“I don't see TV shows out there that explore how when you get to a certain age and you all choose different paths in life,” Stassi explained of the series, on which Katie also appears. “How that affects your friendships and then how you come back together.”

She also wanted the show to be grounded in what feels like an attainable reality.

“We’re starving for something that’s not just aspirational or depressing,” she said. “This is what it’s really like when you grow up.”

Plus, filming the series—which also features Stassi’s husband Beau Clark, as well as friends Kristina Kelly, Taylor Strecker, Georgianna Aubin, Rob Evors and Taylor “Teddy” Donohue—turned out to be beneficial for all the relationships and friendships involved.

After all, it all comes down to the very nature of reality TV.

“You have to say what you’re thinking out loud—otherwise there is no show,” Stassi—now a mom to two with Beau—explained. “We just got all of our s--t out on the table in a constructive way, being respectful of each other while being open and vulnerable and honest.”

As for how Katie, 40, is feeling about House of Stassi’s premiere, the reality TV veteran is excited to be putting it all out there more than a year after leaving Vanderpump Rules. 

“Can’t wait for @houseofstassi to premiere this July 29th on @hulu and @freeform,” she captioned an April 25 Instagram post. “Your girl is officially out of retirement.”

For a look back at the many drama-filled relationships that grew and, often, subsequently shattered on Vanderpump Rules, read on.