“Vanderpump Rules” is without a doubt a reality TV masterpiece. With its final episode airing in May 2024 after an incredible 11 year run, I think it’s only fair that I dive into what made this show so exceptional.
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One of the main reasons “Vanderpump Rules” resonated so well with audiences is its organic friend group. Unlike many reality shows that assemble and hand pluck casts, “Vanderpump Rules” featured an already established friend group who were actual employees at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant. This authenticity allowed for drama to unfold naturally, steaming from the genuine, pre-existing dynamics and histories between the cast members. As a viewer, this had me on the edge of my seat the entire time because the drama felt so real!
Another element that set “Vanderpump Rules” apart was Jax Taylor. Jax seemed almost made for reality TV, being a narcissist who managed to have zero personal growth throughout the course of the show. For those unfamiliar, Jax’s legacy includes sleeping with his best friend’s girlfriend, dumping another girlfriend immediately after an AA meeting due to her perceived “baggage,” and repeatedly cheating on his long-term partner, among many other things. While Jax was often behind the chaos, the entire cast contributed their fair share to the drama.
This brings up another crucial point. The show’s and the cast’s commitment to transparency. In contrast to reality shows featuring established figures who have greater control over their image, the early cast of “Vanderpump Rules” had no such power. They were unknown before the show, meaning their most vulnerable and outrageous moments were aired without censorship. While perhaps uncomfortable for those involved, if you’re a reality TV lover like me then you know this is exactly what makes for a compelling show.
Finally, the show’s longevity played a huge role in its impact. Viewers were able to witness the cast members evolve over a decade. The journey of Stassi (my personal favourite), from her relationship with Jax in season one to her engagement and happiness in season eight, was particularly satisfying to watch. We saw weddings, divorces (though Stassi’s marriage remains strong), and servers turning into business owners. The long timeline intensified the cheating scandals, as viewers had invested years in watching these relationships develop. Of course, no discussion of “Vanderpump Rules” would be complete without mentioning “Scandoval,” arguably one of the most significant cheating scandals in reality TV history. The revelation that Tom Sandoval had been unfaithful to Ariana Madix with their close friend Raquel blew everyone away.
In conclusion, “Vanderpump Rules” was a truly exceptional show and it’s unlikely we’ll see anything quite like it again. However, the ability to rewatch the series offers me some peace of mind. And for those who have yet to experience the world of “Vanderpump Rules,” an incredible journey awaits you!