Jax Taylor has announced that he will not be returning for the third season of The Valley, emphasizing the need to focus on his sobriety and mental health. This decision comes after a challenging year filled with personal struggles and significant conversations with his team and producers.
Jax Taylor Exits ‘The Valley’ for Season 3: A Necessary Break
Jax Taylor will not return for season three of The Valley.
Statement on Departure
Bravo’s reality series, which originated from Vanderpump Rules, is currently airing its second season. Ahead of the July 22 finale, Taylor released a statement regarding his future on the show.
“After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I’ll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley,” said Taylor. “Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and my coparenting relationship. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.”
Reunion Appearance
Taylor will still appear in the season two reunion, which will air in two parts following the finale and was filmed in May. While Bravo declined to comment, a source close to production informed The Hollywood Reporter that the network and producers mutually discussed Taylor’s decision and fully support him as they look ahead to season three.
Renewal and Background
The Valley was renewed earlier this spring after a successful first season, which Bravo noted was one of its most-watched new series premieres in a decade. The unscripted series, available on Peacock, follows several Vanderpump Rules alumni, including Taylor and his now-estranged wife Brittany Cartwright, alongside Kristen Doute, as they transition from their West Hollywood lifestyles to new family routines in the San Fernando Valley.
Personal Struggles
Taylor and Cartwright separated before the first season aired in January 2024, after filming had concluded. Cameras resumed to capture their breakup and the escalating tension between the couple, culminating in Cartwright reaching a breaking point.
Nearly six months after announcing their split, Cartwright filed for divorce from Taylor. The couple shares a son, Cruz, aged 4. The divorce is still in process.
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Challenges in Season Two
The Valley debuted four years after Taylor left Vanderpump Rules under controversial circumstances. The second season has delved into the challenges the couple faces as they navigate their tumultuous history, including a dramatic cheating scandal from season six of Vanderpump Rules. Filming now occurs in separate homes, focusing on custody and coparenting issues, as well as Taylor’s toxic behavior.
The second season premiere revealed Taylor and Cartwright recounting an off-camera domestic violence incident where Taylor reacted violently upon discovering texts on Cartwright’s phone from a friend. “I went full fucking unhinged rage,” Taylor recounted during the premiere. “I lost all control. I saw red. I had an out-of-body experience.” The following episode depicted Taylor checking into a mental health facility for 30 days, only to learn upon his release that Cartwright had filed for divorce and sole legal custody. Subsequent episodes continued to showcase Taylor’s problematic behavior, leading viewers to call for Bravo and producers to terminate his involvement.
Before the season two premiere on April 15, Taylor, aged 46, disclosed that he had struggled with cocaine addiction on and off for over two decades.
“My son comes first,” Cartwright stated previously about participating in the show while separated from Taylor during season one. “I’d rather him be in a happy home than have to deal with us fighting and arguing. I don’t know what the future holds, but this space that I’m taking is much needed.”
Production Details
The Valley is produced by 32 Flavors Entertainment, Haymaker East, and Evolution Media, an Amazon MGM Studios company, with executive producer Alex Baskin serving as showrunner.
