Vanderpump Rules finally made its producers into characters
Famously averse to letting production sneak into the frame, Vanderpump Rules made the lines between the show and how its made even blurrier last night
We’re knee-deep in the thick of Vanderpump Rules’ finale trilogy, the most anticipated and contentious of the show’s decade-long existence. While the show has had several firsts this year, including a restraining order that kept persona non-grata Raquel “Rachel” Leviss and Scheana Shay separated for the first episode, a fight between Tom “Scandoval” Sandoval and producer Patrick McDonald stands as one of the most unusual moments of the show’s tenure.
Vanderpump Rules has long operated in its own universe. Like professional wrestling or most Hollywood movies, the show has long resisted its big Hills-esque reveal, showing off all the cameras, producers, writers, and sound people that surround the cast. Aside from cast member Lisa Vanderpump, producers rarely step in, even when the cast is violent. There are exceptions. Following a particularly heated fight between Jax and Brittany in season eight, a chyron revealed producers’ concern for Brittany’s safety. It stated that the production offered to stay with her for the evening, fearing Jax might harm his wife.
That was an extreme example—though viewers probably appreciated it. However, Sandoval’s desire to speak off-camera with Leviss at last night’s reunion triggered another intervention. When he entered Leviss’ trailer, he asked producers if he and she could have a “for-real break where [they’re] not, like, being filmed.” Unfortunately, according to producer Patrick McDonald, making his Vanderpump Rules on-camera debut, they must film if they are together. “Cameras are up if anyone’s together,” McDonald said, laying out rules for production that have never been uttered on screen. “You can have time if you need time to yourself,” the producer told Sandoval, encouraging him to take lunch. “It’s part of what it is.”
