UPDATE: MTV is denying that the crew will be replaced, telling The Hollywood Reporter that, "We love the present cast, and their summer adventures have just begun. We currently have no plans to recast the show."
Phew.
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PREVIOUSLY:
The entire idea behind reality shows is affordability. No big writers rooms needed, no expansive sets, and most of all, no big expensive talent.
The problem, ironically, is when the shows become big successes. Which is what's happened with "Jersey Shore."
With the self-described guidos, former anonymous partiers from the northeast, now making at least $100,000 per episode after protracted negotiations, MTV wants to go cheaper, Us Magazine reports. That would mean, following next season, the show's fifth, it will be goodbye to Snooki, The Situation, Pauly D and the rest of the gang.
Don't worry about them, though (if, indeed you were for some reason): MTV plans on cashing in on those stars in other ways. The Situation just signed a development deal with the network, while Pauly D has his own show, as do Snooki and JWoww.
And then, of course, there's also Snooki's burgeoning wrestling career.
The crew just wrapped a season in Italy, during which they pissed off half the nation, and will soon start what could be their final season in Jersey.
For more, click over to Us Magazine.