Jersey Shore Not Hurting New Jersey's Reputation

Here's the real situation: It turns out MTV's Jersey Shore isn't killing New Jersey's reputation after all. A new nationwide poll finds that the reality show about a group of hard-drinking, foul-mouthed 20-somethings at a beach house in Seaside Heights, NJ, may even be helping a bit by bringing attention to the real Jersey shore. The poll found that 43% of those who have seen the show have a favorable opinion of New Jersey, while 41% who've never seen it also think New Jersey is great.

Perhaps the most surprising result of the poll was that 69% of those surveyed had not seen an episode of Jersey Shore. But New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie, who has publicly slammed the show, isn’t swayed by the poll. His spokesman said, "Honestly, I don't think the poll refutes the point that Snooki and company do not represent real New Jerseyans, the Jersey Shore, or New Jersey in any way," he said. "Or that they are an embarrassment." (Click to catch up on Jersey Shore drama without the commercials.)