Dayna Kathan

Dayna Kathan
Nationality	American
Occupation	Television personality, comedian, podcast host
Known for	Vanderpump Rules (Seasons 7–8)

Dayna Kathan is an American television personality, comedian, and podcast host who gained public attention through her appearances on the Bravo reality television series Vanderpump Rules during its seventh and eighth seasons. An aspiring stand-up comedian who worked at SUR Restaurant & Lounge in West Hollywood, California, Kathan became a notable addition to the show's cast, charming viewers with her wit and humor during a period of significant cast expansion. Her time on the series was marked by romantic storylines involving fellow cast members and her pursuit of a career in comedy. Kathan departed Vanderpump Rules after Season 8, and she subsequently transitioned into podcasting and other ventures. Since leaving the show, she has remained connected to the Vanderpump Rules extended community and has spoken publicly about her experiences on the series, including discussions about behind-the-scenes production dynamics and the nature of reality television storytelling.

Career

Vanderpump Rules

Kathan joined the cast of Vanderpump Rules, a Bravo reality television series that premiered on January 7, 2013, as a spin-off of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The series centers on Lisa Vanderpump and the staff at her West Hollywood restaurants and bars, including SUR Restaurant & Lounge, Pump Restaurant, and TomTom. Kathan first appeared during Season 7 and became a more prominent cast member during Season 8, which aired in 2020. As a newer addition to the series, she was part of a wave of younger cast members introduced to the show during a transitional period for the long-running program.

During her time on the series, Kathan was portrayed as an aspiring stand-up comedian working at SUR, and her comedic ambitions formed a recurring element of her storyline. Her romantic relationships with fellow cast members also featured prominently in the show's narrative during Season 8. The season explored various interpersonal dynamics among the newer and original cast members, with Kathan positioned at the center of several storylines.

Kathan departed Vanderpump Rules following the conclusion of Season 8. Her exit was confirmed by E! News, which reported that she was leaving the series. Her departure coincided with a broader period of cast changes for the show. In June 2020, Bravo had fired Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute from the series, and Jax Taylor also departed the show later that year. When Season 9 began filming, the cast underwent significant restructuring.

Post-Vanderpump Rules career

After leaving Vanderpump Rules, Kathan pursued various professional endeavors. According to Bravo's coverage of her post-show activities, she transitioned away from the reality television format and explored other avenues, including her long-standing interest in comedy. MSN noted that during her time on the show, Kathan had been an "aspiring comedian" who "charmed viewers with her wit," and reporting explored whether she continued to put her "comedic skills to use" following her departure from the series.

By late 2025, Bravo provided an updated look at Kathan's life after the show, noting that she had moved on from reality television and was focused on other aspects of her personal and professional life. The feature, titled "Blink and You'll Miss It," offered a glimpse into her day-to-day activities and post-show trajectory.

Podcasting and media appearances

Kathan has remained active in the media landscape through podcasting. She co-hosts a podcast with former Vanderpump Rules cast member Katie Maloney, through which the two have discussed their experiences on the show and broader topics. In February 2025, the pair revealed behind-the-scenes secrets from their time on Vanderpump Rules, discussing their "love-hate relationships" with certain seasons of the series.

In June 2025, Kathan and Maloney participated in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, during which they discussed a range of topics related to their time on the show. The former cast members spoke candidly about what they described as "fake storylines" and "forced friendships" that were part of the production process. They also discussed the possibility of a future without reality television. These discussions provided insight into the production methods employed on reality television series and the degree to which storylines and interpersonal dynamics are shaped by producers.

Kathan's continued association with Maloney has kept her connected to the broader Vanderpump Rules community. Us Weekly included Kathan in a feature about former Vanderpump Rules stars and their post-show lives, placing her among the notable cast members who departed the series over its run.

Vanderpump Rules context

Vanderpump Rules was developed as the first spin-off from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and premiered on Bravo on January 7, 2013. The series was greenlit by Bravo as part of a broader slate of unscripted programming. The show proved commercially successful for the network and was renewed multiple times over the years. Over the course of its run, the series aired 12 seasons and spawned three spin-offs: Vanderpump Rules After Show, Vanderpump Rules: Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky, and The Valley.

The show's original cast included Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, Tom Sandoval, and Scheana Shay, among others. Kathan's time on the show during Seasons 7 and 8 represented a period when the series was incorporating newer cast members alongside the established personalities. The 2020 departures of Schroeder, Doute, and Taylor represented one of the most significant cast overhauls in the series' history, reshaping the show's dynamics heading into Season 9 and beyond.

Behind-the-scenes revelations

Kathan has been forthcoming about the production realities of reality television since leaving Vanderpump Rules. In her joint appearances and podcast episodes with Katie Maloney, she has offered a perspective on how the show was constructed and the degree to which certain elements were manufactured for dramatic effect.

During their February 2025 discussion, Kathan and Maloney shared behind-the-scenes insights about the production process, discussing how their feelings about different seasons of the show evolved over time. The pair acknowledged having complicated feelings about their involvement, describing a "love-hate" dynamic with the series.

Their June 2025 Reddit AMA session expanded on these themes. Kathan and Maloney described encountering what they characterized as "fake storylines" during their time on the show, and they discussed how certain friendships among cast members were encouraged or "forced" by the production team. They also addressed the question of whether they would return to reality television, suggesting some ambivalence about the format. These candid discussions contributed to a broader public conversation about the authenticity of reality television programming and the experiences of cast members on such shows.

Personal life

Kathan has kept aspects of her personal life relatively private since departing Vanderpump Rules. While her romantic relationships were a prominent part of her storyline during Season 8 of the show, she has been more reserved about sharing details of her personal life in the years following her departure. Bravo's December 2025 feature on Kathan provided some insight into her day-to-day life, noting that she had continued to evolve beyond her reality television persona.

Kathan has maintained a friendship with Katie Maloney, with whom she regularly collaborates on their podcast. Their professional partnership has extended beyond work, with the two appearing together at various events and maintaining a public friendship that has endured beyond their shared time on the show.

Recognition

Kathan's tenure on Vanderpump Rules, though limited to two seasons, earned her a following among fans of the series. Her comedic sensibility and personality set her apart from other cast members and contributed to her popularity with viewers. Following her departure, she has been consistently included in media retrospectives and "where are they now" features about former Vanderpump Rules cast members, indicating her lasting recognition among fans of the franchise.

Bravo has continued to feature Kathan in its editorial coverage, publishing multiple articles about her post-show life in 2024 and 2025, reflecting the network's recognition of ongoing audience interest in her activities. Her participation in media coverage of the show, including her Reddit AMA with Maloney and their podcast discussions about behind-the-scenes production, has positioned her as a candid voice among former Vanderpump Rules cast members willing to discuss the realities of the reality television industry.