"Summer House" Star Speaks on Show's Future and Impact on Mental Health

Cue the drumroll, because the sizzling reality show "Summer House" might be heading for some shake-ups. Amanda Batula, one of the show’s dazzling stars, has hinted that changes might be on the horizon, and she's pretty chill about it.

“I’m not chucking the deuces to reality TV just yet, but we’ll see where the sultry 'Summer House' journey takes us,” Batula casually dropped during the swanky Business of Reality panel, held in the lush Samsung Ads Floating Penthouse at Cannes Lions. Moderating the panel was Variety’s co-editor-in-chief, Ramin Setoodeh.

Batula hinted at a possible shakeup in the show's cast. After fans found Season 9 displaying a growing chasm between the original, more settled cast members, and the lively, cocktail-loving newbies, she speculated on a potential reconfiguration. But worry not, our favorite troupe including Batula, her husband, Kyle Cooke, Carl Radke, Ciara Robinson, and yes, even the pregnant Lindsay Hubbard are all set for another sun-kissed season when production kicks off for the 10th installment of "Summer House."

But could this be a farewell tour for the core group of veterans? Batula speculatively said, “‘Summer House’ could swivel in a couple of directions. It could evolve with us originals, or we could break off, 'The Valley'-style. It's out of my hands. How long I’ll be a part of this, depends on the direction the 'Summer House' takes. Fans are chattering about wanting a sprightlier group - go for it! Pass the torch to the party animals."

One thing she's certain about, though, is that her husband, Cooke, will be a forever member. “I always say that Kyle is going to be a permanent fixture on the show, so much so that his funeral might be aired," she said, chuckling. "Even if they have to resurrect the show, Kyle's farewell will be a ‘Summer House’ special.”

In a unmissable chat moment, Batula expressed gratitude that her candid dialogue on "Summer House" about her depression battles resonated positively with many fans. “After opening up about my journey a year and a half ago, I've received messages from countless fans expressing their gratitude for my honesty, sharing their struggles, informing me how I changed their life,” she recalled. “Knowing that I’ve encouraged people to seek professional help, try out medication, or simply admit that they're struggling, pushes me to continue being open and vulnerable.”

As we wait with bated breath for the future of "Summer House," we can take solace knowing its impact has transcended beyond just entertainment. This sizzling reality journey just closed its ninth season and has given viewers something more than drama to talk about.