Jersey Shore fans love the iconic Meatballs. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Deena Cortese are two peas in a pod, after all. On the MTV series, it seems as though their friendship spans many years. Fans might be shocked to learn that Cortese and Polizzi haven’t been friends for as long as Jersey Shore makes it seem! 

Find out how Cortese and Polizzi came to be friends.

Deena was Angelina’s replacement on the original ‘Jersey Shore’ 

After Angelina Pivarnick left the Miami shore house, production was looking for someone to replace her. Polizzi suggested Cortese, and she joined the roommates in Seaside Heights, New Jersey on season 3 of Jersey Shore. 

“Angelina, she’s done,” Polizzi says on her way to pick Cortese up. “I kicked her a*s out in Miami, and I just need a party girl, so I invited my girl, Deena.” 

Deena and ‘Snooki’s friendship is misleading on ‘Jersey Shore’

When Cortese comes onto the series, she is described as “another Snooki.” In talking-head interviews — when the cast are prompted with questions from production — Polizzi speaks about Cortese as if she’s known her for her whole life. “Deena is one of my best friends,” Polizzi says. Then, Cortese describes how close she is with Polizzi. “As soon as I met her, it was like love at first sight.” 

For years, Jersey Shore fans thought Cortese and Polizzi had been friends since childhood. The way they talk about each other makes it seem that way, but it’s recently come to light that that’s not the case!