After a lackluster fifth season with decent ratings, a few folks expected Jersey Shore to ride off into the shore sunset. However, the show still dominates its time slot on Thursday nights and MTV decided to bring the show back for the sixth time. Another factor in MTV’s decision to take us to the shore again was likely the continuing media blitz on Snooki‘s recently announced pregnancy, now in its fourth month.
Last week, news leaked that The Situation had entered rehab for a prescription drug problem and alcohol addiction. One might think pregnancy and addiction issues would prevent cast mates from appearing, but as it turns out, MTV expects all cast members to return.
However before you think Jersey Shore will turn into a new version of Sober House, TMZ is reporting that MTV plans on “phasing out” Snooki and The Situation and replacing them with “newer, wilder castmates.” In other words, replacing them with people who will get drunk at work and still pee on themselves at Karma.
Both castmates will allegedly receive limited screen time. While, I might believe this rumor in Snooki’s case (she is already filming her spin-off and a pregnant Snooki hanging out at the ramshackle shore house might be too weird for viewers), the Situation may insist on returning full-time. A new report on RadarOnline alleges that he does not plan on giving up his lucrative club appearances after he finishes up his current rehab stay.
It’s the late nights that may be contributing to Mike’s problems. A source describes his problem, “Mike was in a vicious cycle of not sleeping because of the illegal substances that he was taking, so he began using prescription pills to help him sleep.” This is consistent with the rumors that have persisted throughout the years of Mike using cocaine. Per the insider, Mike was the one that checked himself in, saying “The good news is that he was the one that wanted to get help and checked into rehab. Hopefully with the proper treatment, Mike will be able to lead a sober life.”
Unfortunately, his definition of “sober life” includes hanging out at clubs. An insider says, “Mike doesn’t want to give up his paid club promotional appearances: he loves the attention that he gets from the ladies and the money is great.” Who can blame him? It would be hard for anyone to give that up. The source continues, “Mike leads a very expensive life and he doesn’t want his lifestyle to suffer because of his decision to go to rehab. He is very upset that stint in rehab has become public knowledge, because he doesn’t want it to affect his bottom line. Mike’s brother handles his club appearances and he has been telling club managers that Mike has no plans on giving up the nightlife.”
This is Mike’s second attempt at going sober. Previously, he had been to a hospital in Florida before his début on Jersey Shore. Since the first try didn’t work, it’s sad to hear that Mike might not be willing to make the lifestyle changes to sustain his sobriety, like leaving the party atmosphere of the shore house and avoiding night clubs.
His father tells Radar, “For me, after years of dealing with his addiction, years of dealing with all the bulls**t, this wasn’t a 16-year-old kid. The guy was a 27-year-old man. I was just hoping he would be able to stand up.”
[Photos Credit: WENN]
TELL US: DO YOU THINK THE SHOW WILL SUFFER WITH LESS SNOOKI AND SITUATION? DO YOU THINK MIKE WILL STAY SOBER?
