Jersey Shore

Two summers ago, MTV cameras and crewmembers trailed eight strangers through a summer in New Jersey's scruffy beach town, Seaside Heights. But this human chemistry experiment, reminiscent of the channel's pioneering reality show, The Real World, was never expected to be so explosive. The drama-filled lives of these vapid 20-somethings have created a frenzy of fist-pumping fans all over the country that can't get enough of Jersey Shore.

These shameless party animals made a splash when their unscripted summer exploits hit public television. The show was immediately criticized for being insulting to both the Italian-American community and to the Jersey Shore, accused of giving these groups a bad name. But that didn't stop viewers from indulging in hour after hour of mindless entertainment every week. Supporters avidly embraced the series, while opponents fervently attempted to cancel it.

MTV now has quite the situation on their hands. The third season's premiere last week attracted 8.5 million viewers, making the controversial series MTV's most-watched to date. And with each episode generating more views than the previous, Jersey Shore cast members smartly sucker more money from MTV producers with each passing season. It's no wonder friendless Sammi Giancola stuck around for another season with the $30K she was receiving per episode.

In this season's premiere, we are introduced to Snooki's friend and the newest guidette in the house, Deena Nicole Cortese. Described as a "short little meatbawl" by Sammi, this pint-sized "blast in a glass" already serves as a worthy replacement for Staten Island drama queen Angelina Pivarnick. In the first night, Deena exposes her "cookah" to The Situation and spits fire with the most annoying couple in the house. Despite being picked on by some of the other housemates, her cheerful demeanor can defuse any dramatic situation that will surely arise during the season. 

The first episode of Jersey Shore set the stage for a crazy summer, with previews of the rest of the season even more drama-ensuing. Viewers are hoping for some roommate romance to blossom. Snooki revealed that she has feelings for Vinny, and Deena tried to cozy up to Sitch after professing to Snooki that "he's hot!" And, as always, we hope for another successful year of "smooshing" for MVP — the Mike, Pauly and Vinny trifecta that bags girls and steals hearts. 

Judging by the premiere, this season already looks to be Jersey Shore's most trashy summer. For viewers everywhere, that means its most entertaining. Catch Jersey Shore on MTV, Thursdays at 10 p.m.