The Bachelor has found itself a binge-worthy sibling in Siesta Key. The reality series, created by the producers of Laguna Beach, features a group of young adults who spend the summer together in Siesta Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. The cast develops lasting friendships, falls in love, gets their hearts broken, and goes through more gossip-worthy experiences under the sun--all while trying to find themselves on the cusp of adulthood. With Season 3 of the show currently airing on MTV, cast members Amanda Miller and Jared Kelderman spill behind-the-scenes secrets.

Why did you decide to join the cast of Siesta Key?

Amanda Miller: I've been friends with everyone in the cast for as long as I can remember. We all became super close right after high school, and once the opportunity arose for us to do the show together, of course, I was on board and very excited. I chose not to join Season 1 because I was traveling to Europe with one of my best friends, but in the end, thankfully, everything came together, and I was able to join my friends for Season 2. Season 3 is where I really make my debut, though. 

Jared Kelderman: I was just getting out of the military and was having issues adjusting. I really missed being around all of my family, so one day, I decided I was going to move back to Siesta Key. Then, I got a phone call from a casting director as I was packing to ask if I was interested in being on a show. I’d never seen it before but decided, “Sure, why not?” The rest is history.


What’s one thing people may not know about staying on the island?

Miller: Siesta Key is a small part of the town we live in, which is Sarasota, Florida. Alex [Kompothecras]' parents have a house on the island where we all would hang out at, and it's become a huge part of our town since the show has aired. Siesta Key is full of beautiful beaches, restaurants, and fun activities. I was born and raised here, and it will always be my favorite place.

Kelderman: The island is small, and the traffic is terrible! There aren’t too many young people since it’s a retirement-type area.


Were you hopeful that you were going to find love there?

Miller: Siesta Key is actually a small town, so it's hard to find someone to date that hasn't been with somebody you already know. It can be quite difficult to find a good relationship, but there are some good opportunities here.

Kelderman: I guess I’m always hoping to find love. I am a 26-year-old divorced guy, so I figured, “Why not shoot some shots?”


What’s your favorite activity you took part in on the island and why?

Miller: My favorite thing to do is to go out on boats and get in the sun and water. Of course, I also do a lot of partying with my friends--it’s perfect for those of us in our twenties.

Kelderman: I love boating and just being on the water in general. That always has been and still is my favorite.

Who were some of your closest friends on the show?

Miller: My best friend from day one has always been Chloe [Trautman]. Juliette [Porter] and I got close last summer, but I was never as close with her as I am with Chloe. It's hard finding real friends in the Key because there's always drama and sides to be chosen, whether you like it or not.

Kelderman: My longest friendships have been with Amanda and Madisson [Hausburg], but I think I get along with everyone pretty well these days, so it’s kind of hard to choose.

Who was the one person you clicked with the most on the show? Where does your relationship stand now?

Miller: I've always clicked well with most of the guys on our show, some better than others, but you'll have to keep watching the new season of Siesta Key if you want to see where I'm currently at! All I can say is I'm happy with where things are now and wouldn't change a thing. 

Kelderman: I think I clicked the most with Kelsey [Owens] because we’re both weird, goofy kind of people who have common interests. We’ll always be friends, so we’re on good terms, despite things that have gone down.

What’s your main takeaway from being a part of the show?

Miller: You really find out who's there for you as a genuine friend and who's there because they just want a piece of the action that our friend group comes with. I love my true friends, but I've been shocked more than once by people I thought would never betray me.

Kelderman: Observe and stay quiet! Nobody messes with you if you don’t interject 24/7. And always remember: everything you do and say will be used against you on national television.

Follow Amanda and Jared on Instagram:

Amanda Miller: @amanda_marie_miller

Jared Kelderman: @jkelderman