Tom Schwartz is a professional enigma. He's spent over a decade on our screens as the "lovable loser" of Vanderpump Rules, the guy who fails upward with a shrug and a "bub." But as we move into 2026, the aw-shucks routine is wearing thin for a lot of people. Is he actually the sweet, misunderstood soul he portrays, or is there a more calculated—or perhaps more troubled—reality beneath the surface?
Honestly, it’s complicated.
Between the collapse of his high-profile businesses and the wreckage of a very public divorce, the Tom Schwartz we see today isn't the same guy who had a panic attack thirty minutes into a bartending shift at PUMP. He’s older. He’s arguably more cynical. And he’s definitely more alone.
The Business Reality: Schwartz & Sandy's and the TomTom Legacy
For years, the "Toms" were an inseparable brand. You couldn't say one name without the other. They were the Golden Boys of West Hollywood, backed by the Midas touch of Lisa Vanderpump. But the "Sandoval of it all" changed everything.
While TomTom remains a staple (mostly because Lisa and Ken Todd actually know how to run a business), the duo’s independent venture, Schwartz & Sandy’s, didn't survive the fallout. In late 2024, the news finally broke that they were shuttering the Franklin Village spot. Schwartz later admitted that the venture almost "broke him spiritually and financially."
It wasn't just the Scandoval backlash—though being a "zoo animal" for angry tourists certainly didn't help. It was the slim margins, the constant renovation delays, and the fact that Schwartz basically spent his life savings on a name he never even liked.
Now, in 2026, he’s pivoted. He’s no longer the "sidecar" to Sandoval’s motorcycle. He’s been popping up at Jax’s Studio City, helping Jax Taylor manage and promote the bar. It’s a weird full-circle moment for fans who remember the original SUR days. He’s even floated the idea of becoming a "daytime pool DJ" or an artist, though he’s the first to admit his talent in those areas is... debatable.
The "Good Guy" Myth and the Divorce from Katie Maloney
You've probably heard the term "weaponized incompetence" thrown around on TikTok in relation to Schwartz. It’s the idea that by acting helpless, he gets other people—usually the women in his life—to do the heavy lifting for him.
His marriage to Katie Maloney was the ultimate case study. They were together for twelve years. They had two weddings (one legal, one mostly for TV). And yet, the core of their relationship was a constant power struggle where Schwartz often played the victim while Katie took the heat for being the "mean" one.
Since the divorce was finalized, we've seen a different side of the fallout:
- The Situationship Trap: His "friends with benefits" deal with Jo Wenberg was messy, to say the least. It highlighted his inability to set boundaries, leaving Jo feeling led on and Katie feeling betrayed.
- The Post-Divorce Glow-Up (Or Lack Thereof): While Katie is thriving with her sandwich shop Something About Her, Schwartz has spent much of the last two years "laying low" and trying to find his footing.
- The Regret Factor: He still calls Katie one of his best friends, but the "Bub" era is officially dead. They’re "good divorcees," sure, but the romantic bridge hasn't just been burned; it’s been demolished.
Family Struggles Most Fans Missed
One thing that often gets lost in the reality TV noise is the genuine tragedy Schwartz has faced behind the scenes. People love to meme his "sad boy" energy, but the man was carrying some heavy weight during the filming of the later Vanderpump Rules seasons.
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His brother, Robert "Bert" Schwartz, has faced severe health battles related to alcohol use disorder, including a terrifying stint in the hospital with suspected cirrhosis. Around the same time, his father was dealing with major health crises. This context doesn't excuse his behavior toward Katie or his defense of Sandoval, but it does explain why he seemed so checked out. He wasn't just being "lazy"—he was drowning.
Why Tom Schwartz Still Matters in 2026
So, where does he go from here? He’s currently dating Kiana Carroll, a model who seems to bring out a more grounded side of him. He’s moved into the "The Valley" orbit, literally and figuratively, living near Jax and Brittany and appearing on their spinoff.
The fascination with Schwartz persists because he represents a very specific type of person we all know: the guy who wants everyone to be happy but ends up making everyone miserable because he can't pick a side. He’s the human equivalent of a "shrug" emoji.
In the current TV landscape, he’s a relic of an era of "man-child" stardom that is rapidly losing its charm. Yet, his vulnerability keeps people rooting for him. Sorta.
What to Watch for Next
If you’re following the Schwartz saga, keep an eye on these specific developments. They’ll tell you if he’s actually evolving or just repeating the cycle.
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Look at his business independence. If he continues to work with Jax or leans into his own "Detox/Retox" podcast without leaning on a "partner" to lead the way, it’s a sign he’s finally growing up.
Monitor the "Sober Curious" journey. He’s talked about re-evaluating his relationship with alcohol after his brother's health scares. Whether he actually sticks to moderation in the high-pressure world of West Hollywood nightlife will be the true test of his character.
Check his real estate moves. Selling the "Valley Village" house he shared with Katie was a massive financial and emotional turning point. Where he chooses to plant roots next will signal whether he’s ready for the family life he claims to want, or if he’s staying in the "Peter Pan" lane forever.