An MTV spokesperson is denying claims by several outlets today that MTV plans to recast Jersey Shore after season 5 to cut down on costs.
An anonymous “source” told US Weekly, “After this group comes back from Italy and shoots Season 5 this summer, that will be the end for them.” With Snooki, the Situation and their gang each making a reported $100,000 per episode, the source says the new stars will be “a lot cheaper.”
While there’s no doubt a new cast would be cheaper, a nameless net spokesperson tells The Hollywood Reporter, “We love the present cast, and their summer adventures have just begun. We currently have no plans to recast the show.”
Of course, “plans” can change, but MTV has been putting their money where the spokesperson’s mouth is with the current cast. As we’ve noted, Jenni “J-Woww” Farley, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Pauly D Delvecchio all have MTV spinoff series set to air in 2012. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino has also inked a development deal with MTV.
So even if they were to leave Jersey Shore after season 5, they wouldn’t really be going anywhere.
(Image courtesy of MTV)