Some Bad News Has Rumors Swirling For Vanderpump Rules Fans
Is Vanderpump Rules cancelled after eight seasons?
Fans were left scratching their heads after a shocking report from blogger Tamara Tattles hit the internet on Dec. 4, claiming that a decision to cancel the series was made during a recent Zoom call between producer (and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star) Lisa Vanderpump, Bravo, and Evolution Media, the show's production company. The report also noted that the cast's contracts were about to expire and, instead of renewing for a ninth season, the network opted to fire the entire group.
A few days after the initial report, Tamara Tattles revealed additional details on the matter, stating that the COVID-19 restrictions impacted the decision to reportedly cancel, considering how the show took place at SUR, which faced closures this year amid the pandemic. It was also noted in the report that producers were unsure how to move forward with the series, considering how most of its cast members no longer work at the restaurant.
Since the news made the rounds, podcaster Kate Casey fervently denied the claims, giving Vanderpump Rules fans a glimmer of hope should the show still remain on the air. "Vanderpump Rules is not cancelled, trust me," Casey tweeted, according to Tamara Tattles (the tweet has since been deleted).
Vanderpump Rules loses several of its staple stars
Fans and bloggers suspect that a lot of the confusion or possible cancellation has to do with the groundbreaking shakeup the series went through this year, after four of its main cast members were fired in June.
After past racially insensitive actions from show stars Max Boyens, Brett Caprioni, Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute resurfaced, all cast members were let go as the network attempted to navigate its place amid the Black Lives Matter protests and calls for racial justice.
Moreover, the network also just fired OG Jax Taylor and his wife Brittany Cartwright, who have long been staples on the series. Jax and Brittany announced on Instagram that they were parting ways with the show on Dec. 4, and made it seem as if their leaving was voluntary, although contrasting reports have noted otherwise (via Variety). Jax also teased the idea of a spinoff series, although that was not picked up or confirmed to be greenlit in any way by Bravo (via Screenrant).
Will there be a Vanderpump Rules reboot or spinoff?
As fans await the fate of their beloved series, many have speculated about what's in store for the show, wondering if it won't go away completely, rather return in a different form or have a spinoff series (or perhaps several). Many have also proposed the idea of a reboot or complete re-haul of the show, even long before many of its cast members were fired, considering a new take with the original cast members at Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz's bar TomTom (via Vulture).
According to Kate Casey's source, a showrunner on Pump Rules, there is the belief that producers will bring back the show with a "new diverse cast" that will film "in early spring" of next year. Casey also tweeted that she has "good authority" that Vanderpump Rules is returning to production next spring, although the network has not officially announced anything or confirmed any rumored reports on the matter. The CEO of Evolution Media was also reportedly trying to push for a return of the show with a new cast, but Bravo wasn't on board (via Tamara Tattles).
The report also added that the cast still isn't informed about the alleged cancellation and will most likely be informed about the final decision this week.