As expected, after the Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s pregnancy shocker, news is surfacing that the current season of ‘Jersey Shore’ may be its last. Sources tell Fox 411 that Viacom’s MTV is unsure how to proceed without her. Season six has not yet been greenlighted and no decision on creative, including its cast, has been made.
Continuing the show without its star Snooki could mean a big hit on ratings.
A network source denies Snooki’s pregnancy has anything to do with the delay in greenlighting the network’s top rated show. “No decision had been made before we heard the news,” the source told Fox411.
The show, of course, revolves around the cast getting trashed, fighting, sex and general debauchery. Without Snooki leading the charge, it leaves many doubts.
Polizzi confirmed to US Weekly magazine in a cover story this week that she found out about her pregnancy in early January and has since put her hard partying days behind her. “No more peeing on porches,” she told the magazine.
Snooki is still scheduled to film a spin-off of “The Jersey Shore” with her co-star Jenni “J Woww” Farley. MTV says that show, which is currently filming in Jersey City, has no air date or title yet, but it looks like it will focus on her transition from party girl to mommy.
Sources also told Fox411 that the network has considered auditioning a Snooki replacement, but that’s a move that rarely pays off in sitcoms, and is unlikely to work on a reality show, either.
MTV’s official statement: “We wish Nicole a healthy and happy pregnancy and congratulate her on her engagement. We support her as she starts this new chapter of her life.”
RBR-TVBR observation: It’s all about getting a powerful replacement. She will still have a place on the network with a spin-off and can surely make guest appearances on Jersey Shore. But the right casting will make or break it. We think they’ll find someone (or two) and keep the show for its next season. It would be foolish to toss aside their top-rated show.
