Not every “Vanderpump Rules” fan is buying Scandoval.
Long-running Bravo reality series “Vanderpump Rules” has enjoyed a renewed surge in interest, ever since the news broke in March that cast member Tom Sandoval, 39, cheated on his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, 37, with her ex-best friend, Raquel Leviss, 28.
But some hardcore “Vanderpump Rules” fans are skeptical about whether the whole thing is authentic.
“They needed something to get shaken up, to get people’s interest back,” podcaster Lara Schoenhals told Insider, adding that it’s “suspicious” that this happened when viewership in the show was on the decline.
Hollie Bohorquez, host of “Vanderpump Rules Party” podcast, told the outlet, “I personally feel like they were mapping this out.”
As evidence, she noted the oddity of cast members giving podcast interviews teasing “explosive” developments ahead. She also uncovered a filming permit in front of a cast member’s building after the season had already wrapped.
“So before Scandoval even broke, they had the filming permits in place to record with when cameras went back,” she said.
Bravo has previously stated that the season has not been re-edited to reflect the discovery of the affair.
Sarah Cee, co-host of “Vanderpump Rules Party” podcast, said that the show’s producers “had to have known or had very strong inklings” because the affair seems like too seamless of a ready-made subplot in the season.
For example, there was an episode that aired in April — but that was filmed sooner — in which Sandoval looks like he touches Leviss’ rear end.
The Bravo reality show has been airing since 2013, following the antics of SUR employees — a West Hollywood restaurant and lounge co-owned by former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump.
In recent years, the franchise was getting stale, but the first episode to air after the Scandoval news broke saw more than a 30% bump in viewership, compared to the week before.
A source from Bravo told The Post that there was no staging, and “rumors” about the affair were flying around the production, but they were brushed off. However, when news broke that it was true, cameras picked back up to capture it.
The three part “Vanderpump Rules” reunion airs on May 24, with an additional “secrets revealed” special airing June 14 at 9 p.m.