MTV execs are pumping their fists and putting their feet down: Jersey Shore scored record-breaking ratings in the final episode of its first season, nonetheless the stars of this season’s controversial reality smash aren’t getting very far in their tense salary negotiations with network bosses.
Sources tell TMZ that the network has informed the cast of Jersey Shore that if they don’t accept MTV’s salary terms by close of the day on Monday, they will be replaced. The cast members who don’t snap up the network’s offer of a $10,000 signing bonus and $10,000 per episode for a second season of drunken partying Seaside Heights, NJ, will be fired and dropped from the series.
We hear network execs already have replacements waiting in the wings — just in case J-Woww, Sammi, and others continue playing hardball. But can anyone really replace Snooki or The Situation?
Approximately 4.8 million viewers tuned in for Jersey Shore’s season finale last Thursday, a 30 percent increase over last week’s previous series-high ratings. The reunion special immediately following the finale brought in an additional 4 million viewers.