Jersey Shore has held popularity with fans of reality television for years, but Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi says original housemate Sammi ‘Sweetheart’ Giancola will never return to the show. Since its debut in 2009, the Jersey Shore housemates and their wild antics have given way to iconic (and infamous) quotes, memes, and controversies from the beginning. From partying in Miami in season two to exploring the streets of Italy in season four, Jersey Shore’s reach has inspired international renditions such as Geordie Shore (UK), Acapulco Shore (Mexico), and Rio Shore (Brazil).

Introduced as an Italian-Greek athlete from Hazlet, NJ, Sammi was a part of Jersey Shore’s original six-season run; the show ended in 2012. Although she casually flirted with Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino, Sammi and castmate Ronnie Magro-Ortiz struck up a relationship in just the third episode of season one. The two of them together were a prime example of a toxic couple—fans may remember Sammi temporarily leaving the house after a fight with Ronnie in season three—yet they remained in an on-off relationship for eight years. MTV announced the spin-off show Jersey Shore: Family Vacation at the end of 2017, with all of the cast except Sammi rejoining. Magro-Ortiz, whose tumultuous relationship with Jen Harley escalated to physical violence on Family Vacation, quit the series in May 2021. 

Related: Jersey Shore: Everything to Know About Sammi Sweetheart's New Company

Despite viewers holding out hope that Sammi may guest star on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation now that Ronnie’s gone, Snooki has cautioned audiences not to get their hopes up. Joining podcast Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino for its Jan. 12 episode, Snooki revealed that despite the cast’s pleas, Sammi refuses to budge on her stance. "All of us girls texted her like, ‘Listen! Ronnie isn't on the show right now. You should definitely come on even if it's just a girl's dinner—just with us and catch up,'" E! Online was one of the first to report. Continuing, Snooki said, “She's just like, ‘No. I'm good.' She wants nothing to do with the show." 

Sharing her opinion on Sammi’s refusal to reunite with everyone, Snooki hypothesized, "I just think she's truly over it and she doesn't want to be a part of [the show] anymore.” Although the stars of Jersey Shore are known to make a cool amount per episode (especially Jenny “JWoww” and Paulie D), even that is not enough of an incentive. Snooki told listeners that Sammi “doesn’t care about [money]” which Sammi’s social media all but confirms. Now the owner of two successful boutiques, Sweetheart Coast and Sweetheart Styles, Sammi’s latest post shows the 34-year-old modeling with a smile. While some people continue to ask that Sammi return to the show, others have been complimenting her growth, saying she looks happier and healthier than ever. With the positivity from fans coupled with the accomplishments of her businesses, Sammi is in another chapter of her life.  

As one of the original ladies, Sammi’s loveable-yet-fiery personality has been missed on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. Viewers have felt her absence from many group moments since the show's relaunch, such as Angelina Pivarnick and Chris Larangeira’s 2019 wedding. Although she hasn't been involved with their activities for years, Snooki's podcast feature is one of several times Sammi has been mentioned by former co-stars. Now that season 5 of MTV's spin-off has started, fans of Jersey Shore can look forward to more drama than ever, with or without Sammi (and Ronnie). 

Next: Jersey Shore: Each Main Cast Member's Most Iconic Scene

Jersey Shore: Family Vacation airs every Thursday at 8 pm ET on MTV.

Sources: E! Online, Samantha Giancola/Instagram