Vanderpump Rules took the world by storm in 2023 thanks to Scandoval. But longtime viewers know that the show has served (SURved?) iconic moments from the start. Between the chronically dramatic and unfaithful cast and some (now Emmy-nominated) incredible editing, VPR at its best was magic, like nothing else on TV.
As any Vanderpumper will tell you, it’s hard to narrow down the most iconic moments to a single list. But here are the ones that still have fans shook to this day.
The Parking Lot Fight – Season 1
After their breakup, Jax Taylor crashed Stassi Schroeder‘s birthday party. It lead to an explosive fight with her new beau, Frank, in a Las Vegas parking lot. Jax was so angry, he took off his beloved cream chunky knit sweater to brawl shirtless.
Laura-Leigh Goes Off At Stassi – Season 1
Laura Leigh, Jax’s rebound from Stassi, went to Julliard. Maybe that explains her theatrical nature. Her over-the-top confrontation of Stassi in a SUR meeting gave us such gems as “take the victim tampon out of your ass.” Not to mention Lisa Vanderpump telling Stassi that her behavior did, in fact, sound like a “ghetto b*tch.”
Though Laura-Leigh only appeared briefly in Season 1, her iconically strange behavior has kept her a fan favorite. Many have tried to call out Stassi’s mean girl antics over the years. But did anyone leave her as shaken as the chimpmunk-voiced former Gossip Girl guest star?
After going so hard to defend Jax, Laura-Leigh saw his true colors when Jax dumped her after her Narcotics Anon meeting. Ultimately, she left the show for a bit part in the Jennifer Aniston comedy We’re The Millers.
Stassi Confronts Kristen – Season 2
It was the slap heard ’round the world. After Jax finally admitted to sleeping with Kristen Doute, Stassi set up her big confrontation. Making sure to note the detail that they hooked up while watching Drive, Stassi added, “I hope you enjoyed the movie.” Kristen still claimed, “I didn’t bang Jax,” even after her former bestie slapped her. But by the finale, she admitted it too.
As an honorable mention, Tom Sandoval also physically fought Jax over the betrayal. Jax smiling directly at the camera, with blood on his face, is an image fans will never forget.
Kristen Picks Up Her Mail in THAT Green Dress – Season 3
Despite rebounding with James Kennedy, Kristen was absolutely not over Sandoval in Season 3. Her “revenge dress” attempt came when she rocked a low-cut green party dress…to go pick up her mail in the middle of the day.
Kristen later revealed that it was a producer trick. She was told they’d shoot a Sex & The City-themed brunch shortly after. But producers didn’t make her accidentally call Sandoval “babe….I mean Tom.” The dress is so iconic that Kristen still does TikToks wearing it to this day.
Miami Girl Appears – Season 3
Kristen’s unbelievable post-breakup behavior strikes again! After hearing about her all season, the infamous Miami Girl finally appeared to confront Sandoval in person. Sandoval’s reaction sure seemed to indicate the truth about whether or not they hooked up. But at the moment, Ariana Madix stood by him as they fled the scene. No wonder she now regrets defending him so many times.
The fallout was so intense, it lead to Kristen, while smoking by the SUR dumpster, telling her boss to “suck a d*ck.” To no one’s surprise, she was fired shortly after.
“I’m The Number One Guy In This Group” – Season 4
Everyone remembers this as one of VPR’s best lines, but the moment surrounding it is also iconic. A truly unhinged Jax was in rare form that night.
First, he insisted that Brittany Cartwright‘s boob job would have to be what HE wanted, because he was the one paying for it.
Then, Jax cut down Sandoval’s ranting by telling him “Dude, stop acting like you’re the number one guy in this group.” Jax, rightfully, also told Sandoval that no one cared about his band. Obviously, Sandoval flipped out.
Sandoval’s New Orleans Meltdown – Season 5
Sandoval and Kristen were still arguing over their relationship three seasons after their breakup. During the already unhinged bachelor/bachelorette trip for Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz‘s impending marriage, Sandoval decided to fight with Kristen’s new boyfriend, Brian Carter. While he and Schwartz were in drag, for an extra iconic detail.
Who could blame Stassi for peaking around the corner? Likewise, who could blame Jax for refusing to go out and get involved?
Later that night, things got even more out of control. Which means, even more iconic. Sandoval screaming that Schwartz is a “battered f*cking wife,” and kicking down the door to reveal a smiling Schwartz sitting on the toilet, is something viewers will never, ever forget.
Brittany and Jax’s Housewarming From Hell – Season 6
Who knows why Jax and Brittany thought it’d be a good idea to throw a housewarming after his latest cheating scandal. But viewers are glad they did because the night was eventful, to say the least.
Brittany and the girls gathered around to listen to a recording of Jax talking about her is an image straight out of a Sofia Coppola movie. The whole night was so iconic, even James’ dramatic reenactment for Lisa could make this list.
“It’s Not About The Pasta!” – Season 6
One of the most talked-about VPR moments, and with good reason. This Season 6 fight between James and Lala Kent is the show at its most absurd. Were they really fighting over pasta? Is it a code word for an illegal substance? Does it really matter?
In hindsight, the fact that they were fighting over Rachel Leviss’ pasta adds a whole other level. And the way James says “pasta” makes it so much funnier.
Ken Drops A Bombshell – Season 10
Can you believe this scene was almost left on the cutting room floor? I certainly can’t. Just like Ken Todd “cahn’t believe…that Tom Zandeville…had Raquel over while Ariana’s away….in the ja-jacuzzi…”
It’s no wonder this montage, which shows the VPR editors at the height of their powers, is nominated for an Emmy.
Ariana & Scheana Scream At Sandoval – Season 10
It’s hard to pick just one moment from the instantly iconic Scandoval fallout episode that was Season 10’s finale. To cheat a little bit, I’m listing both of the Sandoval confrontations that bookmarked the episode. Ariana’s perfect articulation of her heartbreak already sounded like something out of a movie before the Bryan Cranston dramatic reading.
Although her own affair started the show, Scheana Shay became a side character at best in most VPR seasons. But her emotional confrontation of Sandoval left viewers reeling. Scheana reverted to her “pick-me” ways, which is disappointing but not surprising. Nevertheless, this moment remains iconic.
TELL US – WHAT ARE SOME ICONIC VANDERPUMP RULES MOMENTS LEFT OFF OUR LIST?
