Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were watching Lauren Conrad cry over a boy in a black T-shirt while the sunset hit the Pacific. But it’s been over twenty years. Twenty. Let that sink in. We’re officially in 2026, and the "Real Orange County" looks a whole lot different than it did when MTV was basically just a loop of low-rise jeans and beach bonfires.
If you’ve been living under a rock, the biggest news is that the 20th-anniversary reunion is actually happening. It's not just a rumor anymore. Roku stepped in, and we’re getting a two-hour special this year titled Roku Presents: The Laguna Beach Reunion.
But before the cameras start rolling again, you’re probably wondering where is the cast of Laguna Beach now and how they managed to go from teenage drama to, well, actual adulthood. Some of them became moguls. Others? They basically vanished into "normal" life.
Lauren Conrad: The Clean Queen of 2026
LC was always the protagonist, whether she wanted to be or not. Fast forward to today, and she’s arguably the most successful person to ever walk out of a reality show. She didn't just "do fashion"—she built an empire.
As of early 2026, Lauren is still the face of Kohl’s. It’s a retail marriage that has outlasted most Hollywood relationships. She just launched her Little Co. by Lauren Conrad pre-spring collection, and honestly, the woman doesn't miss. She’s living that quiet, aesthetic life in Laguna (yes, she moved back eventually) with her husband, William Tell, and their two boys, Liam and Charlie.
She’s basically the final boss of "Living Well." You won't find her in the tabloids, and she rarely posts anything that isn't color-coordinated. She’s an executive producer on the new Roku reunion, which is a huge deal because for years, she seemed like she wanted nothing to do with her MTV past.
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Kristin Cavallari is More "Honest" Than Ever
If Lauren is the "good girl" who won, Kristin is the "villain" who became everyone’s favorite unfiltered aunt. She’s busy. Like, incredibly busy.
In 2026, Kristin is leaning hard into her media era. Her podcast, Let’s Be Honest, is a massive hit under the Dear Media banner. She actually just signed a multiyear deal to keep it going. She’s been touring cities like Chicago and New York doing live tapings, which were also being filmed for her newest reality venture, Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour.
Personal life? It's been a ride. She’s raising her three kids in Nashville and recently opened up on her podcast about the heartbreak of losing her dog, Kona. She’s also deep into manifestation and wellness these days. If you're looking for the girl who danced on tables in Cabo, she’s still there, but now she’s doing it with a green juice and a business plan.
The Stephen Colletti Re-emergence
We have to talk about Stephen. The guy everyone had a crush on in 2004 hasn't just been sitting around.
While we all remember him as the middle of the Lauren/Kristin love triangle, Stephen carved out a real acting career (hello, One Tree Hill). But in early 2026, he’s back on our screens in a totally different way. He’s a contestant on Season 4 of Peacock’s The Traitors.
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Watching Stephen play a social strategy game is wild. He’s been playing "under the radar," which, if you remember the show, was basically his vibe back then, too. He also co-created the show Everyone is Doing Great, which dealt with the weirdness of post-fame life. It’s safe to say he’s one of the few who actually put in the work to be taken seriously as a creator.
What About the Rest of the Laguna Crew?
The "supporting" cast is where things get really interesting. Some stayed in the spotlight, and others just... went to work.
Lo Bosworth: The Wellness Mogul
Lo moved to New York, went to culinary school, and then decided to fix the feminine care industry. Her company, Love Wellness, is everywhere now—Target, Ulta, you name it. In a massive personal update, Lo married investor Dom Natale in July 2025. Just a few days ago, on January 16, 2026, she reportedly gave birth to their first daughter. She’s officially a mom, and we are officially old.
Jason Wahler: The Advocate
Jason's journey was the hardest to watch on TV. He struggled with addiction very publicly for years. But today? He’s a legitimate hero in the recovery space. He works as the Director of Dr. Daniel Amen’s Change Your Brain Foundation. He’s married with kids and spends his time speaking across the country about sobriety. He’s proof that you can actually rewrite your story.
Talan Torriero: The TikTok Dad
Talan was the "ladies' man" of Season 2. Now? He’s a tech guy and a social media powerhouse. He’s got three kids and posts hilarious content about being a dad and his "glory days" on MTV. He’s confirmed for the reunion, and he’s probably the most excited out of everyone to get the band back together.
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The Ones Who Left Hollywood
- Dieter Schmitz: He’s a hotel manager and a dad. He’s still best friends with Stephen and Lauren.
- Trey Phillips: He stayed in the fashion world but on the design side. He’s been working at Vera Wang for years.
- Christina Schuller: She’s a fitness instructor and nutrition coach living the OC life.
- Jessica Smith: Remember the girl who was always crying over Jason? She’s a mom of four now and stays almost entirely off the grid.
Why the 2026 Reunion is Different
We’ve had "reunions" before, but usually, it’s just a few people on a podcast. This Roku special is different because everyone is involved.
The original creator, Liz Gateley, is back. Lauren, Stephen, and Kristin are all executive producing. It’s the first time since 2006 that the core Season 1 cast has been in the same room for a televised event.
There’s a lot of nostalgia floating around, but there’s also a lot of "real life" to catch up on. They aren't kids anymore. They’re in their late 30s and early 40s. The drama isn't about who’s going to prom; it’s about how you maintain friendships after twenty years of fame, lawsuits, and life changes.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to dive back into the Laguna Beach world this year, here’s how to do it right:
- Watch the Rewatch: Before the Roku special drops, listen to the Back to the Beach podcast with Kristin and Stephen. They go episode by episode and reveal what was actually real and what was edited by producers.
- Follow the Transitions: Check out Jason Wahler's work with the Change Your Brain Foundation. It’s a great example of how reality stars can use their platform for actual good.
- The Roku Special: Keep an eye on the Roku Channel app. The reunion is slated for a mid-2026 release, and it's expected to be a documentary-style look at the impact the show had on their lives.
The truth is, where is the cast of Laguna Beach now isn't just a question about celebrity status. It’s a look at the first generation of kids who grew up with cameras in their faces and somehow came out the other side. Some are richer, some are quieter, but they all carry the weight of being the "OGs" of reality TV.