MTV to end Jersey Shore after sixth season

US cable network is to end its smash hit reality series Jersey Shore after its forthcoming sixth season.

The latest season, which starts on October 4, comes as one of its main stars Snooki is pregnant and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is fresh from rehab.

The show, which follows a group of six youngsters as they live and party in Seaside Heights, has been a huge ratings winner for the network, peaking at  9 million viewers with last season run ending with 7.6 million viewers.

However, despite the cancellation, MTV will also be airing a retrospective special, Gym, Tan, Look Bad and has also renewed spinoff Snooki & JWoww for a second season.

Viacom International Media Networks, the company’s international division, has also recently found success with the Jersey Shore format, having remade the show in the UK – as Geordie Shore – and struck deals in France and Spain.