Why Chrishell Stause Left Selling Sunset: Prioritizing Mental Health and Future Plans

After nine seasons of high-stakes real estate and even higher-stakes drama, fan-favorite Chrishell Stause is officially closing her chapter on Netflix's Selling Sunset. It wasn't an easy decision, but for Chrishell, stepping away became a necessary move for her well-being and future endeavors.

TL;DR

• Chrishell Stause announced her official departure from Selling Sunset after nine seasons, citing mental health concerns as a primary reason.
• Her decision was also influenced by financial independence from the show and personal challenges, including her IVF journey with spouse G Flip.
• She plans to explore new career opportunities in hosting and acting, particularly focusing on queer stories.

The Emotional Toll of Constant Reality TV Scrutiny

Imagine a job where every argument, every personal struggle, every raw emotion is not only captured on camera but then replayed, dissected, and debated across social media for months. For Chrishell Stause, that became her reality for nine seasons on Netflix’s Selling Sunset. It’s a level of exposure few truly understand, and after nearly a decade, she's decided it's time to step out of the spotlight's harshest glare.

Her departure was confirmed last week, just days after the season nine reunion aired, sending ripples through the show's fanbase. Stause, 44, was recently spotted enjoying a lunch outing with her spouse G Flip and Nina Parker at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, signaling a transition into a new, perhaps calmer, phase of life. (Source: Just Jared, "Chrishell Stause Steps Out For Lunch With Spouse G Flip After 'Selling Sunset' Exit", November 10, 2025).

"I’ve gotten to a place where I don’t need the show financially. I’m lucky to have other forms of employment, because it’s no longer good for my mental health."

— Chrishell Stause to Bustle

More Than Just Finances: The Deep Reasons Behind Her Departure

While Chrishell acknowledged the financial benefits of the show – admitting it was "really hard to turn something like this down" coming from humble beginnings – her mental health emerged as the driving force behind her exit. She told Bustle, "I've gotten to a place where I don't need the show financially. I'm lucky to have other forms of employment, because it's no longer good for my mental health." This candid admission highlights the significant emotional drain the show had become. (Source: Bustle, "Chrishell Stause Moves On", November 7, 2025).

Season nine, in particular, presented a gauntlet of emotional challenges. From castmate Nicole Young making a distasteful comment about Chrishell’s deceased parents to a tumultuous fallout with former best friend Emma Hernan over Emma's controversial boyfriend, Blake Davis, the season was a constant barrage. Chrishell alleged that Blake Davis made homophobic and transphobic remarks, comparing being nonbinary to having a mental illness and posting anti-trans content. She also detailed alleged verbally abusive behavior towards Emma, including jokes about physical violence. (Source: Bustle, "Chrishell Stause Moves On", November 7, 2025).

Navigating Personal Battles Amidst Public Drama

The intensity wasn't limited to inter-cast feuds. Chrishell also openly discussed her personal journey with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) alongside her nonbinary spouse, G Flip, a topic that was even featured in one of her final scenes on the show. "It was really hard going through IVF through the process of filming Selling Sunset," she revealed to Bustle. The emotional and financial toll of IVF, combined with the pressures of reality television, added another layer of complexity to her life. After several unsuccessful rounds, she mentioned considering one more attempt once the dust from the show settled. (Source: Bustle, "Chrishell Stause Moves On", November 7, 2025).

Chrishell felt that the show's editing often misrepresented her intentions and actions. She noted that many "things that would've completely vindicated me and my opinion" regarding conflicts, such as the situation with Emma and Blake, were left out. This selective storytelling, she believes, often made her appear as "the bad guy," intensifying the personal cost of being on the show. It's a tricky balance when your real life becomes curated content, and for Chrishell, the balance ultimately tipped towards her well-being.

The Shifting Dynamics of the Oppenheim Group and Beyond

Chrishell’s departure isn't happening in a vacuum; it reflects a broader trend within the Oppenheim Group. She highlighted the isolating experience of being the only queer-identified cast member for a portion of her tenure. "I think people think they're an ally, but they're not realizing the lived experience of having lived half of my time at the brokerage being 'straight' and then living the other half really noticing the stark differences," she explained to Bustle. She also felt her relationship with G Flip wasn't initially taken seriously by some cast members. (Source: Bustle, "Chrishell Stause Moves On", November 7, 2025).

Netflix, for its part, has not commented on Chrishell's claims about show creator Adam DiVello repeatedly trying to persuade her to stay for season 10. Chrishell, however, remained resolute, humorously stating that "Jesus Christ himself" couldn't get her to return. Her strong stance underlines the severity of her decision, demonstrating a clear prioritization of personal peace over professional obligation to the show.

The Exodus: Other Cast Members Contemplating Their Future

Chrishell isn't the only one who has expressed doubts or officially left the Oppenheim Group and Selling Sunset. The show seems to be at a crossroads, with several agents eyeing the exit or having already walked away:

• Christine Quinn: Departed after five seasons due to a fallout with Emma Hernan and founded her own crypto-based real estate firm, RealOpen.
• Maya Vander: Left to focus on her family and East Coast real estate firm, Compass: The Maya Vander Group, after experiencing pregnancy losses and prioritizing self-care.
• Vanessa Villela: Exited after two seasons, moving to Umansky’s The Agency and starting a jewelry business.
• Heather Rae El Moussa: Confirmed her exit in October 2023, claiming it wasn't her choice, and now appears on HGTV’s The Flipping El Moussas with her husband Tarek.
• Chelsea Lazkani: Threatened to leave after season eight over alleged racist tweets by new cast member Amanda Lynn, who subsequently didn't feature again.
• Emma Hernan: Also voiced mixed emotions about her place on the show after being "wrongfully accused" of an affair, and again after being "grilled" about Blake Davis at the reunion.
• Nicole Young: Was "removed" from the office at the end of season nine and plans to move to Nashville, suggesting she might not return. She believes "the show has run its course."

With so many foundational cast members contemplating or making their exits, it raises questions about the long-term viability and dynamics of Selling Sunset. Chrishell was often considered the "moral center" and an "obvious star" of the show. (Source: Bustle, "Chrishell Stause Moves On", November 7, 2025).

Looking Forward to New Ventures and Authentic Storytelling

So, what's next for Chrishell Stause? She's not slowing down; she's simply redirecting her energy. She’s keen on exploring new hosting gigs, having previously campaigned on Instagram to host Netflix’s now-canceled The Ultimatum: Queer Love. She's also pitching a new, more fluid dating show with a competitive element, describing it as a "dream job." (Source: Bustle, "Chrishell Stause Moves On", November 7, 2025).

Acting is also back on the agenda, something she did prior to Selling Sunset (she was a daytime soap actor). Significantly, she's eager to lean into more queer roles, noting that several projects since she came out have been queer. She envisions leading a holiday movie with queer storylines, embracing her identity fully in her career. It's about finding roles that resonate deeply with her authentic self.

Example: Think of a software engineer, highly successful and well-paid, who spends years in a high-pressure tech giant, constantly battling internal politics and feeling their creativity stifled. One day, after a particularly draining project that left them burned out, they decide to quit, not for another big company, but to launch a small, independent gaming studio focusing on niche, passion projects. It's less money, more uncertainty, but a huge boost to their mental well-being and creative spirit. This mirrors Chrishell's decision – choosing personal fulfillment over the established, yet draining, path.

Despite the challenges, Chrishell holds no ill will towards Selling Sunset. "The show has given me so many opportunities, and I don’t want to be bitter about it, even though I’m leaving not in the way that I would’ve loved," she told Bustle. Her journey highlights a crucial tradeoff: the financial and exposure benefits of reality TV versus the often-unseen costs to mental and emotional health. Her choice is a powerful statement about prioritizing personal well-being in a world obsessed with public perception.

Practical Takeaways for Viewers and Aspiring Stars

• Prioritize Your Peace: Chrishell's story is a reminder that no job, no matter how glamorous or lucrative, is worth sacrificing your mental health.
• Authenticity Over Everything: Stepping away allows her to pursue projects that align more with her true self and identity, especially in queer representation.
• Change is Growth: Even successful paths can become unsustainable. Don't be afraid to pivot and seek new opportunities that serve your evolving needs.
• Boundaries Are Essential: Reality TV, like any high-pressure environment, underscores the importance of setting firm boundaries to protect your personal space and well-being.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Chrishell's Departure When did Chrishell Stause officially announce her departure? Chrishell Stause's departure from Selling Sunset was officially announced last week, around November 7, 2025, after the season nine reunion aired. (Source: Bustle, The Hollywood Reporter, Just Jared) What were Chrishell's main reasons for leaving Selling Sunset? She cited protecting her mental health as the primary reason, in addition to being financially independent from the show and the emotional toll of personal struggles like her IVF journey and on-screen conflicts. Is Selling Sunset renewed for Season 10? As of the articles' publication around November 2025, there has been no official announcement from Netflix regarding a Season 10 renewal for Selling Sunset. What are Chrishell Stause's plans after leaving the show? Chrishell plans to pursue new ventures in hosting, including pitching a new dating show, and more acting roles, with a focus on representing queer stories. Sources

• Bustle, "Chrishell Stause Moves On", Katie Heaney, November 7, 2025.
• Just Jared, "Chrishell Stause Steps Out For Lunch With Spouse G Flip After 'Selling Sunset' Exit", JJ Staff, November 10, 2025.
• Reality Tea, "Selling Sunset’s Mary Bonnet Claims Chrishell Stause Was ‘Trying To Demean’ Her Character", Michael Tullberg/Getty Images, November 6, 2025.
• The Tab, "As Chrishell confirms she’s quit, here’s everyone threatening to leave Selling Sunset right now", Hayley Soen, November 7, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News, "Chrishell Stause Leaving ‘Selling Sunset’ After Nine Seasons", Lexy Perez, November 7, 2025.
• Primetimer, "Which celebrities have left Selling Sunset so far, and where are they now?", Ranjita Paul, November 8, 2025.
• Decider, "Will We See Chrishell Be Back On Selling Sunset?", Everett Collection, November 7, 2025.