The Real World

For other uses, see Real World (disambiguation).

The Real World
Logo variant used for seasons 29-31, partial for 33
GenreReality television
Documentary
Created by
StarringThe Real World cast members
Opening theme"Up Like" performed by SILAS (seasons 29–32)
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons33
No. of episodes614
Production
Executive producers
  • Gil Goldschein
  • Kelly Rose
  • Jacquelyn French
  • Jim Johnston
  • Jonathan Murray
Producers
Running time
  • 30 minutes (1992–2008, 2019)
  • 1 hour (2008–2017)
Production companyBunim/Murray Productions
Original release
Network
ReleaseMay 21, 1992 (1992-05-21) –
August 29, 2019 (2019-08-29)
Related
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

The Real World (known as Real World from 2014 to 2017) is an American reality television series produced through MTV and Bunim/Murray Productions that most recently aired on Facebook Watch after airing on MTV from 1992 to 2017. It was originally produced by Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray. First broadcast in 1992, the show was inspired by the 1973 PBS documentary series An American Family. The Real World is the longest-running program in MTV history,[1] one of the longest-running reality series in history, and is credited with launching the modern reality TV genre.[2] Seven to eight young adults are picked to temporarily live in a new city together in one residence while being filmed non-stop.

The series was hailed in its early years for depicting issues of contemporary young-adulthood relevant to its core audience, such as sex, prejudice, religion, abortion, illness, sexuality, AIDS, death, politics, and substance abuse, but later garnered a reputation as a showcase for immaturity and irresponsible behavior.[3] The series has generated two notable related series, both broadcast by MTV: Road Rules, a sister show, which lasted for 14 seasons (1995–2007),[4] and the ongoing spin-off reality game show The Challenge, which has run for 39 seasons since 1998, thus surpassing The Real World.[5]

On June 8, 2018, it was announced that MTV and Bunim-Murray Productions were working on a revival of The Real World, with the hopes of selling the new version to a streaming platform.[6] In 2018, it was announced that the revival had been sold to Facebook Watch for a new American season, plus a Mexican and a Thai version of the show.[7] The thirty-third season was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia and premiered on June 13, 2019, along with the first new international localized versions since 1996: El Mundo Real in Mexico City and The Real World: Bangkok.[8][9] A reboot of the original show for Paramount+ was mentioned in the press in 2021 but never materialized.[10]

On March 4, 2021, the spin-off The Real World Homecoming: New York premiered on Paramount+. The series reunited the cast of The Real World: New York to live in the same loft they lived in for the original series.[11][12] Two more reunion seasons followed.[13] All three seasons were removed from the streaming service in 2023.[14]

  1. ^ "The Real World: Hollywood; Press Release from MTV.com" (PDF). MTV. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 25, 2007. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  2. ^ Gorman, Bill. "MTV's 'The Real World' Is Turning 25 And Returning To Sin City As Seven Roommates Take Over Hard Rock Hotel & Casino In March 2011" TV By the Numbers; September 17, 2010
  3. ^ Thompson, Richard. "Real World New Orleans: Toothbrush-as-toilet scrubber sickens housemate, triggers police action" Nola.com; March 21, 2010
  4. ^ I.am.relevant: A Generation Impacting Their World with Faith. Relevant Media Group. 2002. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-9714576-0-7.
  5. ^ Jordana Ossad (March 4, 2020). "'The Game Has Changed': This is The Challenge: Total Madness". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 5, 2020. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 7, 2018). "'Real World' Reboot In Works By MTV & Bunim-Murray, Eyed For SVOD Platforms". Deadline. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  7. ^ White, Peter (October 17, 2018). "'The Real World' Heads To Facebook Watch After Landmark Deal With MTV Studios & Bunim/Murray". Deadline. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  8. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (February 26, 2019). "Facebook Watch & MTV's 'Real World' Reboot Final Cast Members To Be Determined By Fans". Deadline.
  9. ^ ‘MTV’s The Real World’ Reboot Gets Premiere Date On Facebook Watch Deadline Hollywood, May 20, 2019
  10. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (February 26, 2021). "The Original 'Real World' Cast Reunites, Older but Still Not Polite". The New York Times.
  11. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (February 26, 2021). "The Original 'Real World' Cast Reunites, Older but Still Not Polite". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  12. ^ Ossad, Jordana (February 26, 2021). "Here's The Very First Look At The Real World Homecoming: New York". MTV News. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  13. ^ Ossad, Jordana (September 29, 2021). "'This is the True Stotory': The Real World Homecoming Renewed for two Additional Seasons". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  14. ^ White, Peter (February 1, 2023). "Paramount+ Becomes Latest Streamer To Remove Titles Including 'Real World: Homecoming'". Deadline. Retrieved July 26, 2024.