Vanderpump Rules Season 9 - Here's What We Can Tell Fans So Far

"Vanderpump Rules" is finally returning to Bravo after a long hiatus. The reality show has been a hit for the network since its premiere back in 2013. The series, which is a spinoff of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," stars former housewife and restaurateur, Lisa Vanderpump, with a focus on the professional and personal lives of her young staff working at her Los Angeles restaurants.

Last year, the show was struck with some major controversy when several popular cast members were fired over past racist behaviors. While the show's future seemed up in the air for a bit, filming of its ninth season finally kicked off in May 2021. One of the show's stars, Lala Kent, promised that Season 9 is well worth the wait, telling the "Behind the Velvet Rope" podcast (via Refinery 29), "I didn't know what to expect, but it's going to be a great season just based off of what we filmed so far. Like, sh*t has already hit the fan."

Lisa appears to agree with Lala's take, telling Daily Dish, "Some might be more mature, but definitely you feel that they've been locked up for a year, that's for sure." She added, "It's already, like, complicated, and it's all kicking off. And I'm like, oh, my god, I missed them all so much, but wow, yeah, it's a lot." Lisa isn't the only one who missed the SURvers, so when can fans expect to see the newest season "Vanderpump Rules" on TV?

Fans shouldn't have to wait too long for Season 9 of "Vanderpump Rules" since the filming has already wrapped after production began in May. According to Us Weekly, during the final night of filming on July 18, the cast celebrated the show's wrap with a party that also doubled as the show stars ​​James Kennedy and Raquel Leviss' engagement celebration. Lala Kent also acknowledged that Season 9 is in the can on her Instagram story, where she shared a glimpse of baby daughter Ocean, writing, "That's a wrap on season 9. Back to the happiest place on Earth." As did Lisa Vanderpump herself, by posting her own Instagram photo with the caption, "Time for a break, just finished #vanderpumprules."

While filming has completed, Bravo has yet to officially announce a premiere date for Season 9. However, according to Refinery 29, fans can expect the show to return sometime this autumn. Past seasons have usually kicked off in early November or December but with the changes caused by the pandemic, it's unclear exactly which month fans can expect its return this year. However, for those who need to catch up on past seasons of "Vanderpump Rules" after its long break, old episodes are available on the streaming services Hulu, Peacock, YouTubeTV, and Sling TV.

With this newest season of "Vanderpump Rules" comes a major cast shakeup after several series regulars were either fired or quit. But fans need not to worry because the Daily Dish reports that Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Schwartz, Tom Sandoval, Katie Maloney-Schwartz, Ariana Maddix, Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, James Kennedy, and Raquel Leviss are all returning for Season 9.

As for who's not coming back, Dayna Kathan confirmed she isn't and Bravo cut ties with former stars Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni for various racist controversies. All four have apologized, with Stassi and Kristen's rep telling Us Weekly, that they "acknowledged what they did was wrong, have apologized and been punished." Stassi's husband, ​Beau Clark, won't return without his wife. Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright, who welcomed a baby in April 2021, also decided to not return to "focus on [their] growing family."

With a cast shakeup, of course comes some new faces. Lisa revealed last August that, "There are new cast members," and acknowledged the lack of diversity saying, "It's really up to people that want to be front and center. I mean, I'm always all about that." Ariana also suggested it, explaining, "I can only imagine that given that they're not going to have a couple of the new ones back that they would probably want to pick that back up with some new new people." Fans will just have to see what Season 9 has in store for them when it returns.