Lisa Vanderpump knows how to keep the drama alive. The queen of reality TV, who created Vanderpump Rules, has her sights set on bringing back a familiar face. With season 12 of the show getting a major reboot, fans are buzzing about what’s next. And Vanderpump has made it clear—she wants Tom Schwartz involved again.
Emotional Goodbyes from the OG Cast
Over the past few weeks, the reboot’s impact has been huge. Longtime viewers watched the original cast say their emotional goodbyes on social media. These OG stars, who won’t return for season 12, shared heartfelt posts as they closed this chapter of their lives. Lisa Vanderpump, the mastermind behind it all, also spoke up about the shake-up.
Lisa Vanderpump Stands by the Reboot
While Vanderpump admitted she was sad to see the OGs leave, she stood by the decision to revamp the show and opened up about which former cast member she’d love to see back in action. And her answer? Tom Schwartz. “I would like to see Tom Schwartz more involved in TomTom again. I think that is a brand we could really develop,” she shared.
A Double Dose of Drama
The timing of the reboot news couldn’t have been worse for Schwartz. Just one day before the revamp announcement, Schwartz and his business partner, Tom Sandoval, revealed that their restaurant, Schwartz & Sandy’s, was shutting down. Fans barely had time to process that before the reboot bombshell dropped. “I was very saddened by the timing,” Vanderpump said. “It felt like two negative things hitting all at once.”
Hope for TomTom’s Future
Despite the challenges, Vanderpump remains hopeful about the future. She wants Schwartz to reclaim his role at TomTom, the trendy West Hollywood bar she co-owns with him and Sandoval. “TomTom took a few hits through Scandoval and COVID, for sure,” she explained. “But it’s still alive and well. I’d love to see Schwartz fight for it.”
TomTom’s Rollercoaster Ride
For those unfamiliar, TomTom Restaurant and Bar is a cornerstone of Vanderpump’s empire. Launched in partnership with Schwartz and Sandoval, it quickly became a fan-favorite spot. But the past few years haven’t been kind to the business. First, the pandemic dealt a heavy blow. Then came Scandoval—the explosive cheating scandal that rocked the Vanderpump Rules universe.
The Scandoval Fallout
Scandoval erupted when Sandoval’s affair with Rachel Leviss was exposed. His betrayal of longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix sent shockwaves through the cast and fans alike. The fallout didn’t just tarnish Sandoval’s reputation; it also hurt TomTom’s success. Vanderpump acknowledged the scandal’s impact, noting how it fractured the cast dynamic and made the reboot necessary.
“The group lost cohesion after everything that happened,” Vanderpump admitted. “We’d told the story, and it was time to go back to the roots of what made the show work. Bravo agreed.”
Could Schwartz Return to the Show?
If Schwartz decides to step up at TomTom, it could mean more than just a business boost. Vanderpump hinted that his involvement might lead to appearances on the rebooted Vanderpump Rules. The show, after all, originally focused on the lives of people working at her bars and restaurants.
What’s Next for Vanderpump Rules?
With the reboot, Vanderpump is taking a bold step forward. The show will return to its grassroots concept, focusing on the drama and dynamics of her establishments. This move promises to breathe new life into the series, which has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
The Ball is in Schwartz’s Court
As for Schwartz, the ball is in his court. Vanderpump’s faith in him is unwavering, and fans are eager to see if he’ll rise to the occasion. Can he overcome the setbacks of recent years and reclaim his place in the spotlight? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: Vanderpump’s empire is far from slowing down, and the drama is just getting started.
