Is ‘Vanderpump Villa’ Going To Replace ‘Vanderpump Rules’?
While Vanderpump Rules is in its eleventh season, it hasn’t gotten the response producers expected. With a new Pump Rules on the block, Vanderpump Villa, fans are wondering if it will be sliding in as a replacement.
Vanderpump Villa Is The Newest Pump On The Block
In VPR‘s Season 11, fans are getting all the deets about what has been happening. However, the viewership has declined since the newest season debuted. On January 30, VPR Season 11 brought in over 1.3 million viewers but is now seeing a huge drop. According to TV ratings, the current viewership is between 930k to 988k viewers for each new episode. However, the new kid on the block, Vanderpump Villa is the fresh new face of the Vanderpump family. On April 1 Hulu introduced the shiny new series, Vanderpump Villa, the spinoff to VPR. Furthermore, it gave fans the first three episodes of the show to get a taste. Recently, Deadline spoke with the President of the production company for the show, Bunim/Murray Productions. They admit that the spinoff was secretly “being developed for a couple of years.”
It follows Lisa Vanderpump with twelve of her “world-class staff.” Specifically, the team offers guests of Lisa’s French countryside estate, Chateau Rosabelle, a “once-in-a-lifetime, Vanderpump-curated experience.” But an inside source told The Sun this could be the replacement for VPR. Saying, “Many may not know this, but Vanderpump Villa is actually a test to see if it can be as big of a show as Vanderpump Rules.” Further stating that Lisa is testing the waters and watching the fans’ reactions. The source also says VPR might be on the chopping block. Continuing, “Villa could replace Rules in the future, especially if VPR continues to sink and there aren’t as interesting storylines unfolding.”
Was Vanderpump Villa Originally In The Planning To Replace VPR?
While VPR is currently showing Season 11, previously there were reports that it was supposed to end after Season 10, but got revived after Scandoval. But now, it seems Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss’ affair might not be enough to keep the show going. Reportedly, “Nobody had a contract to continue,” a source told The U.S. Sun. Further stating, “The only reason the show got extended for another season was because of the affair.” Additionally, many believe VPR‘s storyline has run its course. However, Julie Pizzi shared with Deadline about Villa, “Lisa is already a brand. We started developing this project a year before Scandoval happened so I think Lisa was kind of looking at what was next for her.”
Vanderpump Villa Offers A Refreshing New Face For The Brand
Undeniably, the new series Vanderpump Villa brings in a refreshing group of new staff of the chateau. Including servers, events coordinators, housekeepers, mixologists, and an executive chef, all picked by Lisa. However, some of the cast previously knew each other. Likewise, they bring familiar past drama into the storyline but in a new location. For instance, Hannah Fouch and Marciano Brunette dated for three years previously. Additionally, Marciano came to Lisa by recommendation of the events coordinator, Stephen Alsvig, from the Vanderpump Cocktail Garden. However, the source says they make great TV but tend to be clueless about their jobs. According to The Sun, Eric Funderwhite, the chateau’s manager, allegedly “physically assaulted” his ex. Currently, it hasn’t been shown on the Villa, but he allegedly gave her black eyes. Likewise, The Sun obtained photos from court documents to back up the allegations.
Further supporting the idea, at the end of 2020, Eric’s ex got a temporary restraining order against him for one month. But there were no court appearances after the restraining order dismissal. After fans became aware of the allegations, they didn’t think he should be on the show. While it is unknown, he may not be on the show if there are future seasons.
Peter Madrigal Makes Suggestions For New Staff
After news of Eric’s abusive past, VPR alum, Peter Madrigal, gave his thoughts on bringing in the new cast for Vanderpump Villa. “Lisa ‘scoured the world’ to find what? The manager? I mean, I’m right here. She could have brought me,” he offers. “I’m one of the best managers in the world. And in comparison to that guy (Eric)… Yeah, I’m right there.” While he seemingly is a little sad over not being the first choice, he doesn’t condone Eric’s assault. “Certain behaviors are unacceptable and completely reprehensible and just disgusting. I would never want to be associated with something like that.” Admittedly, he feels sorry for Lisa Vanderpump having to deal with the mess of his actions.
Currently, no announcements indicate whether Vanderpump Villa or Vanderpump Rules will see more seasons. But for now, fans can see new episodes of Villa every Monday on Hulu and VPR every Tuesday at 7 pm CST on Bravo.
What do you think? Will Vanderpump Villa replace VPR? Are you watching both? Drop your comments below.
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