Vanderpump Rules: A Reality Show That Lost Touch With Reality?

Is Vanderpump Rules clinging to a bygone era of its existence?

For over a decade, Bravo's Vanderpump Rules has offered a glimpse into the lives of a group of friends navigating love, careers, and the drama-filled world of West Hollywood nightlife. But lately, the show seems to be stuck in a rut, with fans questioning whether it's lost touch with its original charm.

This article dives into the recent controversies surrounding Vanderpump Rules, explores the show's evolution, and ponders its future.

Once Upon a Time in SUR

Vanderpump Rules' early seasons captured the raw energy of young adults chasing their dreams in Los Angeles. The cast, mostly unknown newbies working at Lisa Vanderpump's SUR restaurant, juggled demanding jobs with complicated relationships.  We saw them fight, make up, celebrate milestones, and experience the ups and downs of real life.

The Price of Fame

As the show's popularity grew, so did the cast's fame.  Early on, the lines between reality and performance started to blur. Gone were the days of relatable struggles; cast members were now living a comfortable life fueled by reality TV paychecks and social media sponsorships.

A Frayed Reality

This shift in lifestyle presented a challenge for the show's producers.  Should they acknowledge the cast's newfound fame or continue pretending everything was the same? Vanderpump Rules opted for the latter, leading to a sense of inauthenticity.

• Ignoring the Obvious: The show rarely addressed the cast's off-screen ventures, like podcasts and brand deals, that undoubtedly influenced their on-screen behavior.
• The Curious Case of Stassi and Kristen: When cast members Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute were fired for racist actions, their absence wasn't addressed. It felt like the show was trying to rewrite history.
• A Missed Opportunity: The "Scandoval" Debacle

Season 10's explosive cheating scandal involving Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix offered a prime opportunity for Vanderpump Rules to embrace its new reality.  Imagine a season exploring the complexities of fame, forgiveness, and the impact of social media scrutiny on a long-standing friendship.

However, the show dropped the ball.  Instead of delving into the situation, producers focused on forced conversations and recycled drama.

Shattered Walls and Frustrated Fans

Season 11 finally saw a (somewhat)  acknowledgment of the fabricated reality.  In a climactic scene, Ariana walks out of filming, refusing to participate in a performative conversation with Sandoval.  This moment, however, felt more like a desperate attempt to salvage a failing season than a genuine shift in approach.

Looking Ahead:  The Future of Vanderpump Rules

Can Vanderpump Rules recapture its magic? Here are some possibilities:

Embracing Transparency: Owning the cast's fame and acknowledging the constructed nature of reality TV could breathe new life into the show.

A New Cast?: A complete reboot with a fresh cast might be risky, but it could offer a return to the show's original essence.

Focusing on New Beginnings: Perhaps it's time to let go of the original cast and follow a new group navigating the LA restaurant scene.

Conclusion:  Is Vanderpump Rules Still Relevant?

Only time will tell if Vanderpump Rules can adapt and survive. But one thing is certain: viewers crave authenticity. If the show wants to stay relevant, it needs to find a way to bridge the gap between the lives it portrays and the reality of its cast.

FAQs

1.  Why are people criticizing Vanderpump Rules?

Fans feel the show has become inauthentic and repetitive. The cast's lives have changed dramatically due to fame, but the show avoids acknowledging this shift.

2.  What was the "Scandoval" scandal?

Tom Sandoval cheated on his longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix. The media frenzy surrounding the incident exposed the cracks in Vanderpump Rules' portrayal of the cast's lives.

3.  Should Vanderpump Rules be canceled?

Not necessarily. The show has the potential to be interesting again, but it needs to embrace a more transparent approach.

4.  Will there be another season of Vanderpump Rules?

Bravo hasn't confirmed a new season yet. The show's future depends on its ability to revamp its format.

5.  What other reality TV shows are similar to Vanderpump Rules?

If you enjoy the friend group dynamics and LA setting, check out shows like The Hills: New Beginnings, Laguna Beach, and Southern Charm.