involved in the daily happenings of the SUR staff. She has stopped being the central figure around whom the drama swirled, and has taken a back seat, allowing the younger cast members to step into the spotlight. In many ways, Vanderpump Rules is now as much about the interpersonal drama among the staff as it is about Lisa’s antics.
At the same time, Lisa’s personal life and interests have shifted away from the show. She is heavily involved in a number of other ventures, such as her new Hulu series Vanderpump Villa, where she is once again dealing with young, unruly employees—this time in a more controlled setting than the chaotic SUR restaurant. This show has given fans a glimpse into the type of content they loved about the early seasons of Vanderpump Rules, and has rekindled interest in her signature brand of drama. The success of Vanderpump Villa has demonstrated that Lisa can continue to entertain her audience without being tied to the original Vanderpump Rules cast.
Moreover, Lisa is also stepping back into the world of Bravo, bringing back fan favorites like Stassi Schroeder. Her ability to manage multiple projects suggests that she’s ready for a new phase of her career. As much as fans might feel nostalgic about the days when Lisa was the queen bee of Vanderpump Rules, the truth is, Lisa is more than capable of finding new opportunities that don’t involve hanging on to a show that may no longer serve her needs.
Lisa Vanderpump Is Becoming a Guest on Her Own Show
In recent seasons, Lisa Vanderpump has increasingly been relegated to a guest-star role on Vanderpump Rules, a sharp contrast to the days when she was the star of every episode. While she may still be the show’s executive producer and the owner of SUR, the show has evolved in ways that leave her less involved in the drama.
Rumors are swirling that Season 12 of Vanderpump Rules may be the show’s last, and many believe that Lisa’s exit from the show is inevitable. A source recently shared with The Sun that Bravo has been quietly trying to phase Lisa out of the series. The insider explained that Lisa’s paycheck, her level of involvement, and her relevance to the cast have all been diminished in recent years. With the original Vanderpump Rules cast either gone or relegated to minor roles, the show has moved away from its restaurant-based origins, and the focus has shifted toward the lives and drama of the younger cast members.
It also seems that Lisa’s role on the show is being minimized more and more with each season. “For the past season, they’ve been trying to minimize her contact with the show. That’s Bravo’s doing. That’s nothing to do with the cast. So people are perceiving that to be Lisa distancing herself, and it’s not. It’s the other way around,” the insider revealed. “She’s at like a guest star level now on Vanderpump Rules. It’s a lot less money.”
This shift suggests that Bravo is moving toward a model where the show no longer requires Lisa to be its focal point, and as a result, Lisa’s role is increasingly seen as superfluous. Instead of continuing to appear as a guest star, it may be in her best interest to gracefully exit the series before she becomes a mere footnote in its history.
The Future of Lisa Vanderpump
For Lisa Vanderpump, leaving Vanderpump Rules might open up exciting new opportunities. As her role on the show continues to diminish, there’s room for her to explore fresh creative ventures that align with her evolving brand. Whether it’s further expanding her successful restaurant empire, developing new television projects, or even continuing to serve as a mentor and entrepreneur, Lisa has proven that she is capable of thriving outside the confines of Vanderpump Rules.
The truth is, Lisa Vanderpump’s legacy within the Vanderpump Rules universe is secure. She created a cultural phenomenon, launched the careers of several reality stars, and built an empire that spans multiple successful restaurants and television shows. But as the cast moves on, and as the show evolves into something new, it might be time for Lisa to step away and let the next generation of stars take center stage.
In conclusion, while it may be difficult for fans to imagine Vanderpump Rules without Lisa, the reality is that the show can—and will—thrive without her. Lisa has already started to carve out new paths for herself, and her exit from the show might just be the next logical step in her career. By leaving on her own terms, she can preserve her legacy as the queen of reality TV while embracing new opportunities that will allow her to continue captivating audiences in fresh and exciting ways.
