Summer House star Amanda Batula is making waves with candid revelations about her early days on the Bravo reality show, her regrets over not signing a prenup with husband Kyle Cooke, and a tantalizing hint about a new cast member set to join the upcoming season. In a recent appearance on the Trading Secrets podcast with host Jason Tartick, Amanda pulled back the curtain on her financial beginnings, personal missteps, and the exciting changes coming to the Hamptons-based series.
A Modest Start on Summer House
Amanda, a fan-favorite on Summer House, didn’t shy away from discussing her first-season earnings. When asked how her reality TV paycheck compared to the $50,000 she earned at her post-college marketing job, Amanda revealed it was “less … more than half.” This puts her debut season salary somewhere above $25,000—a figure that has sparked buzz among fans, who were surprised by the relatively modest sum for a show that’s become a Bravo staple. Her openness about her earnings highlights the often-glamourized but financially unpredictable world of reality television, especially for newcomers.
Regrets Over Skipping a Prenup
The conversation took a more personal turn when Amanda reflected on her decision not to sign a prenup with Kyle Cooke, her co-star and now-husband. “So I messed up major,” she admitted with a hint of regret. Growing up, Amanda associated prenups with negativity, influenced by movies that tied them to messy divorces. “It just didn’t feel like a smart thing to do, so we didn’t sign one,” she explained. However, her perspective has since shifted dramatically. “Everyone should sign a prenup, let me tell you now,” she urged. “Protect your assets, [and] for them to protect theirs. You have no idea what’s going to happen. You think that you’re in love and happy now — it could end really messy, and then what? You’re screwed.” Her candid advice resonates as a cautionary tale for couples navigating love and finances in the public eye.
A New Cast Member with a Spotlight Past
As Summer House gears up for its next season, Amanda dropped an intriguing tease about a new cast member. “I do know of one new cast member because it’s a friend of ours — of Kyle and mine,” she shared, confirming the newbie is a man who has “been in the public spotlight before.” This cryptic hint has fans speculating about who this familiar face might be, with social media buzzing about potential candidates who’ve previously made headlines. Adding to the intrigue, host Jason Tartick revealed he went on a date with someone who mentioned being cast for the show, hinting at another possible addition—a woman who could shake up the dynamic.
A Casting Overhaul Amid Major Exits
The upcoming season of Summer House is set to look very different, with several key cast members stepping back. Earlier this year, Paige DeSorbo announced she won’t return, while Lindsay Hubbard confirmed she’ll only appear in a limited role. Lexi Wood and Imrul Hassan have also opted out, leaving big shoes to fill. Amanda revealed that the show is undergoing “a ton of casting” to compensate for these departures. “I’ve heard about like seven different girls that are going to be on the season,” she said, expressing disbelief at the rumors. “I’m like, no way there are seven new girls coming on the show, but I’ve heard rumors about seven different people. So I have no idea what to expect.” The influx of new faces promises a fresh dynamic, but Amanda’s uncertainty suggests even she’s bracing for surprises.
What’s Next for Summer House?
Amanda’s revelations have ignited excitement and debate among fans, from her modest first-season paycheck to her raw honesty about her prenup regrets. The tease of a new cast member with a high-profile past only adds fuel to the anticipation for Summer House’s next chapter. As the show navigates a major casting shakeup, viewers are left wondering how the new blood will stir the pot in the Hamptons. One thing’s for sure: with Amanda and Kyle at the center, the drama—and the heart—will be as compelling as ever.