Lisa Vanderpump has forcefully countered claims that the revamped version of her flagship reality series Vanderpump Rules is a failure, revealing impressive streaming figures that tell a very different story.
Streaming Success Trumps Live TV Ratings
The long-running Bravo show returned for its twelfth season earlier this month with a completely new cast, premiering on both Bravo and Peacock. Initial reports focused on disappointing live television ratings, with just 290,000 viewers tuning in for the live broadcast – the lowest in the programme's history. This sparked rumours that the series might be facing cancellation.
However, Vanderpump took to social media on Thursday to set the record straight. She announced that the premiere episode had actually reached a massive 2.6 million viewers when accounting for all platforms, including streaming and catch-up services.
"Just got the good news that Vanderpump Rules is thriving," the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star declared. "The Season 12 premiere reached 2.6 million viewers across platforms, making it bigger than all new series in 2025!"
Bravo Boss Dismisses 'Hashmark' Live Ratings
The significant discrepancy between live and streaming numbers reflects a broader shift in viewing habits, particularly among the show's younger target audience. Bravo executive and host Andy Cohen recently addressed the negative reports on his SiriusXM show, Radio Andy.
"First of all, you don’t know the ratings for Vanderpump Rules," Cohen stated. "We don’t look at live ratings. I haven’t looked at a live rating for anything on Bravo. You know what the live ratings are? Hashmarks. It’s delayed, it’s DVR, and it’s Peacock."
The consolidated 2.6 million figure means the Vanderpump Rules reboot has outperformed other new Bravo launches this year, including Next Gen NYC, Bravo's Love Hotel, and Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition.
Where Are the Original Cast Members Now?
The twelfth season features a fresh ensemble of staff from Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurant SUR, including Venus Binkley, Marcus Johnson, and Audrey Lingle. This follows the decision to move on from veteran stars like Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, and Lala Kent.
The original cast have since embarked on new television ventures:
- Ariana Madix is arguably the most successful, hosting Love Island USA and appearing on NBC's The Voice.
- Tom Sandoval is set to star in the next season of E!'s House of Villains after his stint on America's Got Talent.
- Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz have joined the spin-off series The Valley.
- Katie Maloney is filming the upcoming Hulu series Stassi Says.
- Scheana Shay claims she turned down a role in The Valley and has been promoting a tell-all memoir.
- James Kennedy has focused on his DJ career following a personal scandal last year.
With Bravo and production company 32 Flavors sharing Vanderpump's triumphant post, it's clear the restaurant-based drama is far from closing its doors, having successfully reinvented itself for the streaming era.
