The highly anticipated Season 11 premiere of Bravo's reality series Vanderpump Rules is set to air tonight, with fans eagerly awaiting the latest drama and scandals in the lives of the West Hollywood restaurant employees. However, the new season was not without its challenges, especially following the explosive scandal involving Tom Sandoval.

The scandal, which broke off-camera, revealed that Sandoval had been cheating on his partner of nine years, Ariana Madix, with their friend and castmate Rachel Leviss (formerly Raquel Leviss). The news created a media frenzy and significantly raised the show's ratings, capturing the attention of both viewers and legacy media outlets like The New York Times.

Executive producer and showrunner Alex Baskin admits that Season 11 posed the toughest challenges yet. The production team had to navigate the aftermath of the scandal, deal with increased scrutiny and attention, and support a cast still recovering from the fallout. Despite the difficulties, Baskin believes that Season 11 will deliver a great viewing experience, living up to the legacy of the previous season.

One of the major concerns for the producers was that Season 11 would become consumed with rehashing the Scandoval scandal, losing focus on new storylines. Baskin expressed his worry about the entire season becoming a "relitigation" of the scandal and getting lost in the details. However, he also teased that there will always be new revelations within the group.

Interestingly, one notable cast member is missing from Season 11. Rachel Leviss, who played a central role in the scandal, did not reach an agreement with producers to return to the show. Following the post-reunion sit-down, Leviss checked herself into a facility for mental health and trauma therapy, where she stayed for three months.

Baskin reveals that they had several discussions with Leviss about her status on the show, but there were conflicting factors at play. While Leviss cited concerns about her mental health and unequal pay compared to her co-stars Sandoval and Madix, she ultimately decided not to return. Leviss launched her own podcast and expressed feeling like she was portrayed as the "ultimate villain" without receiving proper compensation.

Despite efforts to bring Leviss back, negotiations reached a standstill, and filming progressed without her. Baskin acknowledges the disappointment, stating that the show could have provided the platform for Leviss to tell her story and have a significant impact. However, he respects her personal decision and hopes she made the right choice.

Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules wrapped filming in the fall, with the reunion episode to be filmed later during the season's release. While Leviss does not make an appearance in Season 11, the door may still be open for her return in future seasons if the show continues.

Fans can tune in to the Season 11 premiere of Vanderpump Rules tonight at 8 p.m. on Bravo, with streaming available on Peacock the following day. Stay tuned for the full interview with showrunner Alex Baskin, where he discusses the path ahead for Vanderpump Rules after the Scandoval scandal.