"Vanderpump Rules" Paused Filming For Season 12 — I Think It's Because Ariana's Leaving

Why did producers pause "Vanderpump Rules" filming for season 12?

It's been a major talking point during this season and its interview cycles that cameras basically went right back up after the Scandoval news broke, and they never really went back down for a full break. According to both production and Andy Cohen himself, Page Sixreported that they ultimately decided to press pause on anything season 12-related because wanted the cast to have a break after the almost nonstop Scandoval-fueled filming last year.

Will Ariana Madix return to "Vanderpump Rules" season 12?

I honestly don't think Ariana Madix plans to return to the Vanderpump Rules cast, and here's why:

1. She's booked and busy. Between landing a hosting gig on Love Island, wrapping up a broadway show, scoring shoe deals, writing books, and beyond...it just makes sense that maybe Ariana's outgrown this world! She started on VPRwhen she was 28 years old — a full decade later, she's just a different person with likely different goals, especially after Scandoval.
2. There was some allegedly big friendship-altering drama at the reunion. Since they filmed, there are plenty of rumors about who's still friends and why, but one thing is for certain: nobody's talking. And while obody will spill the beans on what was said yet, even Andy Cohen confirmed the reunion was "intense." My guess is that Ariana revealed to the cast that season 11 was her last, and that it sent everyone — especially Lala Kent and Scheana Shay — into a spiral. After all, this show is everyone's job at the end of the day, and Ariana leaving could potentially impact that. Still, like I said, she's likely outgrown the entire situation.
3. Something About Her finally opening could mean their own show. Katie Maloney and Ariana announced onWatch What Happens Live!that their long-awaited sandwich shop is set to open on May 22. It's safe to say that the girls are EAGER to eat at this shop, with Tiktoks and Tweets galore asking about the opening for a while now...so why wouldn't Katie and Ariana wanna capitalize on that even more with their own show? It's obviously all speculation, but I could definitely see this being a successful, actually interesting VPR spinoff...I'm looking at you, The Valley.

Who's returning for "Vanderpump Rules" season 12?

There aren't any formal announcements of returning Vanderpump Rules cast members — especially because the current season is still on air. However, one could safely assume almost everyone would choose to return, except for Ariana and maybe Katie (because have you ever seen someone more sick of every single man's BS on one show before?!). But, I'm not sure if we're even gonna get another season of this show, TBH. Why?

• Nobody works at Sur anymore, and it just feels like we've moved so far past the original premise (and exciting drama) of the show.
• Lisa Vanderpump (you know, THE Vanderpump in Vanderpump Rules) is hardly on anymore, and when she is, she's saying something that's just...off. Plus, she's got the Villa to run — they're apparently casting for another season as we speak.
• Everyone's kinda phased out of this era — they're all older, have kids, split up, etc. There's just not that much keeping them all together in this way. Some could easily phase into the travesty that's The Valley, but ultimately VPR is just maybe past it's prime.

When will "Vanderpump Rules" season 12 air?

I would have guessed we'd get the next season by mid-winter 2025 given the turnaround time of the most recent season of Vanderpump Rules, but now I'm not sure. If I had to guess, I think we could get something by fall 2025, but who knows how long this hiatus can last. Or — like I said before — if the show even returns.