Jamie Lynn Spears’ pregnancy bombshell could spark a very special episode of “Zoey 101.”
The cable kiddie show’s third season ends in two weeks with a cliffhanger – whether Spears’ Zoey character should attend a California boarding school or move with her parents to London.
But the real-life dilemma is how Spears will navigate the p.r. nightmare of being a knocked-up tween star.
Kid-oriented cable network Nickelodeon is still weighing its options, including the possibility of airing a special episode about love and sex for their young viewers.
Nickelodeon honchos confirmed they are in talks with veteran journalist Linda Ellerbee to possibly host the special installment.
Ellerbee has teamed with the network in the past to tackle weighty issues like same-sex parents, AIDS and the Columbine massacre.
“I think it’s important that something be done,” Ellerbee said yesterday. “But I think it’s important that it be done in a measured way, and not just to feed the beast of news stories.”
Or the teen pregnancy flap could derail the show altogether, since Nickelodeon officials haven’t signed off on airing Season Four in February, as originally planned.
Nickelodeon has yet to make a definitive statement about the cloudy future of their star.
“We respect Jamie Lynn’s decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation,” according to a network statement.
“We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn’s well being.”
Ellerbee said the shocking pregnancy could be an effective educational vehicle.
“This is a great opportunity for parents at this moment to talk to their kids about this – more important, to listen to their kids about this,” Ellerbee said.