Let’s get one thing straight: The Valley is already overflowing with drama, questionable choices, and cast members clinging to their moment in the Bravo spotlight. But if there’s one person who’s been working overtime to make herself the main character this season, it’s Janet Caperna. From stirring the pot to making herself the victim in every scenario, Janet’s recent antics have fans giving her a bombastic side-eye due to her motives and her storyline.
Her mid-season boat ride emotional meltdown and sudden departure from the U.S. felt less like a genuine mental health break and more like a desperate move to gain sympathy and camera time. And, spoiler alert: it didn’t work. Viewers aren’t buying it, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Janet’s attempt to pivot into fan-favorite territory has completely flopped.
Why did The Valley’s Janet Caperna leave the US?
In one of Season 2’s most melodramatic moments, Janet made a tearful exit, hopping on a plane and fleeing the country. Because apparently, nothing says “I’m overwhelmed” like booking an international flight to Switzerland instead of handling your issues head-on. She framed the sudden departure as a much-needed reset, but fans weren’t exactly reaching for the tissues. Between her cryptic Instagram shutdown and vague explanations to news outlets, it felt more like a calculated PR move than a genuine step away from the chaos.
Janet told The Daily Mail, “I’m sick of threats and slurs being normalized because ‘we signed up for this’ when we joined reality TV. That’s sick and not normal and I’m not ever going to pretend it’s normal or acceptable to message strangers threats and slurs.” But disappearing mid-season wasn’t the way to go. Whether she was trying to dodge accountability or stage a comeback with a healing journey storyline, the whole thing felt off. This isn’t Eat, Pray, Love, Janet. This is The Valley, and the cameras see right through the act.
Janet has been horrendous on The Valley
Let’s not sugarcoat this next sentiment. Janet has been rough to watch this season. From backhanded comments to passive-aggressive power plays, she’s given viewers more cringe than compassion. Her attempts to portray herself as the voice of reason? Tone-deaf. Her constant need to control the narrative in every group setting? Exhausting. And don’t even get us started on her obsession with being the adult in the room while simultaneously fueling drama. She’s inserted herself into other people’s relationships, picked fights over nonsense, and acted like she’s morally superior to everyone else.
For example she has not stopped going after Danny Booko and reminding everyone of his Halloween butt grab. She has almost single-handedly led the charge against Danny Dark Side, and it’s kind of gross. Newsflash, micromanaging your friends’ lives while acting like you’re above the drama is still drama. Many fans were initially rooting for Janet, but that goodwill has evaporated faster than a Topanga Canyon mimosa. Kristen has outed her as a fan who once loved Vanderpump Rules. And now that is all viewers can see when it comes to her persona. Her behavior has gone from relatable mom friend to emotional manipulator in a maxi dress in the blink of an eye. And while she’s clearly trying to shape her image as someone who’s emotionally intelligent and deeply self-aware, her actions scream otherwise. You don’t get to play therapist one minute and stir the pot the next.
Janet Caperna might be axed from The Valley
At this point, Janet’s future on The Valley is looking shakier than Jax Taylor’s commitment to self-improvement. She’s alienated several cast members, lost the support of a chunk of the fanbase, and created tension in nearly every scene she’s in. Unless Bravo is looking to rebrand her as the next big villain, Janet’s days could be numbered. Her status has eroded, and now she just feels like a liability to the show’s chemistry. Even the more forgiving viewers are starting to wonder: Is Janet still adding anything to the cast dynamic? Or is she just dragging the energy down?
Let’s not forget that reality TV is still a business. If a cast member can’t deliver the right balance of drama, or at least compelling chaos, they’re at risk of being replaced. And unless Janet pulls off a miraculous third-act redemption, she might be next on the chopping block. Her escape to Switzerland, which is starting to look like a normal vacation as each day passes, was a failed attempt at garnering empathy. There’s also the issue of trust. After this season’s emotional rollercoaster, how can producers (or her co-stars) trust her to show up and play ball? You can’t build a show around someone who flies off the grid every time things get uncomfortable. Just saying.
The Valley is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK JANET PULLED A MAJOR PR MOVE?
