Summer House Season 9: A Missed Opportunity or a Sign of Evolution?
As we approach the Season 9 finale of Summer House, there’s a palpable sense of underwhelm among longtime viewers. After the high-octane drama and jaw-dropping moments of Season 8—featuring everything from Carl and Lindsay’s explosive engagement to the emotional highs and lows of the reunion—it’s understandable to expect more from this year’s finale. But, as the season winds down, it’s becoming clear that this season hasn’t quite lived up to the frenetic energy and emotional depth we’ve come to expect.
The New Faces: Are Lexi and Jesse Failing to Connect?
One of the most noticeable shifts this season is the lack of emotional investment viewers feel toward new cast members Lexi and Jesse. While we’ve watched and grown attached to original cast members like Carl, Lindsay, and Paige for years—some dating back to Season 1 and 3, respectively—Lexi and Jesse are still very much newcomers to the Summer House world. And while new faces are nothing new for reality television, they can sometimes disrupt the established chemistry that fans are attached to.
Lexi, who joined the cast this season, is still in the process of defining herself beyond her relationship with Jesse, and that makes it hard for the audience to form any real emotional connection. Unlike Paige and Craig, who have been part of the Bravo universe for years—Paige since Season 3 of Summer House and Craig since Southern Charm—Lexi and Jesse lack the same deep backstories that make it easy for viewers to invest. We’ve seen Paige and Craig’s relationship unfold before our eyes over the years, and watching them navigate their romance feels earned. But when the focus shifts to Lexi and Jesse, it often feels like we’re watching a story still in the early drafts, with too many unknowns to truly get hooked.
The result? A disconnect. The pacing feels off, and the lack of compelling individual narratives makes it harder to engage with the group as a whole.
Paige and Craig: The Show's Heartbeat or a Stifling Presence?
There’s no denying that Paige and Craig have had one of the central storylines of the season, and for good reason—viewers have watched their relationship evolve on-screen for years. But while it makes sense for them to have a significant presence this season, there’s a fine line between highlighting their love story and dominating the narrative.
This season, it feels like Summer House has leaned a little too heavily into Paige and Craig’s relationship. While their dynamic is undeniably entertaining, it has overshadowed the storylines of other housemates. The result is a more one-dimensional season where the group’s interactions seem secondary to the couple's journey. It’s not that Paige and Craig aren’t interesting; rather, it’s that their spotlight comes at the expense of the rest of the cast.
The lack of room for other characters to shine has left viewers feeling like something is missing. With the season’s emphasis on Paige and Craig’s relationship drama, it’s hard not to feel like the balance has tipped too far in their favor, leaving little room for other engaging dynamics to take root.
Where Does the Show Go From Here?
Looking ahead to the future of Summer House, it’s clear that the series is at a crossroads. Season 9 has proven to be somewhat of a transitional phase, with some fans wondering if the show has lost its edge or if it’s simply evolving into something different.
For the show to regain its spark, the producers will need to find a way to balance new faces with the old guard. While bringing in new people like Lexi and Jesse is a natural part of the show’s evolution, it’s clear that viewers need more time and insight into these newcomers to build the same emotional connection that’s been established with the veteran cast members. Simply having new people doesn’t automatically lead to compelling television—it’s the depth of their stories, the way they interact with the group, and how they fit into the established dynamic that will make or break their place on the show.
Additionally, there needs to be more attention paid to the other cast members. While Paige and Craig’s love story is sweet, the show’s foundation lies in its group dynamic, and each member of the house needs to have their moment to shine. If Summer House wants to continue as a flagship Bravo series, it can’t afford to focus too narrowly on just one or two characters. A successful ensemble is what makes the show tick.
Final Thoughts
In a season that had so much potential, Summer House Season 9 ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The lack of emotional connection with newer cast members, combined with an overemphasis on Paige and Craig’s relationship, has created a season that, while entertaining at times, doesn’t quite pack the punch fans have come to expect. As the show moves forward, the producers will need to rethink how they balance the past and present, ensuring there’s enough room for both old favorites and new faces to thrive in the chaos of the Summer House world.
If they can find that balance, Summer House could continue to be a must-watch series for years to come. But if they don’t? Well, we might be looking at a summer house that’s a little less lively than it used to be.