What is Vanderpump Rules if Not a Series About Middling Millennials?
The reality television landscape has seen its fair share of iconic shows, but few have captured the zeitgeist of a generation quite like Vanderpump Rules. As Bravo fans grapple with the news of the show’s reboot for its 12th season, questions arise about its identity and the impact of a potential Gen Z cast. The original series, which premiered in 2013, was a raw portrayal of millennials navigating the tumultuous waters of adulthood, and its departure from the screen leaves a void that a new generation may or may not fill.
The Antithesis of Aspirational Reality TV
When Vanderpump Rules burst onto the scene, it stood in stark contrast to shows like MTV’s The Hills, which glamorized the lives of young, privileged women chasing careers in fashion and entertainment. The cast of Vanderpump Rules was decidedly less aspirational. They were struggling actors, part-time models, and waitstaff at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant, SUR, all trying to make ends meet while sharing cramped apartments. Most of the original cast members were nearing 30, a demographic that felt more relatable and less polished than the typical reality TV star.
This authenticity resonated with viewers who saw themselves reflected in the cast’s struggles. The show became a lens through which the realities of millennial life were examined—filled with narcissism, financial instability, and the pressures of an unreliable gig economy. The characters were not just entertaining; they were a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by a generation often labeled as the “unluckiest.”
Scandoval: A Reflection of Millennial Turmoil
The infamous Scandoval, which erupted in 2023, further cemented Vanderpump Rules as a cultural touchstone. The scandal, involving a cheating affair between Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss, thrust the show back into the national conversation. While it provided a moment of heightened drama, it also underscored the ongoing struggles of the cast. Despite the chaos, only Ariana Madix emerged with a significant career boost, landing a hosting gig on Love Island USA. The rest of the cast, despite their newfound notoriety, faced the harsh reality of limited opportunities in the entertainment industry.
This cycle of failure and fleeting fame encapsulated the essence of Vanderpump Rules. The show was a mirror reflecting the disillusionment of millennials, who often found themselves grappling with the consequences of their choices in a world that seemed increasingly unforgiving.
The Unchanging Narrative of Failure
At its core, Vanderpump Rules thrived on the notion that its cast would remain in a perpetual state of dysfunction. Opportunities presented to them often slipped through their fingers, reinforcing the idea that personal growth was elusive. Stassi Schroeder’s journey is a prime example; after moving to New York and publishing a bestselling book, she found herself back on the reunion couch, pleading for her job at SUR after a scandal involving racism.
Similarly, Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, who were often the butt of jokes for their lack of business acumen, faced a series of personal and professional setbacks. Their attempts to establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs were marred by failed ventures and tumultuous relationships, leaving them adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
The Legacy of Moral Failures
The show’s villains, particularly Jax Taylor and James Kennedy, epitomized a different kind of failure—moral rather than professional. Their antics, characterized by infidelity and betrayal, painted a picture of the “F-boy” archetype that resonated with viewers. This portrayal of toxic masculinity and its consequences added another layer to the show’s narrative, making it a complex exploration of millennial identity.
Even as the cast attempted to transition into more mature phases of their lives, as seen in the spin-off The Valley, they often reverted to their old ways. Taylor’s recent divorce from Brittany Cartwright after years of tumultuous marriage serves as a reminder that the chaos of their youth may never truly fade.
The Future of the Cast
As Vanderpump Rules moves into its next chapter, the fate of its original cast remains uncertain. While some, like Ariana Madix, have found new avenues for success, others are left navigating the aftermath of their reality fame. The harsh truth is that reality television rarely translates into lasting career opportunities, and many cast members have struggled financially even after the spotlight faded.
The upcoming reboot raises questions about whether a new, younger cast can capture the same essence that made the original so compelling. Will they face similar struggles, or will they present a different narrative altogether? For fans who have grown alongside the original cast, the shift may feel jarring.
A Reflection of a Generation
Ultimately, Vanderpump Rules served as a poignant document of a generation grappling with the realities of adulthood. It highlighted the failures and frustrations of millennials in a society that often seems stacked against them. As the show transitions to a new era, it remains to be seen whether the next generation of cast members can evoke the same sense of relatability and authenticity that made Vanderpump Rules a cultural phenomenon. For many viewers, the original cast’s journey was a reflection of their own, and the nostalgia for that shared experience may be hard to replicate.
