Courtesy of 495 Productions
Fifteen years, countless laughs, and plenty of unforgettable drama later, the Jersey Shore family is celebrating a milestone like no other. Created by SallyAnn Salsano of 495 Productions, the franchise has grown from a summer experiment in Seaside Heights into a pop culture juggernaut — one that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Now, the Season 8 finale of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation airs Thursday, September 11, at 8 p.m. ET on MTV, and it doubles as a full-blown 15th anniversary party. In true Shore fashion, Danny transformed the iconic Shore Store into an awards-show venue — complete with categories designed just for the cast.
Ahead of the finale, Wonderwall.com sat down with Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Jenni "JWoww" Farley for an exclusive conversation about the milestone, the laughs, the nostalgia and what's next for the Jersey Shore family.
Keep reading for the highlights from our chat…
Courtesy of 495 Productions
Ortiz-Magro on 15 ears of 'Jersey Shore'
Fifteen years with the Jersey Shore family is a huge milestone. What was going through your mind as you filmed this finale and looked back at everything you've been through?
Ortiz-Magro: "There's so many different emotions when realizing we hit a 15-year milestone. I would never have thought we would be where we are when I first started Jersey Shore. I definitely reflect on everything I've done on the show — good and bad. You can beat yourself up and live in regret, or you can become a better person and move forward. The show has captured a lot of the ups and downs in my life. I don't look at anything as regret but as life lessons."
The finale's awards theme was such a fun way to celebrate. Which award moment made you laugh the hardest — or maybe hit you with some nostalgia?
Ortiz-Magro: "I want to say the award that made me laugh the most was my award — for basically being the biggest crybaby."
What was your reaction to Danny transforming the Shore Store into an award show set? Did it bring back memories of those early days?
Ortiz-Magro: "When I finally saw the Shore Store decorated and transformed, I was in shock and filled with excitement. Anytime we step into the Shore Store, it's going to bring back memories."
You've shared so many highs and lows on screen. How does it feel to celebrate this anniversary with the same group of people you started out with?
Ortiz-Magro: "The fact that I can celebrate with the people I've grown closest to over the last 15 years is unexplained. I still remember sitting with Vinny saying, 'What are we doing here?' And then next thing you know — here we are 15 years later."
If you could hand out one award to the cast for surviving 15 years together, what would it be and why?
Ortiz-Magro: "The Last Men Standing Award. There aren't many shows with the same cast like us, so it's like we're the last ones really doing it for reality TV."
Courtesy of 495 Productions
Farley on 15 years of surprises
The finale doubles as a 15th anniversary celebration. When you look back at that first summer in Seaside Heights, did you ever imagine the Jersey Shore family would still be going strong today?
Farley: "I had absolutely no idea it would ever turn out this way. I really didn't know what to expect going into this, and it surpassed my wildest dreams."
Danny turned the Shore Store into an award show venue for this special episode — how did it feel walking into such an iconic place reimagined for the celebration?
Farley: "It's always surreal returning back to Seaside, especially iconic places like the Shore Store. It was a full-circle moment celebrating 15 years there."
You've been through so much on this journey. What moment or award from the finale felt the most personal or meaningful to you?
Farley: "Just getting together with the whole family in the place where this all originated was so special. It doesn't happen often, so when it does, it's always the best time."
Fans have truly grown up alongside you. What do you hope they take away from this milestone celebration?
Farley: "Not only did the roomies and I become a family over the years, but our fans have always been such a special part of that journey. It means so much that fans from the original show are still watching us today. I hope all our fans know we owe this all to them. They're the reason we're still doing this 15 years later!"
Looking ahead, where do you see the Jersey Shore family heading in the next chapter?
Farley: "One thing about our family is you never know what is going to happen. We're sure to surprise you. I'm probably most excited to continue watching our kids grow up together."
Courtesy of 495 Productions
A Celebration Fans Can't Miss
With a heartfelt tribute to the past and plenty of surprises to come, the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Season 8 finale — from creator SallyAnn Salsano and 495 Productions — is a must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Don't miss the family, the laughs and the chaos when the finale airs Thursday, September 11, at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.
Courtesy of 495 Productions