

Reality shows come and go, but Vanderpump Rules has remained a fan favorite for over a decade. What began as a behind-the-scenes look at life inside of Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant, SUR, quickly spiraled into a cultural phenomenon filled with breakups, betrayals, and blindsided drama. (Cue the Scheananigans episode where Scheana Shay spills on what really happened with Lisa.)
The thing is, VPR isn’t just a show about restaurants and service jobs. It’s a long-running story about relationships constantly colliding in high-pressure environments. One minute, the cast members are best friends. The next? They’re on opposite sides of a season-defining feud. (Yes, we’re talking about “Scandoval,” which you can hear ALL about in “Ariana Madix: From Vanderpump to the Villa” from Not Skinny But Not Fat.)
Needless to say, for those of us on our tenth rewatch, we need something more. Of course, our Dear Media podcast hosts are keeping us fed with updates in episodes like “He Cheated. She Stayed. Scheana Shay on Motherhood, Betrayal, and the Choice to Stay” from After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings. But nothing beats coming home after a long day and turning on a juicy, drama-filled reality TV show.
In this post, we’re rounding up all of the BEST shows like Vanderpump Rules. We’ll give you a brief refresher, discuss why VPR is such a living legend in reality TV, and talk all about the shows that offer similar vibes. Strap in, this is gonna be a good one.

15 Shows Like Vanderpump Rules to Binge Right Now
Vanderpump Rules sits in a very specific corner of reality TV that other shows simply can’t touch. By blending workplace settings with personal drama, long-term relationship storylines, and a deeply connected cast, the series created a formula that genuinely interested viewers.
Hence why we’ve all listened to “In Bed with Lala Kent” from LIVE FROM BED 1,000 times. Or Scheana’s episode on the advice Lisa Vanderpump gave Ally Lewber. Or… you get the gist.
So when fans say “I want more shows like Vanderpump Rules,” they’re not just referring to the genre. They want recommendations that offer the same emotional patterns, the same interconnected friendships, and, in some cases, the same cast members. (Don’t worry, we have a few of those below.)
So, without further ado, here’s what VPR is about, why fans can’t get enough, and where you can find more:
What Is Vanderpump Rules About?
Vanderpump Rules is an unscripted Bravo reality TV series that follows a group of employees working at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants in West Hollywood. Originally a spin-off of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, VPR expanded on Lisa’s role as a restaurateur, mentor, employer, and reality TV personality. (More about this in our post, “Lisa Rinna wants LVP Back on RHOBH with Her!”)
Over the years, the series has become notorious for its dramatic storylines that focus on friendship, breakups, career ambitions, and shifting loyalties among cast members. But that isn’t what makes the show so easily lovable. It’s a real work environment with deeply relatable experiences. Viewers have watched the cast grow up, fall in love, get married, end friendships, launch businesses, and navigate public scandals. (Yes, we’re talking about “Scandoval” again. It was HUGE.)
Beyond all the different plots, we were also introduced to some of the most ICONIC faces in reality TV history. Vanderpump Rules connected us with:
Who Are the Vanderpump Rules Cast Members?
- Stassi Schroeder: A VPR OG, Stassi later became an author, podcaster, and lead of House of Stassi. (Tune into “Am I the Vanderpump Villain? with Stassi Schroeder Clark.”)
- Kristen Doute: VPR icon for 8 seasons, Kristen is now a podcaster, author, founder of a lifestyle brand, and appears on The Valley. (Learn about Kristen and Scheana’s matching tattoo fiasco HERE!)
- Ariana Madix: A VPR breakout star, Ariana has appeared in various scripted and unscripted projects, starred on Broadway, become a bestselling author, founded a cocktail kit brand, and hosts Love Island USA.
- James Kennedy: Originally a recurring guest, James became a full-time VPR regular through 2024. Today, he’s a DJ and frequently discusses his personal growth journey.
- Katie Maloney: A regular for 11 seasons, Katie now focuses on podcasting, brand partnerships, and her co-owned sandwich shop with Ariana Madix. (Any super-fans here? Check out “Best Reality TV Podcasts.”)
- Tom Sandoval: A VPR regular through 2024, Tom is now a touring musician, restaurant owner alongside Lisa Vanderpump, Ken Todd, and Tom Schwartz, and reality TV personality. (Listen to “THE RETURN OF TOM SANDOVAL.”)
- Jax Taylor: Appearing in seasons 1–8, Jax now co-owns a sports bar, partners with consumer brands, and advocates for sobriety. (You can hear Jax talk about his addiction on Taste of Taylor!”)
- Raquel Leviss: Featured in seasons 5–8, Raquel now works as a certified sound bowl practitioner and remains active on socials.
- Tom Schwartz: A regular through season 11, Tom now hosts a podcast, co-owns a West Hollywood hotspot, and stars in The Valley. (Check out our post, “Best Bravo Podcasts!”
- Lala Kent: Debuting in seasons 4–12, Lala now stars in The Valley, hosts podcasts, and streams on Amazon Live. (Read our post, “Lala Kent Just Dropped Major Tea About Labor, Love, and Life After Vanderpump Rules!”)

Why Do People Like Vanderpump Rules?
Friendships That Constantly Break Apart and Reform
One of the biggest reasons why viewers stay invested in VPR is because friendships are never static. Ever. Remember: cast members aren’t just coworkers on a TV show—they work at the same restaurant. Former enemies become friends while longtime friendships suddenly implode mid-season. The social dynamics are completely unpredictable, which is great for keeping everything fresh and suspenseful.
Interested in a fun, girl-coded recap? Check out our post, “Will Scheana Shay Ever Go Back to Reality TV?” Then, once you’re done, listen to her full episode, “Scheana Spills on Labubus, Receding Hairlines, & Being on the Wrong Side of History” to hear more about her relationship with Lala!
Romantic Relationships That Overlap and Create Tension
Many of the show’s biggest storylines come from romantic relationships that affect the entire group. You can IMAGINE the kind of drama that goes on when everyone knows each other—and has for years. Every breakup, reconciliation, and scandal creates a ripple effect that every cast member feels.
Learn allll about this in “Ally Lewber on All Things Astrology, Her Breakup with James, Vanderpump’s Scandoval Details, & The Future of Her Career as an Intuitive” on The Balanced Blonde // Soul on Fire!
Workplace Drama That Directly Impacts Personal Lives
Unlike many other reality TV series, Vanderpump Rules BEGAN with cast members working together. So, sure, we’re watching reality TV stars—but we’re also watching SUR coworkers navigate their daily lives together. Professional conflicts often spill into personal relationships, creating an entirely new layer of tension that makes the show feel especially chaotic.
Clearly, it’s no surprise that Scheana Shay uses Mel Robbins “Let Them Theory” to chill. (Imagine YOU having to film with your coworkers!) Tune into the full episode, titled “Cherries, Courtroom Cuffs, & the Chaos of Changing Clocks.”
Long-Term Storytelling That Rewards Viewers Who Follow Every Season
One of the most satisfying aspects of VPR is watching storylines unfold across YEARS—not weeks. Relationships? Built over the course of decades. Friendships? Tested time and time again. Feuds? Rarely confined to one single season. Every major moment carries history behind it, making the highs higher and the drama even messier.
Cue Scheana Shay unpacking her blockbuster betrayal in “My Good Side!” It’s real, raw, vulnerable, and totally worth the listen.
What to Watch If You Like Vanderpump Rules
Okay, we’ve filled you in, refreshed your brain, and even given you a cast member-by-cast member recap. Now that you’re all caught up, here are all of the TV shows that NEED to be fans of Vanderpump Rules’ watch list:
Vanderpump Villa
Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+,
Naturally, Vanderpump Villa HAS to be the first recommendation on our list. This reality TV series follows elite hospitality professionals, handpicked by Lisa Vanderpump, who live and work together at a European estate. You can hear all the juicy BTS details in “Crazy Old Maurice with Babette Strecker” from Taste of Taylor! (Taylor and her wife were guests at the estate, so you know the inside scoop is good.)
Vanderpump Villa is like a luxurious replica of VPR. It features all the same interpersonal, chaotic, and intertwined drama, just with a new, tight-knit staff. Plus, you can spot Stassi Schroeder in her role as resident guest! (You can also read about her experience in “Stassi Schroeder Talks Vanderpump Villa on Live From Bed with Jade Lovine!”)
Summer House
Where to watch: Peacock, Bravo, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Summer House follows a group of young professionals who live and work in New York City during the week but share a Hampton house on the weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Featuring that “work hard, play harder” mindset, the Bravo series is 10 seasons full of drama. Think: betrayals, breakups, shifting alliances, and career difficulties.
This latest season? MESSY. Just listen to “Jessie Solomon on the Truth About Summer House, Surviving Cancer Twice, Dating in the Public Eye, & Life in the Spotlight” from The Bossticks. Needless to say, both series feature that “found family” dynamic that fans love so much.
Already binge-watched the series? NBD! Just read our post, “Shows Like Summer House: Reality Series You’ll Love Next.”
Winter House
Where to watch: Peacock, Bravo, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Think of Winter House as Summer House’s cozier, snowier cousin. This Bravo spin-off follows an ensemble cast of reality TV stars as they vacation together in a luxurious ski resort for 2 weeks. Cast members include icons like Paige DeSorbo, Ciara Miller, Tom Schwartz, Amanda Batula, Austen Kroll, and Malia White.
While living together, the cast navigates everything from hookups and friendships to group drama and reconciliation. Sound familiar? Just like Vanderpump Rules, Winter House has that natural overlap of history, tension, and, naturally, entertainment.
Southern Hospitality
Where to watch: Peacock, Bravo, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Ever wondered what it was like to live and work in Charleston, one of the U.S.’s most celebrated cities? Southern Hospitality covers it. This Bravo series follows the lives of friends and coworkers at Republic, a high-end Charleston bar, as they navigate demanding careers, complicated relationships, and messy, relatable drama. (Learn even more in “Drinking & Podcasting: Gretchen Rossi & Leva Bonaparte!”)
For viewers chasing the energy of early Vanderpump Rules, Southern Hospitality delivers a SUPER similar vibe. Same workplace drama, same kind of friendships, and same can’t-look-away emotional chaos. Listen to what Scheana has to say about this common comparison in “Gagged by Gaga!”
The Valley
Where to watch: Peacock, Bravo, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
A spin-off of Vanderpump Rules, The Valley follows a close group of friends as they switch their focus from Hollywood partying to suburban life in the San Fernando Valley. In other words, we get to see our OG favorites all grown up and settled down! (… For the most part.)
It’s still full of controversial relationships, fiery group tensions, and petty drama—that we. eat. up. And with cast members like Kristin Doute, Lala Kent, Tom Schwartz, and Jax Taylor, you can probably guess just how similar both series are.
Wanna catch up on what the cast is doing both during and after filming? Listen to “Kristen Doute: Mommy, Mamicita?” and “Jesse Lally: Setting the Record Straight” from Not Skinny But Not Fat!
Siesta Key
Where to watch: Paramount+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Siesta Key is an MTV reality docu-series that focuses on a close-knit friend group navigating relationships, breakups, betrayals, and major life changes. Oh, and of course, it’s set against a stunning Florida backdrop. Consider it a modern blend of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and Summer House. It has all the best themes of each series sprinkled in throughout the seasons.
But those two shows aren’t the only comparable options! Siesta Key totally channels VPR with similar themes of emotionally messy reality TV and long-standing loyalties. In other words, the drama you’re watching unfold? It’s layered.
Craving a similar vibe? Check out our post, “Shows Like Laguna Beach” for other recs!

Southern Charm
Where to watch: Peacock, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Bravo reality series Southern Charm follows the lives of single, wealthy, and charismatic socialites living in Charleston, South Carolina. If you love the idea of old-money traditions with modern drama, this is definitely the show for you. The series explores a ton of fan-favorite themes, like partying, dating, messy breakups, starting businesses, and life transitions.
Want a sneak peek at the chaos? Check out our post, “Shep Rose Shares the Juiciest Southern Charm Gossip You’ve Ever Heard!” Another series fans often compare to VPR, every storyline feels authentic rather than curated—and that’s what we love most. They both have character-driven plots, unspoken leaders, and wild social groups you’d love to be friends with for a night.
Ready for your reality TV series’ worlds’ to collide? Tune into Kristin Cavallari’s live episode with Austen Kroll and Craig Conover from Let’s Be Honest!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Where to watch: Peacock, Bravo, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Lisa Vanderpump technically rose to fame through Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. So, of COURSE, we had to include it! RHOBH follows a group of affluent women in the 90210 zip code as they navigate their professional and personal lives. That means you’ll see tested friendships, rocky familial relationships, twisted love stories, and complex business ventures. What’s not to love?
RHOBH is basically like the carbon copy of VPR. Or… vice versa because RHOBH came first? Either way, they’re basically one and the same. Both series showcase lavish lifestyles, interpersonal drama, and, of course, Lisa Vanderpump as a central figure.
Haven’t dived deep enough into Bravoverse to catch up with the Real Housewives franchises? Get a peek in our posts about Denise Richards’ divorce, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe joining the cast, and the exclusive on why Lisa Rinna left RHOBH.
The Real Housewives of Orange County
Where to watch: Peacock, Bravo, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
The Real Housewives of Orange County was the FIRST show in the Housewives franchise and remains an insanely popular series decades later. Known for establishing the soap-opera style, RHOC features all the things you love about classic reality TV. Shifting friendships, emotional confrontations, memorable moments—no stone goes unturned. Plus, as the first installment, almost everything you see in the franchise is a product of the OG.
Like VPR, RHOC is a character-driven Bravo series that shares unscripted chaos rather than tailored drama. Plus, similar to VPR’s “weekend getaways,” RHOC features “Housewives trips” that never fail to put us on the edge of our seats. (In the best, most unhinged way.)
While we’re here, you might as well check out our post on shows about rich people next! It’s only right.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Where to watch: Peacock, Bravo, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
There are SO many Below Deck spin-offs, but Below Deck Sailing Yacht feels especially relevant for Vanderpump Rules fans. The series follows a yacht crew as they work, live, and socialize together while catering to high-maintenance charter guests in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Dreamy and entertaining!
Like VPR, the workplace is only half of the story. Once the crew clocks out, friendships, romances, rivalries, and lingering tensions come alive. Clearly, when people work together, live together, and spend every waking second with each other? There’s bound to be a little (or a lot) of turbulence.
Already caught up on Below Deck Sailing Yacht? Don’t go anywhere just yet. Tune into “Chivalry Isn’t Dead (It’s on a Yacht) with Captain Jason Chambers” from Come Together!
Jersey Shore
Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Pluto TV
GTL, anyone? Jersey Shore followed the lives of single 20-something-year-olds living together in a Jersey beach house. This series dominated early 2000s culture, breathing life back into cheetah print, oversized sunnies, and fist-pumping.
We could go on about how legendary this series was forever. But, instead, just listen to “Snooki vs. Chris Christie” on Good Guys! Or “Gym Toast Laundry with Snooki” from The Toast. Ooorrrr “Vinny Guadagnino: Grief, Green Flags, & Who’s Picking Up the Tab” from The Pre-Game with Kayla Nicole.
While the setting may differ from VPR, the emotional structure is totally there. Both shows thrive on close-knit friend groups, recurring conflicts, years’ worth of history, and romantic entanglements. (Heavy on the entanglements part.)
Love Island USA
Where to watch: Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Already a fan of Ariana Madix? (Let’s be real, who isn’t?)
Regardless, Love Island USA will be an easy sell. Hosted by Ariana herself, Love Island USA is a reality dating competition series that follows a group of singles living together in a luxury villa as they search for love. It’s as juicy as it sounds. Relationships form, alliances shift, and unexpected twists leave fans shocked. Or, honestly, in tears. (We’re starting a “We Miss Bea” support group as we speak.)
Love Island USA focuses more on romance rather than friendships. However, fans of VPR can definitely appreciate the relationship drama, social dynamics, and constant unpredictability. Plus, seeing Ariana thrive in her hosting era is reason enough to tune in!
Want to stay updated with all the BTS drama? Comments by Celebs is DEFINITELY the podcast you need to listen to. Hosts Emma Diamond, Julie Kramer, and Isabel Greenberg release multiple episodes a week, breaking down all the pop culture buzz you don’t wanna miss.
Selling Sunset
Where to watch: Netflix
What happens when you combine luxury real estate, ambitious personalities, and cameras? Selling Sunset. This Netflix hit follows agents at the Los Angeles-based Oppenheim Group as they navigate multi-million dollar listings, friendships, and endless workplace drama. Seriously, you need to catch up for the newest upcoming season. And you can start with “Soaps, Real Estate, & Drama W/ Chrishell Stause” on Not Skinny But Not Fat and Christine Quinn’s episode on The Bossticks!
Much like Vanderpump Rules, professional lives and personal relationships become deeply intertwined. One disagreement at work can quickly evolve into a season-long conflict, complemented by social media shade, fiery confessionals, and high-stakes conversations.
Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County
Where to watch: Paramount+, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Before Vanderpump Rules, there was Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. And, to put it simply, it was a defining reality TV phenomenon. This MTV hit series follows a group of high school students as they navigate friendships, dating, social hierarchies, and major life milestones. We talk all about how iconic the show was in “Where Are They Now? Cause of Laguna Beach Then and Now.”
Honestly, many of the storytelling elements that make VPR (and so many OTHER reality shows) so addictive can be traced back to Laguna Beach. Similar relationship drama, similar friend group structures, and the same storylines that feel personal—not manufactured.
Here at Dear Media, we have all the inside scoop about Laguna Beach you could ever need. Tune into Kristin Cavallari’s podcast, Let’s Be Honest, and listen to episodes like “The Laguna Reunion and Spencer Pratt for Mayor!” And, don’t forget to check out Lo Bosworth’s Tell Me I’m a Good Mom, starting with “I was on Laguna Beach at 17. Being Pregnant Online Hits Different.”
The Hills
Where to watch: Paramount+, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
If Laguna Beach was the beginning, then The Hills was the evolution. Following Lauren Conrad and her friends as they navigate adulthood in Los Angeles, The Hills became one of the defining reality shows of the late 2000s. The series blended aspirational lifestyles with friendship drama in a way that, at the time, felt totally fresh.
Like VPR, the show centers around a social circle whose relationships constantly evolve. Friendships get tested, romances come and go, and major life decisions impact the entire group. It’s an OG you don’t want to miss out on.
Miss keeping up the LC and the group? Us, too. That’s why we LOVE Whitney Port’s podcast, With Whit! Start with “Staying Home With Whit | Lauren Conrad and I (FINALLY!) Reunite!”
You can only rewatch Vanderpump Rules SO many times. Watch these similar series recommendations instead!
It’s no secret that Vanderpump Rules has true staying power. The lovable cast, deep-rooted history, intertwined relationship dynamics—it’s reality TV gold. However, if you’re on your third (or tenth) rewatch, it’s time to switch things up. Each of the recommendations above features everything you love most about VPR, just with a new cast and different setting. Trust us, you owe it to yourself to put them on your watch list.
Why stop here when you can head to Dear Media and find even more show recommendations? Alongside pop culture updates, health and wellness advice, and relationship tips, of course. You can also stay up to date on everything we mentioned and MORE by tuning in to our Dear Media podcast hosts.
Want to hear these convos live and in person? Check out Dear Media IRL, where we bring your favorite hosts to a city near YOU!
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