MTV undoubtedly captured lightning in a bottle with the charismatic crew of its smash reality series Jersey Shore. As an inevitable result of the show’s success, there are a number of spin-off shows in the works, including one with JWoww and Snooki together and another with DJ Pauly D.
Though JWoww and Snooki are still trying to get their show off the ground (they were recently turned down by the mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, who refused to let the camera crews film there), Pauly D has all but wrapped up filming on the first season of The Pauly D Project and it was just announced the show will premiere March 29 at 10:30/9:30c, right after a revamped Punk’d lead-in at 10/9c.
The 12-episode series follows Pauly D as he pursues his DJ career and features an entourage that includes his bodyguard Gerard “Big Jerry” Gialanella, wingman Ryan Labbe, road manager Michael “Biggie” Morgan, and executive club promoter Jason “JROC” Craig (also known as “Mr. Vegas”).
“It’ll be probably along the lines of, I used to be this DJ in Rhode Island, DJing two sets a week, hustling, promoting,” Pauly told MTV News last month. “And all of a sudden, I’m on this show, and now they’re sending private jets for me to DJ for these huge crowds, yet I’m still the same guy that was DJing for 200 people, just loving life.”
The show will also feature appearances by Britney Spears, who Pauly D opened for (and received on-stage lap dances from) during her most recent Femme Fatale Tour, as well as 50 Cent, who will be talking bidness with Pauly after signing the DJ to his G-Note record label last year.
My first reaction when I heard “Jersey Shore spin offs” was the usual sighing and rolling of the eyes. But then I remembered that these folks are huge celebrities now for a reason – they are fun to watch. And although I do have difficulty imagining myself tuning in to watch a show called The Situation Nation, Deena Ever After, or Ronnie Ortiz-Magrowing Pains, Pauly D is perhaps the most likable of all of them, especially when surrounded by other famous folks that he can be cheerful and charming around. In other words, I’ll be tuning in March 29 to see if MTV can’t pull another rabbit out of its hat. I’ll even go so far as to say I will be cautiously optimistic!
Want to keep up with all The Pauly D Project news? Be sure to like the show’s Facebook page!
Top photo: MTV
Pauly D and Britney Spears photo: Primerahora.com / Splash News
