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
For one summer, the Ashby Hawkins family give up their 21st-century technology and travel back in time to discover the radical transformation of our leisure time since 1950.
“Shahs of Sunset” follows a group of friends who are trying to juggle their active social lives and up-and-coming careers while balancing the demands of their families and traditions. These passionate socialites are fervent on the dating and party scene, but seeking approval from their family they face pressures to settle down and marry within the community. From outings on Rodeo Drive to traditional Persian feasts at home, this series celebrates the unique lifestyle of a group of friends who have worked hard for what they have and are not afraid to flaunt it.
The Challenge is a reality game show on MTV that is spun off from and mostly cast-contestant dependent on the network’s two flagship reality shows, The Real World and the now cancelled Road Rules. The Challenge has developed a spin-off series in its own right, Spring Break Challenge. The Challenge and Spring Break Challenge have a somewhat cast-contestant interdependent relationship in that both programs have used at least one or more contestants from the other. The Challenge is hosted by T. J. Lavin.
The series premiered on June 1, 1998. The title of the show was originally Road Rules: All Stars before it was renamed Real World/Road Rules Challenge by the show’s 2nd season, then later abridged to simply The Challenge by the show’s 19th season. The series initially used no hosts but instead a former cast member who had been kicked off his or her season, providing assignments as “Mr.” or “Ms. Big”. Later on, however, the series began using hosts: Eric Nies and Mark Long co-hosted a season, and Jonny Moseley and Dave Mirra hosted various seasons before T. J. Lavin became the show’s regular host by the 11th season.
Six of America’s brightest entertainers come together to compete and showcase their talents with breathtaking and unique acts – featuring skills they did not even know they had.
Forty-foot waves, 700 pound crab pots, freezing temperatures and your mortality staring you in the face…it’s all in a day’s work for these modern day prospectors. During each episode we will watch crews race to meet their quota and make it home safely.
A group of heavy recovery drivers work to keep traffic rolling on some of the busiest and most unforgiving roads on the planet, Ontario’s 400-series highways. When disaster strikes on these roads, the pressure is on to get them cleared and reopened.
A reality show contest where sixteen or more castaways split between two or more “Tribes” are taken to a remote isolated location and are forced to live off the land with meager supplies for roughly 39 days. Frequent physical challenges are used to pit the tribes against each other for rewards, such as food or luxuries, or for “Immunity”, forcing the other tribe to attend “Tribal Council”, where they must vote off one of their players.
Ghost hunters Adam Berry and Amy Bruni help real families who claim to be bedeviled by paranormal activity in their homes.
It’s been 20 years since Stevie J was last single. Now he’s looking forward to the next 20 years and hitting reset in a major way. After his chaotic breakup with Joseline, Stevie is more than ready to focus on music, family and living the bachelor life to the fullest. But it’s tough to get a train back on the tracks when life is one long train wreck, which is why he’s determined to avoid repeating the mistakes of his past — like mixing business with pleasure and getting involved with messy females. It’s easier said than done. A fresh start calls for fresh experiences, and Stevie thinks busting out of his comfort zone might be exactly what he needs. Along the way, Stevie resolves to forge deeper connections with his children who have suddenly grown into young adults with big mouths, big problems and strong opinions about everything. As he re-evaluates his life, Stevie seeks the guidance of his longtime friend, collaborator, and confidante Faith Evans. Spending time with Faith will leave Stevie wondering whether the single life is overrated. Leave It to Stevie opens an entirely new chapter in Stevie J’s life; it’s now full of new adventures, new possibilities and new problems.
