Well, she may not be an OG, but she’s definitely one of most famous former teen moms of all time.
We learned moments ago that Bristol Palin is joining the cast of Teen Mom OG in time for the long-running series’ upcoming season.
Needless to say, fans of the show are buzzing with anticipation … or scratching their heads wondering WTF is going on.
Teen Mom OG remains a ratings powerhouse, for sure, but almost a decade into its run, producers clearly wanted to shake things up.
Show-runners have made no secret about the fact that they’ve been on the lookout for a way (or ways) to keep things fresh.
Casting the daughter of the most bonkers vice presidential candidate in US history should certainly help them to achieve that goal.
Here’s what we know about the situation so far, including some surprising details of how it came together, and how the cast is reacting:
The Pistol!
TMZ reported, and The Ashley’s Reality Roundup confirms, that Bristol has signed on to be the fifth cast member on Teen Mom OG. She will join Catelynn Lowell, Maci Bookout, and Amber Portwood, as well as The Challenge star Cheyenne Floyd.
Palin Makes Five
“They wanted five girls, like they have for Teen Mom 2 because it’s been working out well in terms of story lines,” a production source told the Ashley.
Who Knew?!
Not them. “Amber, Catelynn and Maci did not even know,” a production source says. “It was kept under wraps because MTV was afraid that Sarah [Palin] would pull out, and MTV knew that the original girls would be upset. In fact, they even used a different name when discussing Bristol being on the show, to keep it a secret!”
Maci Wanted Out?!
According to The Ashley, Bristol was cast because Maci was refusing to film. “She basically told production and crew that she wasn’t going to film if [her son Bentley’s father] Ryan Edwards was filming because she didn’t want his drug struggles to play out on TV anymore. She didn’t want Bentley to be able to watch that go down.”
What About Ryan?
Edwards’ filming status is still unclear, but Bookout is definitely in. So is Palin, though. After she agreed to come on board, producers decided to proceed even with Maci back in the fold. “It worked out because MTV is happy to have five girls on the show now,” the source added.
Odd Woman Out
Once again, Mackenzie McKee is wondering what might have been. She has been rumored to be joining the ‘OG’ cast multiple times in recent years, including today by TMZ. But The Ashley can confirm that’s incorrect. Cheyenne Floyd is still being added to the cast, as well as Bristol, but Mackenzie is not.
Filming is Underway
Lest you think this could fall apart: “MTV has been shooting with her already. They’ve been out there filming her for the last few weeks under a code name. It’s likely that someone in the Palin camp leaked the news to TMZ.”
You Guys Are Boring!
Cory Wharton, the father of Cheyenne Floyd’s child, tweeted after the Bristol news broke: “Out with the old, in with the new. You guys are boring they want ratings,” he wrote. “I can’t wait till I can really talk.” Presumably he is shading the original cast? Who can say when it comes to Cory Wharton.
Tyler Chimes In!
“Dude it’s so true though,” Catelynn Lowell’s husband wrote in response to Wharton. Well, okay then.
Kail’s Take?
Teen Mom 2 star Kailyn Lowry, while not a co-star of the OGs, also reacted to the franchise’s latest addition. “Bristol palin & cheyenne & Cory for teen mom og,” she tweeted Thursday. “Our producers sure know what to do.” Not sure if that’s an affirmation or a criticism.
Big Shoes to Fill
Now, Bristol will be taking the spot vacated by Farrah Abraham, who was fired by producers for either being difficult or refusing to give up her porn career. (It depends on whom you believe.)
Farrah’s Reaction?
About what you’d expect. “Who cares! Sorry I’m dealing with a family loss right now,” she told Us Weekly, apparently more concerned about the fact that her Pomeranian, Blue, died. “I don’t care as there’s no replacement for me, as we all know.” Sure thing.
The Governor’s Daughter
The daughter of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Bristol first gained national attention during her mother’s vice-presidential campaign.
A Reluctant Celebrity
Just 17 at the time, Bristol’s pregnancy was announced while her mother was serving as John McCain’s running mate in 2008.
Speaking Out
Bristol made headlines not only for her pregnancy, but for her outspoken views about birth control and abstinence that did not always align with the conservative right so aggressively courted by her mother.
Coincidence?
Interestingly, Bristol’s rise to fame coincided with the launch of the 16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom franchise on MTV.
Up to the Task
It’s impossible to imagine a new cast member delivering as much drama as Farrah, but if anyone on the planet is capable, it’s Bristol …
The Wasilla Hillbillies
For one thing, Bristol comes from a family that could be described as “colorful,” if you’re a fan of their politics and “demented,” if you’re not.
A TV Veteran
Like the rest of her family, Bristol is no stranger to the bizarre world of reality television. In 2010, the Palins were the subject of a TLC series entitled Sarah Palin’s Alaska, which ran for just eight episodes.
Moving On
Undeterred by the show’s failure, Bristol quickly scooped up another reality gig, this time competing on Dancing With the Stars.
A Minor Scandal
Despite frequently receiving the judges’ lowest scores, Bristol wound up finishing third for the season, raising questions about the integrity of the voting process. She stated that winning “would be like a big middle finger out there to all the people out there who hate my mom and hate me.”
Trippin’
In 2012, Bristol starred in a Lifetime series called Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp. The title references the name of Bristol’s eldest son.
Have a Nice Tripp, We Won’t See You Next Fall
Focusing on Bristol’s efforts to readjust to life in Alaska after temporarily residing in California, that show also lasted only one season.
Not Exactly a Ratings Magnet
So thus far, Bristol hasn’t been much of a hit with reality show viewers. But clearly, TMOG producers recognize that her life is much too drama-packed for her to NOT be on TV.
A Lot Going On
At just 27, Bristol is already a divorced mother of three … and a former source of national controversy.
Baby Daddy #1
After five years of dating, Bristol parted ways with Tripp’s father, Levi Johnston, in 2010.
Faded Levi
Political operatives reportedly attempted to pressure Bristol and Levi into a shotgun wedding during her mother’s VP campaign.
Baby Daddy #2
Just months after announcing her separation from Johnston, Bristol gave birth to her second child, her first with Dakota Meyer.
Dakota Goes South
Bristol and Dakota got married and had a third child together, but the relationship quickly deteriorated. The couple divorced in 2016 after 14 months of marriage.
An Eventful Life
Needless to say, Bristol has seen a lot in her young life. But now, she’ll be faced with one of her toughest challenges yet …
Dealing With Teen Mom Fans!
Teen Mom OG obsessives are a notoriously outspoken lot. But if anyone is up to the task of suffering their slings and arrows, it’s the battle-hardened Bristol. We wish her luck. She’s gonna need it.