Craig Conover Navigates a New Chapter

The last year has been quite challenging for Craig Conover. As the founder of Sewing Down South, he steps into 2025 single for the first time in three years after his breakup with Paige DeSorbo while on vacation, followed closely by starting a new relationship. In Season 11, Conover finds himself several months into this single life. While fans initially supported him during the split, it seems that goodwill quickly faded.

When Conover and DeSorbo’s relationship ended, many fans came to his defense, stating things like, “What’s wrong with wanting kids and a family?” The mood soured for DeSorbo, especially after she was spotted with her new boyfriend, Joe D’Amelio, shortly after their split, leading some to speculate about an affair, which she has denied.

In the latest season of DeSorbo’s Summer House, Conover is depicted as a resentful boyfriend who struggled to support his girlfriend’s career aspirations due to his own insecurities. A conversation he had with Andy Cohen, coupled with a scene that aired after their breakup in the finale of Southern Charm, further painted him as a victim of circumstances.

As he gears up for Season 11, Conover appears ready to date again. After feeling somewhat vindicated in the aftermath of his breakup, he initially seems hopeful about the future, even while still grappling with his past. Unfortunately, many of the issues that DeSorbo had tried to address during their relationship resurfaced.

This season, beyond his ongoing conflicts with Austin Kroll, Conover faced criticism for explosive arguments with Benita Aspen and Sally Carson. His insult-laden exchange with Carson proved too much for newcomer Charlie Manley, who had been interested in Carson off-screen. Manley was understandably upset and ended her involvement with Conover right away. Outside of the show’s context, the support he was once receiving from fans dwindled rapidly.

At the Season 11 reunion, Conover was definitely a hot topic. Even the usually quiet new cast member, Whitner Slagsvoll, took notice of his behavior, calling it “unforgivable” for someone with his experience.

Feeling the weight of criticism, Conover found himself questioning whether he should continue appearing on Southern Charm. It prompted thoughts about whether, after over ten years, he should really consider stepping away for good. It’s a reasonable sentiment; many viewers express fatigue over the same arguments between Conover and Kroll season after season. Plus, it’s not particularly enjoyable to see men raise their voices at women. So, if those two storylines were removed, what would Conover truly bring to the show?

Honestly, it’s hard for me to picture Conover actually leaving—at least not just yet. Sewing Down South seems to benefit from the visibility that Bravo provides, and it would likely be detrimental for him to lose that exposure. From my experience at BravoCon in November, the lines to buy his merchandise were consistently long, and fans were eager to interact with him.

While Conover certainly has his shortcomings, reality TV isn’t about lofty moral standards. The most engaging reality stars are often chaotic and oblivious to how they come across. I wouldn’t personally label Conover as a narcissist, a term typically reserved for others in the Bravo universe. Despite his flaws, his moments of self-awareness and regret—like apologizing at the reunion—maintain a certain level of intrigue. He’s almost a “love-him-or-hate-him” type, evoking both admiration and the urge to lecture him on respect.

Over the years, while many cast members have come and gone, Conover and Shep Rose have been the anchors of Southern Charm since its original airing in 2014. Rose’s role has diminished, so perhaps Conover might want to consider following suit. Though he doesn’t always align with public opinion, both men have become legacy figures on the show. They offer humor and anecdotes about their dating lives, but the younger cast members are increasingly driving the narrative.

Conover has dedicated much of his adult life for our entertainment. I can understand why he might contemplate taking a season off to heal, but I doubt this is the last we’ll see of him on Southern Charm.

Southern Charm Season 11 is currently streaming on Peacock.