Rise to Fame on The Hills

The Hills premiered in 2006 as a spin-off of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, centering on Lauren Conrad, a main cast member from the original series. The show followed Conrad and her friends, including Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge, and Whitney Port, as they pursued careers and relationships in Los Angeles.

Stephanie Pratt joined the cast during the show's third season. Her arrival came after her brother Spencer began dating and later moved in with Heidi Montag, which strained Montag's friendship with Conrad. Initially portrayed as an adversary who confronted Conrad in a nightclub, Stephanie's storyline shifted when the two women discovered they had attended the same college. Their newfound friendship placed Stephanie at odds with Spencer and Heidi, leading to tensions with her family.

Ongoing Drama and Cast Dynamics

During the third and fourth seasons of The Hills, Stephanie emerged as a recurring character whose role became increasingly significant. The show delved into her personal struggles, including her past issues with drug abuse, as well as the complicated dynamics within her family and social circle. Despite speculation that she would not return for subsequent episodes, Stephanie rejoined the main cast in the sixth and final season. By that time, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag were no longer featured on the show.