MTV in Sticky (the) Situation

'Jersey Shore' Kids Drive Hard Bargain
by TMZ Staff

The "Jersey Shore" kids didn't fall off the pizza delivery truck yesterday -- TMZ has learned they have rejected MTV's salary offer for Season 2.

Sources connected with the negotiation say MTV offered Snooki, Pauly D, "The Situation" and the others each a $10,000 signing bonus and $5,000 an episode.

We're told the cast rejected the offer and made it clear -- they were negotiating "Friends" style ... everyone would get the same amount and it had to be a lot higher than MTV's offer.

Sources say MTV came back and doubled the offer -- $10,000 an episode. The cast hasn't responded to the offer.

It's still a bargain. The season finale of "Jersey Shore" was off the charts with 4.8 million viewers.

And, with some members of "The Hills" scoring north of $100,000 an episode, the "Jersey Shore" kids, frankly, should be holding out for a hell of a lot more than $10k.

We've also learned MTV has a contractual hold on the cast for another year, so technically Snooki and company have no right to renegotiate -- but it's done all the time with hit shows.

An MTV spokesperson would not comment on the negotiations and said the network has not made a decision on bringing the show back for Season 2. We're also told MTV has received thousands of tapes from would-be Guidos and Guidettes.



Let me start off by saying I am not a 'Jersey Shore' viewer. I like to make fun of Italians as much as the next guy but with USA/HBO original programming and sports I don't have room for much more on my plate. That said, you can't swing a dead cat around in this country without hitting a 'Jersey Shore' fan. Its a perfect show because (from what little bits I've seen) even if you hate the people, you'll like the show.

So MTV can just cut the tough guy routine. I understand the network has made a killing cycling in new dumbasses to 'The Real World' year after year but no 'Real World' castmate has made an impact on the same level as these seven wops since Puck and Pedro. If they think they can recreate it then roll the dice. I'm sure there will be plenty of work for these guineas down the road. Or they could all open a roller disco.