It’s been more than 15 years since Jersey Shore star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino made his MTV debut and according to the funfetti aficionado, he– like much of the show’s fanbase– still enjoys watching reruns of the show. While he still watches old episodes of ‘Jersey Shore,’ Mike said he’s not sure if he wants his three kids to see their dad smushing his way to reality TV infamy.
Mike and his castmates first appeared on ‘Jersey Shore’ in 2009, and went on to film six seasons before the show ended in 2012. In 2018, the cast reunited for Jersey Shore Family Vacation, a revival of the OG series, which is currently in its 8th season.
While speaking with E! News on the red carpet for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards this week, Mike and wife Lauren admitted that they enjoy watching reruns of the show that made Mike and his roommates household names.
“ … We watch it … it’s funny,” Mike said. “We love the show.”
While Mike noted that the “flashback” episodes– those filmed during the cast’s wilder years– aren’t often on replay in the Sorrentino house, he said that he and Lauren do enjoy watching the newer episodes with their kids. However, the couple said it will be a while before their three children are allowed to watch the ‘Jersey Shore’ discography in its entirety.
“I would hope that it would be [when they’re] 18, ya know?” Mike said. “But I know they’ll probably sneak it.”
“[The] PG-13 [episodes], we watch,” Lauren clarified.
As fans know, Mike and Lauren are parents to son Romeo and daughters Mia Bella and Luna Lucia. The couple’s eldest child, Romeo, was born in 2021, nearly three years after Mike and Lauren tied the knot in 2018– the same year that Mike was sentenced to eight months in prison for tax evasion crimes. Today, Mike is not only a father and husband, he’s also been sober for nearly 10 years.
Mike shared this week that he believes the authenticity of the ‘Jersey Shore’ cast is what has kept people watching over the years, adding that the “fans have grown up with us.”
“ … and now, it’s like we’re like part of their family, which is very, very cool and we’re very grateful for it,” he added.
Days before the VMAs, Mike also took a moment to give fans of the show a shoutout on social media as he and his Shoremates celebrated the 15th anniversary of ‘Jersey Shore.’
“We have turned 15 minutes of fame into 15 years and the story continues,” he wrote. “We are blessed to have the most loyal fans in the world. Here’s to 15 more years. Happy 15th anniversary @jerseyshore.”
As The Ashley previously reported, Mike announced this summer that he and Lauren were gearing up for a new show that will follow the husband and wife as they help individuals who are battling addiction and mental health issues. According to IMDb, a biographical documentary based on Mike’s memoir, Reality Check: Making the Best of the Situation-How I Overcome Addiction, Loss, and Prison, is currently in pre-production.
Mike and Lauren announced last year that they were opening their own addiction and mental health treatment centers, The Archangel Centers, providing help to adults and adolescents ages 12 and older. The centers focus on holistic healing, while offering recovery services including detox, therapy, group support, aftercare and more.
There are currently two Archangel Centers operating in New Jersey, though Mike shared in July that more locations will open up in the future.
Watch a clip of Mike and Lauren’s red carpet interview below.
RELATED STORY: It’s a Boy! ‘Jersey Shore’ Star Sammi Giancola Welcomes First Child with Fiancé Justin May: “Miracle Baby!”
(Photos: MTV; Instagram)
8 Responses
Her & Mike will re-watch just the PG-13 ones? How fake & corny his girl is. I am shocked ratings didn’t plummet when they added Laurens to the cast…
Love that he is giving back and helping, best of luck with everything Mike & Laurens!
I dont understand how anyone could, not only watch but rematch that show.. I watched 10 minutes and thought my IQ dropped to -50
It’s really amazing that Mike can share his story and all he has been through and overcome with the hope of inspiring others who are struggling. Wish nothing but the best for him and his beautiful family!
Ya know, even though Mike was a pill addict. He did have a kindness at times that the other cast members didn’t. He talks about “human code” after Ron is horribly insane and destroys all Sami’s things. He tells Sami everything in the note is true. He did have some redeeming qualities even then. I’m so glad things worked out for him.
Pills? Mike was primarily a cokehead and has stated that many times
Sorry this was a response to “Whatever” above the previous comment
Fangirl harder for us