“The Valley” executive producer Alex Baskin is setting the record straight about fan backlash, casting decisions, and what’s next for the Bravo hit. Baskin responded to criticism over featuring “Vanderpump Rules” stars — including Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, and Tom Schwartz — in “The Valley” and shared updates on Jax Taylor’s exit, Scheana’s role, and the season 3 timeline.
‘The Valley’ Producer Addresses Backlash Over ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Crossover
Since its premiere, “The Valley” has featured several familiar faces from “Vanderpump Rules.” While some fans have enjoyed the crossover, others worry the spin-off could become overrun with Pump Rules personalities.
“[We] certainly take note of that,” Baskin admitted of viewer feedback in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “There’s a lot of heated thoughts. But I think part of what is fun about these series’ is that there’s something for everyone, and I think there’s a lot of different points of view, and I think obviously those three are very much a part of this group.”
Rumors swirled that the season 2 finale party was a setup to give Scheana and her husband Brock Davies more screen time, but Baskin denied it. “Scheana is really friends with that entire group, and so you actually have to take pains, in some cases, to not include that group, or those Vanderpump folks, because they are connected to this group,” he explained.
Instead, producers focused on giving more prominence to “The Valley’s” Jasmine Goode and Zack Wickham. “They really delivered in every sense. [I] was pleased to see that,” Baskin said.
Jax Taylor’s ‘The Valley’ Exit and Season 3 Changes
Jax Taylor’s departure will be one of the biggest changes heading into season 3. The former “Vanderpump Rules” star confirmed earlier this month that he would not be returning, citing his focus on sobriety after facing backlash over his season 2 behavior.
“I think it’s going to be different, but I don’t think different is a bad thing,” Baskin said. “In some cases, the response from the audience is a good thing. I think it forces someone to assess where they are and what they might need to do.”
Although Taylor has hinted he could come back, Baskin made it clear the focus is on the current cast. “We think that is the right decision for him, and hopefully he uses this time to make healthy choices and put himself in a position to succeed in life,” he added.
The Scheana, Brittany, and Kristen of It All
As for whether Scheana Shay could be upgraded to a full-time cast member in season 3, Baskin didn’t confirm but left the door open. He acknowledged her real-life friendships with the group make her presence a natural fit, but maintained they’re careful not to overshadow The Valley’s core cast.
Filming for the new season has been delayed from the show’s usual schedule, but Baskin stressed it’s for practical reasons. “It sometimes can be a challenge to film while the reunion is airing. It’s nothing beyond that,” he explained. “We’ll catch different events, different moments in people’s lives. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”
Baskin also spoke about supporting Brittany Cartwright amid her split from Taylor and praised Kristen Doute, who got engaged to Luke Broderick and welcomed her first child after season 2 wrapped.
“We’re all so proud of Kristen and so happy for her,” he said. “To see the struggle for her to find someone that she wanted to be with and to have a child, and to see that all come to fruition for her really means a lot to the people who know her and to the audience who has been on that journey with her.”
“The Valley” season 2 reunion concludes on Tuesday, August 12, on Bravo.
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