If you’ve spent any time wandering through the cobblestone streets of Charleston or just scrolling through Bravo’s social media lately, you know the air is thick with more than just humidity. It’s thick with rumors. Everyone is asking the same thing: when does Southern Charm start? It’s that yearly itch. We need the seersucker, the high-stakes gossip at the Yacht Club, and whatever chaotic dinner party Shep Rose has cooked up this time around.
The short answer? Bravo usually keeps us sweating until the very last second. But if we look at the patterns, we can basically see the roadmap. Season 10 is the big one—the double digits. Production typically kicks off in the spring, usually around March or April, to catch that sweet spot of Charleston weather before everyone starts melting into their linen shirts. This usually puts a premiere date somewhere in the late fall or early winter.
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The Typical Bravo Timeline: Why We Wait
Bravo operates on a bit of a cycle. They don't just throw shows at the wall. They space them out so we never have a "dry" week. Usually, Southern Charm follows a specific trajectory.
Think about Season 9. It premiered in September. If history repeats itself—and in Charleston, it always does—we are looking at a late 2025 or even a very early 2026 launch for the next batch of episodes. It’s a long wait. I know. But the editing process for this show is notoriously intense because, honestly, these people talk a lot. Capturing the nuance of a Craig Conover monologue about pillows takes time in the booth.
Why the schedule shifts
Sometimes things get pushed. If a cast member has a massive life event—a wedding, a breakup, a legal issue—production might linger a bit longer to make sure they catch the fallout. We saw this with the "Scandoval" over on Vanderpump Rules, where the cameras went back up. While Southern Charm hasn't had a nuclear explosion quite that big recently, the interpersonal dynamics are always shifting.
You’ve got to remember that these aren't just characters; they are a tight-knit social circle. If half the cast isn't speaking to the other half, filming becomes a logistical nightmare. That can delay the "start" of the season significantly.
When Does Southern Charm Start Filming vs. Airing?
There is a huge difference between when the cameras start rolling and when the theme song hits your TV speakers.
Most fans get confused when they see the cast posting Instagram stories at King Street bars in the spring. They think, "Oh, it’s starting!" No. That’s just the beginning of the grind. Typically, there is a six-to-eight-month gap between the first day of filming and the premiere.
- Spring (March–June): Principal photography happens. This is where the "big" events occur—the Founders Day parties, the oyster roasts, the trips to the Bahamas or wherever they decide to flee for a weekend.
- Summer: The "pick-up" scenes. These are those smaller, awkward lunches where two people sit down to "talk through" a fight they had three weeks ago.
- Late Summer/Fall: Post-production. This is where the magic happens. The music cues, the shaded confessionals, and the slow-motion shots of a cocktail being poured.
So, if you see them filming in April, don't expect to see it on Bravo until at least September or October.
Who Is Coming Back for Season 10?
You can't talk about when the show starts without talking about who is actually showing up. The cast list is the heartbeat of the series.
Shep Rose is the anchor, for better or worse. It’s hard to imagine the show without his specific brand of Peter Pan syndrome. Then you have Craig Conover and Austen Kroll. The "Three Musketeers" of bad decisions. Their bromance—and the occasional rift—is the show's spine.
But what about the women who actually keep the show interesting? Madison LeCroy has become the de facto queen of the series. She brings the heat, and she doesn't care who gets burned. Then there's Venita Aspen and Olivia Flowers. Olivia, in particular, had a heartbreaking and heavy Season 9. Many fans are wondering if she’ll return to share more of her healing journey or if she’ll take a step back for her own peace of mind.
The Taylor Ann Green Factor
Honestly, Taylor is the wildcard. After the drama with Austen and the fallout with Olivia, her position in the group is... complicated. Does she come back to redeem herself? Or does she move on? Usually, Bravo likes to keep the pot stirring, so expect her to at least make an appearance, even if she isn't "full-time."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Premiere
People often think there’s a set "Southern Charm Day" on the calendar. There isn't. Bravo is a moving target.
Sometimes they’ll pair Southern Charm with Real Housewives of Orange County. Other times, it’s the lead-in for a new spin-off. The network looks at their ratings data and decides where the show will perform best. If a different show is underperforming, they might move the Southern Charm start date up to save the night.
Also, don't trust every "leak" you see on Reddit. Unless it comes from Andy Cohen or the official Bravo press site, take it with a grain of Himalayan salt. I’ve seen fans swear the show was starting in June, only for June to pass without so much as a teaser trailer.
The Legacy of Charleston on Screen
Why do we care so much about when does Southern Charm start? It’s not just a reality show. It’s a weird, fascinating look at Old South versus New South.
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The show started back in 2014 as a project focused on Thomas Ravenel and Whitney Sudler-Smith. It was supposed to be about "gentlemen" and their "codes." It quickly devolved into something much more raw and, frankly, more entertaining. Over a decade, we’ve watched these people grow up—or at least age. We’ve seen marriages, births, and some of the most spectacular falls from grace in reality TV history.
That history is why the start date matters. It’s a seasonal ritual for the viewers. It marks the transition into the cooler months when we all want to stay inside and judge people who are richer and messier than we are.
How to Stay Ready for the Season 10 Premiere
Since we are in the "waiting period," there are a few things you can do to make sure you don't miss the actual announcement.
- Watch the Bravo Socials: They usually drop the trailer about four weeks before the premiere. The trailer is everything. It tells you the vibe, the fights, and the official date.
- The "Pillows and Beer" Podcast: Craig and Austen often let things slip on their podcast. They can't give away the date, but they’ll say things like "we just finished filming" or "we’re headed to NYC for press." That’s your signal.
- Check the Thursday Night Slot: Southern Charm has lived on Thursdays for a long time. Keep an eye on what is currently airing in that 9:00 PM slot. When that show hits its finale, Southern Charm is likely next in line.
Is a Spin-off Coming?
There has been talk of Southern Hospitality—Leva Bonaparte’s show—taking over some of the screen time. Sometimes Bravo will bridge the gap between the two. If Southern Hospitality is airing, Southern Charm is usually right around the corner (or vice versa). They like to keep the Charleston "universe" connected.
The Impact of "New" Charleston
The city itself has changed since the show began. It’s more expensive, more crowded, and a lot of the "old guard" isn't thrilled about the cameras. This affects filming.
Finding new locations that allow the crew in has become harder. Some of the most exclusive clubs have banned filming entirely. This means the producers have to get creative. You might see more private house parties and fewer scenes at the most famous landmarks. This shift in scenery can sometimes change the "feel" of the show, making it more intimate but also a bit more "produced."
What to Expect When it Finally Starts
Expect a shift in tone. Season 10 is a milestone. Usually, networks go big for the tenth anniversary.
We might see some old faces return for "friend of" roles. Think Landon Clements or maybe even a cameo from a long-lost favorite. The show needs to bridge the gap between its origins and its future. Craig is now a successful business mogul with his Sewing Down South empire. Shep is... well, Shep. But the dynamic of "struggling thirty-somethings" has changed into "wealthy forty-somethings." That changes the stakes.
The drama isn't about who paid for the Uber anymore. It’s about reputation, legacy, and actual business partnerships.
Practical Next Steps for the Superfan
To get the most out of the upcoming season, you should start your prep work now.
- Binge Season 9 again. You’ll be surprised how much you forgot about the nuances of the Olivia/Taylor/Austen triangle. It’s going to be relevant.
- Follow the "Bravo Snark" accounts. Twitter (X) and Reddit are usually three days ahead of the news.
- Set a Google Alert. Set one for "Southern Charm Season 10 Premiere." You’ll get an email the second a reputable news outlet confirms the date.
The wait for the Southern Charm start date is always the hardest part of being a fan. But in a city that moves as slowly as Charleston, patience is just part of the charm. Keep your eye on the late-year horizon, and get your cocktails ready. It's going to be a bumpy ride down the Cooper River.
Look for the "First Look"
Usually, Bravo releases a "first look" or the first five minutes of the premiere about a week before the air date. This is your best chance to see the new graphics and get a feel for the editing style. Once that drops, you're in the home stretch. Stay tuned to the network's official "The Daily Dish" for the most concrete updates as the production cycle nears its end.