Stephen Colletti Reflects on Laguna Beach Love Triangle, Joining The Traitors

The reality star opens up about his friendship with Lauren Conrad, the Laguna Beach reunion, and his experience on the hit competition show.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered, glittering glass fragments in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and drama of reality TV stardom.The glittering remnants of a shattered reality TV dream, a visual metaphor for the lasting impact of fame and the challenges of navigating celebrity at a young age.Laguna Beach Today

Stephen Colletti, star of the iconic MTV reality series Laguna Beach, reflects on his time on the show, including the famous love triangle with Kristin Cavallari and Lauren Conrad. Colletti discusses what happened after high school when he and Conrad both went to college in San Francisco, as well as his decision to join the cast of the reality competition show The Traitors, which initially gave him 'PTSD' from his Laguna Beach days.

Why it matters

Laguna Beach was a groundbreaking reality series that helped define the genre, and the relationship drama between Colletti, Cavallari, and Conrad was a central part of the show's appeal. Colletti's insights provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the show's storylines were shaped, as well as the lasting impact it had on the cast. His willingness to return to reality TV with The Traitors also speaks to the enduring appeal of these types of shows.

The details

Colletti reveals that the love triangle storyline was not something he fully anticipated until the first episode aired. 'In the first episode, you're like, wow, they really leaned into this and took their liberties of what they wanted the story to be,' he says. After high school, Colletti and Conrad both ended up in San Francisco for college, but only saw each other a 'couple times' as they focused on their own lives. Colletti also discusses his decision to join the cast of The Traitors, admitting it initially gave him 'PTSD' from his Laguna Beach days due to the lack of control over how he would be portrayed.

  • Laguna Beach Season 1 aired in 2004.
  • Colletti and Conrad both attended college in San Francisco after high school.
  • The Reunion: Laguna Beach is premiering on April 10, 2026.
  • Colletti appeared on Season 4 of The Traitors.

The players

Stephen Colletti

A star of the MTV reality series Laguna Beach, known for his love triangle with Kristin Cavallari and Lauren Conrad.

Kristin Cavallari

Colletti's ex-girlfriend and fellow Laguna Beach cast member.

Lauren Conrad

Colletti's longtime friend and Laguna Beach co-star, with whom he had a complicated relationship.

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What they’re saying

“In the first episode, you're like, wow, they really leaned into this and took their liberties of what they wanted the story to be.”

— Stephen Colletti

“We would catch up a little bit. The scene in the show where I'm kind of mad at her, I'm like, 'You're going? You're not going to be back for second semester? That's weak.' I watch that back like, dude, what's wrong with you? Why are you judging her so much for wanting to go back home?”

— Stephen Colletti

What’s next

The Reunion: Laguna Beach, featuring the full cast, is set to premiere on the Roku Channel on April 10, 2026.

The takeaway

Colletti's reflections on his time on Laguna Beach and his subsequent experience on The Traitors highlight the lasting impact of reality TV on the lives of its participants, as well as the industry's evolving approach to storytelling and portrayal.