Honestly, if you go back and watch the first season of Vanderpump Rules, the Katie Maloney we see now is almost unrecognizable. Not in a "too much filler" way—though she’s the first to admit she's dabbled—but in her entire energy.
Back in 2013, she was the girl caught between a rock and a hard place. She was tethered to a toxic relationship and a "mean girl" clique that didn't always have her back. Fast forward to 2026, and the "Tequila Katie" era feels like a fever dream. She’s officially left the show that made her famous, survived a very public divorce, and is navigating the choppy waters of small business ownership. It's been a ride.
The SUR Years: Why the Early Days Were So Rough
The Katie Maloney then was defined by her proximity to others. She was Stassi Schroeder’s right hand and Tom Schwartz’s long-suffering girlfriend. People often forget that before the show even started, Katie survived a terrifying accident. She fell through a skylight, suffered a brain injury, and faced a long recovery.
That trauma played out on screen in ways we didn't quite understand at the time. The "Tequila Katie" nickname wasn't just about partying; it was a label for a woman who was clearly struggling to process her emotions under the glare of reality TV cameras. She was often edited as the "buzzkill," but looking back, she was usually just the only one reacting normally to the chaos around her.
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Then there was the "Bubba" of it all. Her relationship with Tom Schwartz was the backbone of the show for a decade. We saw the ring on a string, the multiple weddings (because they kept losing the paperwork), and the constant bickering. For years, fans begged her to leave. When she finally did in 2022, it felt like the entire Bravo fandom took a collective breath.
Breaking Free and the Something About Her Era
The Katie Maloney now is a different beast entirely. After filing for divorce, she didn't just fade away. She leaned into her friendship with Ariana Madix, and together, they launched Something About Her.
The sandwich shop, located just down the street from SUR in West Hollywood, became a symbol of their independence. It wasn't just about turkey and swiss. It was about proving they could build something without the "Toms" (Sandoval and Schwartz) holding them back.
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But it hasn't been all Pinterest-worthy interiors and Nancy Meyers vibes. As of early 2026, the shop has faced some serious hurdles:
- Legal Battles: They spent a huge chunk of 2025 entangled in a lawsuit with Chef Penny Davidi over breach of contract and ownership stakes.
- The "Tourist Trap" Problem: While the shop saw massive lines at the start, recent reports suggest foot traffic has dipped. The challenge now is turning "VPR" fans into regular, local customers.
- Financial Rumors: There’s been plenty of chatter about whether the shop can actually survive the high rent of West Hollywood in the long run.
Why She Finally Quit Vanderpump Rules
One of the biggest shocks for fans was Katie’s decision to leave the show before it was officially rebooted. In late 2024, she revealed on her podcast, Disrespectfully, that she was done. She told her producers she wasn't coming back months before the network even announced the cast overhaul.
Basically, she outgrew it. You can only film so many "forced" dinners with people you don't actually like before your soul starts to wither. She mentioned feeling "mentally, emotionally, and spiritually" ready to move on. After 11 seasons, she’d lived an entire lifetime on camera—from a waitress in her 20s to a divorced entrepreneur in her late 30s.
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The Style Evolution (No, We’re Not Talking About the Orange Hair)
We have to talk about the fashion. In the early seasons, Katie’s style was... well, it was the 2010s. There was a lot of statement jewelry and that one season of unfortunate orange hair that still haunts her.
Now? She’s a certified "cool girl." She’s traded the SUR uniform for oversized blazers, vintage leather, and a more "edgy-chic" aesthetic. She stopped dressing for the "LA standard" and started dressing for herself. It’s a subtle shift, but it mirrors her personal growth. She seems less concerned with being liked and more concerned with being authentic.
What’s Next for Katie Maloney?
She’s currently dating—she even went public with a new relationship around Tom Schwartz’s birthday (a move fans found deliciously petty). She’s focused on her podcast and trying to keep the sandwich shop afloat despite the rumors of financial struggle.
If you're looking to apply some of Katie's "glow-up" energy to your own life, here are a few takeaways:
- Audit your circle: Katie didn't truly thrive until she stepped away from the people who were constantly dimming her light.
- Trust the pivot: Moving from reality TV to business owner is a massive risk, but staying in a comfortable "character" is riskier for your mental health.
- Own your story: Whether it's through her podcast or social media, she’s taking control of her narrative rather than letting producers dictate who she is.
The "Tequila Katie" era is officially over. The "Something About Her" era is still being written, but one thing is certain: she’s finally the lead in her own life.