Stassi Schroeder’s Reality TV Comeback: Why She’s Back with Vanderpump

Introduction

Stassi Schroeder, a name synonymous with Vanderpump Rules, is stepping back into the reality TV spotlight after a five-year hiatus. She’s joining Lisa Vanderpump in Vanderpump Villa Season 2, premiering April 24 on Hulu. This isn’t just a nostalgic reunion; it’s a calculated move for Schroeder, who left Vanderpump Rules in 2020 amid personal and professional shifts. Why does this matter? Her return signals a shift in reality TV dynamics, where familiar faces drive viewership in a crowded streaming market. For fans, it’s a chance to see a seasoned reality star navigate a new setting—an Italian medieval castle—while balancing motherhood and her podcast, Straight Up With Stassi. On April 23, 2025, Schroeder and Vanderpump appeared on Good Morning America, sharing why this comeback feels like “home.” Let’s break down why she’s back, what’s different, and what it means for reality TV fans.

Why Stassi Schroeder Chose to Return to Reality TV

Schroeder’s decision to return isn’t just about fame—it’s personal. She told Good Morning America on April 23, 2025, “I’ve spent most of my adult life on reality TV. It just feels like home. It’s the only talent I feel like I have.” This candor reveals her comfort with the medium, having been on Vanderpump Rules since its 2013 debut. But why now? First, the opportunity to work with Lisa Vanderpump again was a draw. Vanderpump, a reality TV mogul, pitched Vanderpump Villa—a show about staff at a 12th-century Italian castle rental. Schroeder couldn’t resist. Second, she gets to bring her kids and husband, Beau Clark, to Italy, blending work and family. Common mistakes? Some reality stars return for clout and flop—Schroeder’s clear motivation avoids that trap. Ignoring personal fit, though, risks burnout, as seen with other stars who return without passion.

How Vanderpump Villa Season 2 Differs from Vanderpump Rules

Vanderpump Villa isn’t Vanderpump Rules 2.0. The setting—a luxurious Italian castle—shifts the vibe from West Hollywood’s SUR restaurant to a high-stakes hospitality gig. Schroeder’s role isn’t detailed yet, but Vanderpump hinted at a storyline tied to Schroeder’s love for Italy, where she married Clark in 2020. The dynamic with Vanderpump is also new. On Vanderpump Rules, Vanderpump was the boss, often “chastising” Schroeder, as she told People in 2025. Now, they’re closer to equals, creating a “different energy.” Mistakes here? Reality shows can fail by recycling old dynamics—Vanderpump Villa risks this if it leans too hard on Vanderpump Rules nostalgia. Fans expect fresh drama, not rehashed SUR fights. If the show doesn’t balance Schroeder’s past with her new role, it could alienate viewers.

The Challenges of Re-entering Reality TV

Returning to reality TV after years away isn’t easy. Schroeder admitted to People that filming felt “normal,” but the landscape has changed since 2020. Streaming platforms like Hulu now dominate, with 48% of reality TV viewership on streaming versus cable in 2024, per Nielsen data. She’s also a mom now, juggling kids while filming abroad. Common pitfalls include stars struggling to adapt to new formats—Schroeder’s podcast experience helps, but reality TV demands raw vulnerability. Ignoring personal growth can make returns feel inauthentic, as seen with some Real Housewives comebacks. If Schroeder leans too hard into her old “mean girl” persona, fans might reject her. The consequence? A failed comeback could hurt her brand, from podcast listeners to future TV gigs.

Lisa Vanderpump’s Role in Schroeder’s Return

Lisa Vanderpump is the linchpin. As executive producer and star, she handpicked Schroeder for Vanderpump Villa. On Good Morning America, Vanderpump noted Schroeder’s love for Italy made her a natural fit. Their history adds depth—Vanderpump was once Schroeder’s boss, but now they share a more collaborative bond. Vanderpump told People, “It felt kind of like we could be this close together.” Mistakes here? Producers sometimes overuse star power, diluting authenticity. If Vanderpump overshadows Schroeder, the show could lose its ensemble feel. The consequence of mismanaging their dynamic is a lopsided narrative, alienating fans who want to see Schroeder shine, not play second fiddle.

What Fans Can Expect from Schroeder’s Storyline

Details on Schroeder’s Vanderpump Villa arc are sparse, but clues suggest a personal journey. Vanderpump teased to Good Morning America that Schroeder’s love for Italy, where she wed, will “play out.” Expect family moments—Schroeder brought her kids, Hartford and Messer, to Italy. Her podcast fans, who’ve followed her since Vanderpump Rules, might see a softer side, unlike her early “queen bee” days. Common mistakes? Reality shows can overhype returning stars, only to underdeliver. If Vanderpump Villa doesn’t give Schroeder enough screen time, fans could feel cheated. The consequence? Low engagement, as seen with The Hills: New Beginnings, which flopped due to lackluster storylines in 2021.

The Broader Impact on Reality TV Trends

Schroeder’s return reflects a broader trend: reality TV thrives on familiar faces. In 2024, 60% of top-rated reality shows on streaming platforms featured returning stars, per Variety. Vanderpump Villa banks on Schroeder and Vanderpump’s Vanderpump Rules clout to draw viewers. But there’s a catch—oversaturation. With 200+ reality shows on streaming in 2025, per IMDb, standing out is tough. Mistakes include relying solely on nostalgia without fresh content. If Vanderpump Villa doesn’t innovate, it risks blending into the noise. The consequence? Low ratings could stall Vanderpump’s empire, as seen with Bravo’s Below Deck spin-offs struggling in 2023.

FAQs

Why did Stassi Schroeder leave Vanderpump Rules?

Schroeder left Vanderpump Rules in 2020 after a racism controversy involving former co-star Faith Stowers. She and Kristen Doute were fired for falsely reporting Stowers to police, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter on June 9, 2020. Schroeder apologized, focusing on her podcast and family since.

What is Vanderpump Villa about?

Vanderpump Villa follows staff at a luxury Italian castle rental, managing high-end guests and drama. Season 2, premiering April 24, 2025, on Hulu, features Stassi Schroeder alongside Lisa Vanderpump, blending hospitality chaos with personal storylines.

How has Schroeder’s relationship with Vanderpump changed?

Unlike their Vanderpump Rules boss-employee dynamic, Schroeder and Vanderpump now share a closer, less hierarchical bond. Vanderpump told People in 2025 it’s a “different energy,” while Schroeder aims to impress her mentor.

Will Schroeder’s kids be on Vanderpump Villa?

Schroeder brought her kids, Hartford and Messer, to Italy for filming, per Good Morning America on April 23, 2025. While not confirmed, family moments may appear, showing her balancing motherhood and reality TV.

Why is reality TV still popular in 2025?

Reality TV draws 1.5 billion streaming hours monthly in 2024, per Nielsen, due to low production costs and high engagement. Familiar faces like Schroeder boost viewership, but oversaturation risks viewer fatigue, as seen with declining cable reality viewership.

Conclusion

Stassi Schroeder’s return to reality TV in Vanderpump Villa Season 2 is more than a comeback—it’s a homecoming. Her history with Vanderpump Rules, comfort with cameras, and love for Italy make this a natural fit. Working with Lisa Vanderpump again, but on equal footing, promises fresh dynamics. Yet, the stakes are high. Reality TV in 2025 is a crowded field, and fans expect authenticity, not recycled drama. Schroeder’s ability to balance her past persona with her current life as a mom and podcaster will define her arc. Curious about how it unfolds? Watch Vanderpump Villa on Hulu starting April 24, and share your thoughts in the comments!