The Real World is a reality television program on MTV originally produced by Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray. First broadcast in 1992, the show, which was inspired by the 1973 PBS documentary series An American Family, is the longest-running program in MTV history and one of the longest-running reality series in history, credited with launching the modern reality TV genre.
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 immature and irresponsible behavior.
Following Bunim’s death from breast cancer in 2004, Bunim/Murray Productions continues to produce the program. The 28th and most recent season, set in Portland, Oregon, premiered on March 27, 2013, and ended its first run on June 12, 2013. An upcoming 29th season, set in San Francisco, California, is currently in production, and is expected to air in 2014.
The series has generated two notable spin-offs, both broadcast by MTV: Road Rules, which lasted for 14 seasons, and the reality game show The Challenge, which has run for over 20 seasons since 1998. The Challenge is mostly cast-contestant dependent on both The Real World and Road Rules, as it combines contestants from various seasons of both shows. Coordinating the series with its spin-off, MTV alternates between airing seasons of The Real World and The Challenge and ends out seasons of both shows by showing previews for the upcoming season of the other.
All Episodes
You May Also Like
A fascinating look at Monica, a junior at Penn State navigating friends, family, relationships – and the fact that she’s a medium and can talk to dead people. Her uncommon vocation provides an endless supply of emotional and engaging stories, with a unique millennial perspective
RuPaul has made the trip across the pond in search of a queen with the most charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent in all the land.
Couples learn what it really means to downsize when they take the plunge into the tiny house real estate market. At an average size of only 180 square feet, watch as clients meet with their builders, or decide to build these tiny homes all by themselves, and follow along through the construction process until the house is complete.
It’s time to peek behind the designer curtains of South West London and meet London’s young socially elite, Made in Chelsea. Yes, they’re immaculately dressed; yes, they are fiercely ambitious; and of course they party hard. But beyond the posh accents, fast cars and polo parties, life isn’t all champagne and canapés. See the real-life rivalries and relationships that set tongues wagging and phones beeping behind closed doors on the Kings Road. Enjoy every love-in, fall out and bitch fest captured on camera and played out over eight deliciously decadent one-hour episodes.
Six young people whose families found fame and fortune in the hip-hop industry strive to succeed independently in their own careers without assistance from their famous parents.
Three humans do battle with three grizzly bears in a competition of speed, strength, and strategy, and one of the men finds out the hard way what it means to have skin in the game.
British version of the reality competitions series that sees young entrepreneurs compete in several business tasks, attempting to survive the weekly firings in order to become the business partner of one of the most successful businessmen.
Hit the road with Mark and Ryan, BFF dads with a combined love of all things grilled, fried, creative and downright flavorful. They’ll showcase some of the most-epic bites to leave you wanting more-and perhaps serve up a few dad jokes while they’re at it.