The veteran cast of the *Teen Mom* franchise is facing its biggest crisis yet, as of December 11, 2025, with the fate of *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter* hanging precariously in the balance. Despite a new slate of episodes for Season 2B airing earlier this year, the series has been plagued by "shockingly low" ratings, leading several cast members to publicly declare that the show is essentially "dunzo" and that filming has ceased, leaving fans to wonder if the long-running reality TV era is finally over. The drama, however, is far from finished. While the show's future remains uncertain, the individual lives of the moms—including explosive feuds, emotional updates on their children, and controversial returns—continue to dominate headlines, providing more than enough fresh content to dissect. The biggest question remains: Will MTV greenlight a Season 3, or will the network finally stick a fork in the franchise?
The State of the Franchise: Low Ratings, Cancellation Fears, and the Season 3 Question
The merger of the *Teen Mom OG* and *Teen Mom 2* casts into *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter* was meant to revitalize the franchise, but the latest numbers paint a grim picture. The Season 2B premiere, which aired in January 2025, reportedly drew some of the lowest viewership in the history of the combined series. This significant drop in audience has fueled intense speculation among fans and cast members alike.- The Ratings Crisis: The January 30, 2025, premiere of Season 2B was described as having "shockingly low" ratings, a continuation of a multi-year decline in viewership.
- Cast Confirmation of Cancellation: Cast members like Cory Wharton have stated that they consider the show to be "dunzo," and Catelynn Lowell revealed that the cast has not been filming since Season 2B wrapped in May 2025, with no official word on a Season 3.
- MTV's Silence: As of late 2025, MTV has not officially confirmed the cancellation or renewal of the series, leaving the mothers and their families in limbo.
Explosive Feuds and Controversial Returns: Amber Portwood and Jenelle Evans
The most volatile storylines of late 2025 revolve around two of the franchise’s most controversial figures: Amber Portwood and Jenelle Evans. Their actions, both on and off the screen, have generated massive buzz, often overshadowing the other cast members.Amber Portwood: The TikTok Rants and Firing Claims
Amber Portwood, an original star from *16 & Pregnant* and *Teen Mom OG*, has been at the center of a major public feud with her co-stars.- Quitting vs. Firing: Amber has repeatedly taken to TikTok Live to deny rumors that she was fired from the series, claiming she chose to quit for "mental health purposes."
- Feud with Co-Stars: In a series of "unhinged" rants, Portwood publicly taunted her *Teen Mom* co-stars, alleging they were losing their jobs and claiming she was responsible for getting some of them included in the first place.
- "Paving the Way" Controversy: Portwood has also claimed she "paved the way" for the other *Teen Mom* stars, suggesting a deep-seated resentment and superiority complex toward the rest of the cast.
Jenelle Evans: A Brief Return Amid Divorce
Jenelle Evans, who was fired from the franchise years ago, made a brief, controversial return to *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter* in 2024.- The Fresh Start: Jenelle returned to the franchise to film for a "fresh start" storyline, which coincided with her filing for divorce from her estranged husband, David Eason.
- Cast Reaction: Her return was met with mixed reactions from the other cast members, with some, including Jenelle herself, openly questioning why Amber Portwood was still on the show.
- Cut from the Show: Despite her return, reports surfaced that Jenelle was quickly cut from *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter* again and is no longer filming for the series, adding another layer of drama to her complicated relationship with MTV.
The Emotional Core: Major Life Updates from Lowell, Messer, and Bookout
Beyond the feuds and cancellation rumors, the cast members are sharing deeply personal and emotional struggles about their children, who are now teenagers themselves.Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra: The Carly Crisis
Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra, the couple who placed their first daughter Carly for adoption in 2009, continue to navigate a complex relationship with Carly's adoptive parents.- Ongoing Tension: The couple's relationship with Carly's adoptive parents remains tense, with updates on their visitation schedule being a central, emotional storyline.
- "Desperation" Incident: In a highly publicized event in late 2025, Catelynn and Tyler explained why they had resorted to texting a "minor" friend of Carly's, calling the act "desperation" to get an update on their biological daughter.
- Tyler's Confession: Tyler recently opened up about the emotional toll of the adoption, stating that the decision "took something from our souls," highlighting the lifelong impact of their choice.
Leah Messer: Letting Go as a Mom of Teens
Leah Messer's storyline has shifted dramatically as her twin daughters, Aliannah Simms and Aleeah Simms, turned 15 and began high school.- High School Challenges: Leah is now focusing on the challenges of being a mother to teenage girls, particularly as Aliannah continues to inspire with her strength while navigating her health challenges.
- The "Letting Go" Turning Point: Messer has discussed her difficulty in "letting go" and allowing her daughters to navigate their own lives, a new and relatable phase for the veteran reality star.
Maci Bookout: Co-Parenting and Fan Backlash
Maci Bookout McKinney's storyline revolves around her co-parenting relationship with her ex, Ryan Edwards, and his wife, Amanda.- Co-Parenting in Action: The most recent season showed Maci and her husband, Taylor McKinney, working to maintain a stable co-parenting environment for her son Bentley, who is now 16.
- Fan Calls for Firing: Despite her consistent presence, some fans have been vocal in calling for Maci to be fired from the show, suggesting her storyline has become stale or controversial in its own right.
- Maci's "Hope": Maci recently shared her "hope" for Bentley's future, reflecting on the sacrifices she made to give him the life he has, a poignant moment for a mother who started on *16 & Pregnant* over a decade ago.
Briana DeJesus and Jade Cline: New Relationships and Financial Frustrations
The remaining cast members are also navigating new phases, including new relationships and public complaints about their involvement with the show.Briana DeJesus: A "Drama-Free" New Chapter
Briana DeJesus has confirmed she is in a new, mature relationship, a stark contrast to the high-drama love life she has displayed in previous seasons.- Mature Relationship: DeJesus has spoken about her "drama-free" new man, suggesting a new, more stable chapter in her personal life.
- Moving Past Drama: Her focus this season has been on moving forward from the constant relationship drama that defined her time on *Teen Mom 2*.
Jade Cline: Costing Money to Film
Jade Cline has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with her screen time and the financial impact of filming.- Limited Screen Time: Cline complained to fans on Snapchat that her limited appearances on the most recent season actually "cost her money" to film, suggesting her compensation did not cover her expenses or time.
- Responding to Amber: Jade was also involved in the online feud with Amber Portwood, defending herself against Portwood's heated rants about the cast.
- Marital Status: Updates on her relationship with her husband, Sean Austin, remain a key point of interest for her fans.
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