In February 2021, the hit reality series Summer House returned for its fifth season on Bravo, bringing with it all the expected drama, romance, and conflict. However, this season was unlike any other, as it was filmed during the global pandemic, requiring the cast to navigate a new normal. The fans of the show, who have witnessed wild parties and unexpected hookups, were introduced to a different dynamic as the cast transitioned from a party house to a workplace setting while in quarantine. In an exclusive interview with Nicki Swift, cast member Hannah Berner shares her experiences from this unique season.
The Season 5 premiere featured a blend of poolside whispers, gossip, and the classic drama that Summer House is known for, but it also showcased laptops set up on card tables and Zoom meetings taking place. Viewers got a glimpse into how the cast members were managing their work lives while still being intertwined in each other's personal dramas. Hannah's candid insights highlight the challenges and changes faced by the cast as they adjusted to this new way of living together.
In this exclusive interview, Hannah Berner discusses everything from her relationship dynamics with housemate Luke Gulbranson to the arrival of new cast member Ciara Miller. She provides a sneak peek into what fans can expect from the rest of Summer House Season 5, revealing how the pandemic has reshaped their interactions and added new layers to their relationships.
Hannah Berner: Life During 'Quaranteam' Time
Hannah noted that she initially wanted the experience of living together during quarantine to be fun rather than feel like a co-working space. She expressed her desire for the atmosphere to remain lighthearted, stating, "I never wanted it to feel like this co-working space with no HR." The transformation of their usual party lifestyle into a more structured environment was a challenge, but it also allowed for deeper connections and understanding among the cast.
During previous seasons, cast members had the luxury of stepping away from the chaos to reflect and recharge. Hannah mentioned, "I got to go home, shut the lights in a dark room, call my mom, talk out everything I did, reflect on it, come back new." However, in the current season, the inability to escape created a pressure cooker environment where emotions ran high, and confrontations were inevitable. The dynamics among the housemates shifted as they had to address their feelings directly, leading to moments of both tension and growth.
Despite the challenges, Hannah is proud of how Season 5 has unfolded. She believes that the unique circumstances have led to high-quality content, as the cast must confront their issues head-on. "When you put a bunch of big personalities in the house, you're going to get quality content because no one can leave," she explained, emphasizing the intensity of their interactions.
Navigating Love and Drama: Hannah's 'Situationship'
One of the major storylines of Season 5 revolves around Hannah's complicated relationship with Luke Gulbranson. She described it as a "situationship," a term that reflects the ambiguity and confusion often present in modern dating. Hannah expressed her frustrations about being emotionally invested while feeling manipulated, stating, "I know when a guy is being a f**kboy and having sex with you and not texting you back." This complexity added a layer of drama that viewers are eager to witness unfold.
Hannah revealed that during quarantine, Luke was calling her frequently, creating a false sense of intimacy. However, when he brought another girl into the mix without informing Hannah, it shattered any illusion of a stable relationship. "I was like, 'How did I get here? I didn't sign up for this,'" she reflected on her feelings of confusion and betrayal.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Hannah remains focused on not letting her issues with Luke affect her budding friendship with Ciara. She approached Ciara directly to clear the air, emphasizing her intention to not let misunderstandings dictate her relationships. Hannah's maturity shines through as she navigates the ups and downs of her romantic entanglements while still maintaining her friendships.
Behind the Scenes: Cast Dynamics and Waivers
As the season progresses, viewers can expect plenty of feuds, makeups, and unexpected moments. Hannah teased that the season does not disappoint, promising a roller coaster of emotions. In one memorable scene, she humorously remarked, "Why do I have to be attacked by a little blonde leprechaun?" This kind of playful banter is precisely what fans have come to love about the show.
Reflecting on her ongoing feud with Lindsay Hubbard, Hannah acknowledged that their conflicts can escalate but insists on finding humor in the chaos. "Lindsay and I, when we get bad, we get so bad," she said, highlighting their fiery dynamic. She also shared a glimpse into some of the fun activities the cast explored during quarantine, including a roller skating party that turned out to be a chaotic experience. "To be honest, because it was quarantine, we had to think of a lot of fun things to do," she recalled, adding that they "definitely signed waivers" for the wild antics.
Fans can tune in to Summer House every Thursday on Bravo to catch all the drama, laughter, and heartfelt moments from the cast as they navigate this unprecedented season together.
