Comedian, podcaster, and reality television alumna Hannah Berner has secured a career-defining milestone with her official debut in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, returning to her familiar Hamptons stomping grounds for the high-profile editorial.
The 34-year-old multi-hyphenate—widely recognized for her tenure on Bravo’s Summer House and as the co-host of the chart-topping Giggly Squad podcast—was photographed by legacy fashion photographer Ben Watts at the Hero Beach Club in Montauk, New York.
For her rookie pictorial feature, the publication opted for a curated, coastal-chic style that balanced high-fashion athletic wear with casual beach layering.
Berner modeled a Sage Green “Dewdrop” string bikini set from luxury sustainable swimwear label Tropic of C, designed by supermodel Candice Swanepoel.
The look was styled with a relaxed, oversized grey striped button-down shirt draped off her shoulders to emphasize a natural, unretouched aesthetic.
The Montauk campaign serves as a cornerstone of the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, focusing heavily on highlighting women who challenge traditional modeling archetypes through entertainment, entrepreneurship, and digital media.
The 2026 Montauk rookie and alumni collective includes:
- First-Time Models: Real Housewives mogul Bethenny Frankel, Love Island USA standout Olandria Carthen, and Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin.
- Returning Fan Favorites: Danish supermodel Nina Agdal and digital creator Remi Bader.
Viral Digital Reception and Bravo Support
Following the official digital reveal by the publication, Berner shared the imagery with her 1.2 million Instagram followers, triggering immediate viral engagement from fans and prominent media figures.
Her longtime creative partner and Giggly Squad co-host, Paige DeSorbo, led the digital cheers alongside current Summer House star Ciara Miller.
Entertainment commentators widely praised the publication’s decision to include Berner, noting that featuring a touring stand-up comedian known for self-deprecating humor and mental health advocacy reinforces a positive, modern narrative surrounding female body image in commercial media.
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| HANNAH BERNER’S MEDIA TRAJECTORY |
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| 2018–2021 | Main Cast Member on Bravo's 'Summer House'|
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| 2020–Present | Co-Founder/Host of 'Giggly Squad' Podcast |
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| 2022–Present | National 'We Came To Bang' Stand-Up Tour |
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| May 2024 | Marries Irish Comedian Des Bishop |
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| May 2026 | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie Debut |
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Navigating Reality TV Scandals and Platform Growth
Berner’s transition from reality television target to a widely respected independent media voice has been carefully documented by industry experts.
Since walking away from the high-stress environment of Bravo’s unscripted programming in 2021, Berner has successfully pivoted into a powerhouse audio entrepreneur, with Giggly Squad routinely selling out live theater tours across North America and securing premium corporate advertising partnerships.
Despite her departure from television, Berner and DeSorbo remain closely intertwined with the network’s community, recently utilizing their podcast platform to address a breaking Summer House romance scandal that has captivated internet traffic.
Following the public revelation that cast members Amanda Batula and West Wilson had initiated a secretive relationship, Berner and DeSorbo publicly aligned themselves with close friend Ciara Miller.
During an analytical podcast segment, DeSorbo explicitly stated that their real-world loyalty to Miller superseded any desire to exploit reality television drama for digital engagement.
This protective stance has further solidified the duo’s reputation for genuine, transparent female friendships, a core thematic element that mirrors the empowering messaging promoted by the modern Sports Illustrated editorial team.