Season 9 of Summer House came to a close with a lighthearted two-part reunion. There was some drama, but for the most part, the cast laughed and reminisced about their summer together. It was relatively tame aside from the Lexi Wood and Jesse Solomon saga.
It was sweet watching everyone bond, but as a longtime viewer, I couldn’t help but notice how mismatched the cast has become. You have cast members like Lexi, Jesse, and West Wilson, who are still dating and partying, mixed with new mom Lindsay Hubbard, sober Carl Radke, and married couple Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke. Something isn’t clicking.
Summer House began as a show about twenty and thirty somethings blowing off steam in the Hamptons. Most of the cast was single and not taking the future too seriously, the perfect recipe for good reality TV. But a lot has changed in nine seasons. The Season 9 cast has a lot more to lose than they did five years ago, which means less booze-filled nights and drunken make-outs. The show has turned a corner, and it’s future seems unclear. So, where does Summer House go from here? I think there needs to be a cast shake up in order for the show to continue.
Here is who I think should and shouldn’t return…
Why is the Summer House cast likely to change after Season 9?
On Wednesday, June 4, Paige DeSorbo took to her Instagram story to share some big news with fans. The Giggly Squad host announced she would not be returning to the show next season, writing, “I have a little life update for you: I’ve made the decision not to return to Summer House.”
She continued, “Being part of this show has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life – the friendships, the drama, the giggles. All unforgettable.” She ended the post by thanking fans for their continued support.
Paige’s exit isn’t too surprising. Her career has skyrocketed in the last few years. She is a New York Times best selling author, hosts a massively successful podcast, and is releasing a pajama clothing line. It’s safe to say she doesn’t need Summer House.
Paige’s departure will no doubt leave a hole in the show. She is the voice of reason, the comic relief, and her fans watch the show just to see her. If Summer House returns next season, they’ll have to find a way to fill the Paige gap.
Another cast member who will not be returning is Lexi. The newbie announced she is leaving the show in a Friday, June 6 Instagram story.
“Well … that wasn’t the summer I signed up for but it definitely taught me a lot,” she wrote. “I stood up for women and for what’s right, even when it wasn’t easy and I’d do that again in a heartbeat. I’m leaving Summer House with no regrets (well … maybe one.)”
Who’s most likely to leave the show?
Paige’s announcement got me thinking about the current state of the Summer House cast. The ages in the house range from 26 to 42 years old, a much wider gap than ever before. It’s hard to ignore the gap in the house. While Lexi ponders girl code and the rules of exclusivity, Kyle is getting his sperm tested, so he and Amanda can start a family. Yeah, they are clearly at different stages of life.
Summer House finds itself at a Vanderpump Rules crossroads. Do they continue with the OGs and transform the show into a more mature program? Conversely, the network could say goodbye to the more seasoned cast members and continue with the newbies, who still have a few all-nighters left them in. It’s a tough choice, but it may be time to make it. What is the alternative? Lindsay’s daughter Gemma is woken up in the night by Imrul Hassan’s sexcapades? Yeah, I don’t think so.
Who should definitely stay on the Summer House cast after Season 9?
There are a few cast members that I feel confident still have a few good summers left in them. I think Jesse, West, and Ciara Miller should all return next season. They’re single, they’re fun, and none of them were engaged to another cast member. I mean, come on, Lindsay and Carl cannot keep doing this. One of them has to take the bait and leave the show. I also think Amanda and Kyle should return. My feelings may change once they start a family but for now, I still think they bring a lot to the show.
Summer House is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHERE DO YOU THINK SUMMER HOUSE GOES FROM HERE? DO YOU WANT TO SEE ANOTHER SEASON?
