After a wild season 8 of Southern Charm, Bravo fans couldn't wait for part one of the reunion. Reunions are always dramatic affairs because host Andy Cohen breaks down the highs and lows of the season, forcing the cast to live through the theatrics one more time. Season 8 focused on a couple of main storylines: the possible demise of Shep and Taylor's relationship, the Madison, Olivia, and Austen love triangle, and Craig's vendetta against his ex Naomie. Part one of the reunion primarily focused on Taylor and Shep's relationship while also touching base on the other smaller storylines. Due to the Bravo fandom, fans on social media were all but quiet when it came to reacting to these hilarious, shocking, and at times, emotional moments.
Part One Of The Reunion Was All About Shep & Taylor
After dating for almost three years, the cracks in Taylor and Shep's relationship began to show in season 8. As much as Taylor wanted to see the good in Shep, and as much as Shep tried to be the man she needed, these two couldn't make it work and broke up.
Fans were dying to know where the former couple stood at the reunion, and as it was shown, they're still broken up and torn up over it. Taylor was a more reserved woman on the show but at the reunion, she had a lot to say and Twitter loved every minute of it.
Fans Loved This New Side Of Austen
There are fake parts of reality shows like Southern Charm, but there are also a lot of raw moments. Austen is one cast member that fans flip on every season. Some loved him while others hated him.
In season 8, he came off annoying because he was interested in dating Olivia but was still bothered by his ex Madison. However, he slowly changed the audience's perception of himself when he took Olivia seriously and took on a big-brother role for Taylor. Knowing how Shep operated, Austen had some sweet heart-to-hearts with Taylor and was there for her at the reunion. Knowing how this show works, the idea of Austen and Taylor "exploring things" wouldn't be far-fetched.
Why Did Madison Get A Seat At The Reunion?
Madison has been a part of her fair share of Southern Charm memes over the years. As Austen's ex-girlfriend and one of the best pot-stirrers, she knew how to get under people's skin. In season 8, she was a friend of the series and only popped up sporadically.
Because of this, fans were curious why she was sitting on the main stage with the cast members. What's worse is she had a lot to say about the cast, even though she was hardly there or a part of the drama. As the Twitter user said, Madison should have been in the back with Marcie.
Taylor Had Every Right To Voice Her Opinions On Her Ex
The thing about this cast is that even though they're horrible to each other at times, they're still friends who spend time together when the cameras stop. As horrible as Shep could be, the group still cared for him.
When Taylor voiced her sadness over their breakup and how disappointed she was in him, it was hard for her castmates not to make hilarious expressions. It was the wrath that Shep needed, but that didn't mean it wasn't uncomfortable (or enjoyable) to watch.
Craig, The Most Popular Person On Bravo Is Andy Cohen
One of the ways that Southern Charm does it better than The Real Housewives is that the friendships are real and not many storylines need to be faked. Because of the depth of the group, the ups and downs came naturally.
In one reunion moment, it was said that Craig thought he was the most "popular" person on Bravo... Fans found this hilarious considering there are far more popular people on the network than him. Shep even called Craig "Mr. New York," insinuating that his head got too big for the show, which fans gobbled up on social media.
Madison's Time On The Series Is Done
One of the more dramatic moments on Southern Charm was when Madison and Austen broke up for good. However, even after breaking up the pair still had this toxicity between them that they couldn't break. Eventually, Madison found love of her own and got engaged.
Her fiancé has never been on the show but she said his religion was what made him such an amazing man and soon-to-be stepfather to her son. As she bragged about him at the reunion, fans joked that they couldn't have cared less about her new relationship and questioned why she was even on the show.
It Didn't Seem Like Naomie Wanted To Be There
At the end of season 6, Naomie left Charleston for a fresh start with a serious boyfriend who wasn't a main member of the show. Naomie loved him and tore Craig apart during her exit.
The next year, it was revealed that Naomie moved back to Charleston because she found out her boyfriend cheated on her. Naomie soon became a member of the series again, but she still had a lot of unfinished issues with the cast. In season 8, she clashed with Craig and was not the best of friends with her so-called bestie Venita. In the end, Naomie's addition was a flop — even at the reunion.
Where Did Pringle Go!?
John Pringle was new in season 7 to round out the group. He was tall and attractive like Shep, Austen, and Craig, but he had a more serious head on his shoulders. In season 8, he was cast as a friend and appeared a few times. However, it would be an unpopular Southern Charm opinion to desire more scenes with him since he didn't add much drama.
Because of his absence, fans practically forgot about Pringle and wondered where he was at the reunion. If Madison and Marcie were there, Pringle should have been too.
#MeanGirls
Fans agreed that Madison threw unnecessary digs toward Olivia at the reunion. This only made viewers theorize that Madison could still have feelings for Austen and be jealous of Olivia.
Twitter users noted how strong Olivia was when Madison came after her and that she was a classy woman in comparison. In the end, Madison seemed angry, jealous, and like Regina George from Mean Girls.
Leva's Behavior On The Finale...
The season finale took place at Craig's company's Christmas party. Everyone was invited and excited, except for Naomie and Leva.
The women became even more bothered with Craig when they realized there weren't enough seats at the head table and they had to sit elsewhere. Instead of finding a new table, Leva went over to Craig's business partners to complain about Craig's behavior. Fans on Twitter found this entirely unacceptable, and the conversation came off as petty at the reunion.