Charli Burnett was an understated hero on Vanderpump Rules, and I am willing to die on this hill. Joining the cast in a lesser capacity during Season 8, Charli always spoke her mind, never shying away from conflict. When the mass firings went down following her first season on air, her screentime increased, which granted her mug a featured spot in the opening credits for Season 9. Charli continued to shine in this series until her exit arrived at the end of Season 10. But even though her time spent filming was short, Charli made an impressive impact on VPR.
To start, Charli Burnett was the hero of her own life
Before I touch on how well Charli treated others, I have to note one key aspect: she also treated herself well. Appearing on the Viall Files Podcast several beats before Pump Rules Season 11 started airing, Charli revealed that she did not “feel aligned” with this series anymore, stressing she could no longer show up and show out for another run. Due to these feelings she was having, Charli became the hero she needed, turning down her contract to prioritize her peace over her pocketbook.
When the cast received their Season 11 contracts, Charli was ready, as “everything was going well. But “then the day came to sign on the dotted line,” and “something told” her “not to do it.” So she didn’t.
I see you, Charli. Pop off with your solid intuition.
Charli further stressed that instead of filming, she “would rather hang out with Katie [Maloney], get some cocktails, and chill.” Charli then noted that she could still live out her Vino visions without the cameras, hence her move to call it a day (for now). I respect this, but also, I would watch this happy hour scene on repeat. Close friends giggling over cocktails, unencumbered by toxicity? YES PLEASE.
Thankfully, Charli is not writing off her return to filming. Perhaps one day, when Charli feels ready, she will slip back into her SUR uniform and give things another go. Until then, I am riding in Charli’s corner.
That brings me to my next point, recalling how this woman heroically showed up for her costars and their storylines. Whether they liked it or not.
Charli Burnett stood up for the underdogs and even spoke hard truths into their lives
Rachel Leviss often struggled to fit in with her VPR cast mates. Not helping matters, before the Scandoval unearthing, her moves made zero sense. These behaviors ticked off her costars. During a females-only cast trip, things finally came to a head, leaving Rachel standing alone in one corner, squaring off against Lala Kent, Kristina Kelly, and Katie in the other.
While dining out at a nice restaurant, these three ladies began heavily questioning Rachel about her desires for the still-legally married Tom Schwartz. Without thinking, or so it seemed, Rachel compared her situation to Lala’s. She reminded Lala about her beginnings with the then-married Randall Emmett, which went down exactly as one might suspect. Shittily.
As Rachel saw her defenses crumbling, Charli stood nearby, eager to support the underdog. These two left their trip early and headed back to Los Angeles. But once Rachel was in a better headspace, Charli still managed to keep things real with her friend, especially after Charli learned about Rachel and Schwartz’s weird kiss at Scheana Shay’s destination wedding.
In the middle of a park, Charli reminded Rachel that her innocent kiss with Schwartz, which she knew would tick off Katie, was poorly timed. “That was Katie’s wedding anniversary weekend for her wedding,” Charli chastised, which saw Rachel quickly going on the defense. Even after laying several excuses at Charli’s feet, Charli kept her foot on Rachel’s Katie-hating neck, stressing, “To be honest with you, Raquel [Rachel], I wouldn’t do that to my worst enemy.”
As Rachel sat back sans any response, Charli continued. She explained that she would continue to support her friend, but she would do so with honesty. Charli had a unique ability to stand up for the fallen without allowing their bullsh*t to slide, like a true storyline hero.
Charli also went up against Pump Rule’s resident hotheads like it was easy
In life, there are always certain characters that we avoid. These personalities might be erratic or hotheaded. Or, they might carry a slew of rather unfortunate viewpoints, making our avoidance routes far more attractive than our fight-them-right-now paths. Cue Lala and Jax Taylor.
This is why Charli was an unsung hero on VPR, as no matter who came for her, she always sent them right back.
In Season 9, Lala pointed out a double standard, noting everyone forgives everyone, just never her. She then recalled an outburst from Ariana Madix, which Charli forgave. Charli clarified, “I’m backing her up based upon what I’m seeing. I’m not judging off the last five years.”
“Then you have no skin in this game, baby,” Lauren’s Utah side popped back. Charli reminded Lala she is not the “only one who is allowed to say things.” Lala then replied, “Well, let me speak, b*tch.”
“If you want to play this f*cking game, then we can play this f*cking game! There’s one person you can’t f*cking play with and that’s f*cking me,” Charli yelled, making my jaw hit the floor as I prayed for her life.
On Jax, Charli called him a “bully” and a “50-year-old man,” which he loathed but also kinda laughed at. She also mentioned he was close to the retirement age because Charli, VPR’s unsung hero, gave zero f*cks.
Never change, Charli.
Vanderpump Rules is streaming on Peacock.
