Friendship has been a major part of Vanderpump Rules since the pilot. After all, it started out as a show about a very real friend group. We’ve never heard so many adults arguing over whether or not they were best friends. Throughout 10 seasons, the friendship dynamic have changed a lot. And there are more than a few sworn enemies who became close pals. Some of the following Vanderpump Rules friendships are so unlikely, who knows. Maybe Rachel Leviss will rejoin the group some day after all.
Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay
On paper, Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay couldn’t be more different. Ariana is down-to-earth and low-key. Scheana is as extra as it gets, and can be a bit delusional. But their friendship is one of the most genuine relationships on the show. And it’s stood the test of time, unlike many others.
Ariana was introduced as Scheana’s bestie when she officially joined the cast in Season 2. The first season, she appeared as a backup dancer for the “Good As Gold” singer’s showcase. Ariana’s also been a bridesmaid at both of Scheana’s on-camera weddings.
Ariana and Kristen Doute
In her first scene as an official VPR cast member, Ariana memorably told Scheana she was smarter, prettier, and cooler than Kristen Doute. And thus began their rivalry over Tom Sandoval. Even after Kristen and Sandoval broke up, she spent Season 3 trying to take Ariana down.
Somehow, after the Miami Girl saga and Ariana accusing Kristen of not taking sketch comedy seriously, they became friends. It wasn’t until Season 7 that viewers saw their friendship on camera, but it apparently happened years before.
Things came full circle when Kristen returned to Pump Rules to comfort Ariana amidst Scandoval. Kristen also repeatedly shut down comments that it was karma for the way Ariana and Sandoval’s relationship began.
Katie Maloney and Lala Kent
Katie Maloney didn’t like Lala Kent the moment she arrived at SUR, and the feeling was mutual. For years, they went back and forth making nasty and judgmental comments. Katie slut shamed Lala, while Lala body shamed Katie. Every time they tried to form a truce, it only devolved into more name-calling.
A truce was finally called in Season 6, but only after Katie backslid to slut shaming, which led Lala to reveal Tom Schwartz made out with her friend. From Seasons 7 through 9, they grew closer. After their respective breakups, they had a lot of fun as single girlfriends out on the town.
In between Season 10’s initial finale and the discovery of Scandoval, they hit a bump in the road. Katie said the vibes were off, due to Lala’s reignited friendship with Scheana (more on this later). But when they appeared together on Watch What Happens Live, the two revealed they hashed things out on the plane, and the vibes were on again. We’re sure it helps that Katie and Scheana are cordial these days.
Katie and James Kennedy
James Kennedy joined Lala’s body shaming of Katie, and didn’t let up even after the women mended fences. Katie fired back in a big way, trying to get him banned from DJ gigs at SUR. It wasn’t until Season 8 that he made an apology that seemed genuine. And it actually stuck.
At the Season 10 reunion, James even defended Katie to her ex-husband Schwartz. We’re sure it helps that James’ current girlfriend, Ally Lewber, gets along with everyone in the group.
Lala and Brock Davies
When Scheana’s now-husband Brock Davies appeared on Season 9, Lala publicly revealed the allegations against him. Lala then negatively compared Brock to her then-fiancé, Randall Emmett, whom she loudly insisted was a “stand-up guy.”
After the Randall scandal, Lala changed her tune. She admitted that the anger at Brock was most likely projection. As she said at the Season 10 reunion, a big part of the restorative friendship was due to their toddler daughters. Lala became so close to Scheana that she was made an honorary bridesmaid in the Davies’ wedding by getting her face photoshopped over Rachel’s.
Speaking of Rachel, Lala recently shut down her former co-star’s claims that she stole a house from Brock. Scheana co-signed the denial, insisting they’re all happily living as next-door neighbors in Palm Springs.
TELL US – WHICH OF THESE UNLIKELY VANDERPUMP RULES FRIENDSHIPS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST? WHAT UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIPS COULD FORM BETWEEN THE CAST IN THE FUTURE?
