The Real World (1992)
MTV's landmark unscripted series that put seven strangers under one roof and changed television forever.
The Real World - Series Information
- Original Title: The Real World
- First Air Year: 1992
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Mary-Ellis Bunim, Jonathan Murray
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 33
- Number of Episodes: 634
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 21, 1992 (United States - TV-14), May 21, 1992 (Canada - 14+), May 21, 1992 (United Kingdom - 15), May 21, 1992 (Germany - 16), May 21, 1992 (France - 18), May 21, 1992 (New Zealand - M), May 21, 1992 (Australia - M), May 21, 1992 (Brazil - 12), May 21, 1992 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: MTV, Facebook Watch
- Alternative Titles: Real World (US)
- Production Companies: Bunim/Murray Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Real World - Plot
Each year, seven strangers in their twenties, from different backgrounds and countries, are chosen to come live together in a major city.
The Real World - Trailer
See the series that started it all — watch the official trailer below.
Where to Watch The Real World
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The Real World - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mary-Ellis Bunim
- Jonathan Murray
Main Cast
- Trishelle Cannatella
- Steven Hill
- Arissa Hill
- Brynn Smith
- Irulan Wilson
- Alton Williams
- Frank Roessler
- Colie Edison
- Davis Mallory
- Jenn Grijalva
The Real World - FAQs
Where can you stream The Real World?
The Real World is available to stream on Paramount Plus (all tiers, including Essential and Premium). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Hoopla offers free access in some regions.
Is The Real World the first reality TV show?
The Real World is widely credited as one of the earliest and most influential modern reality TV series. Premiering on MTV in 1992, it pioneered the format of filming real people in unscripted situations, laying the groundwork for the global reality television boom that followed in subsequent decades.
What is The Real World about?
Each season, seven strangers in their twenties from diverse backgrounds are selected to live together in a major city. Cameras document their daily lives, relationships, conflicts, and personal growth. Critics have praised the show for sparking conversations about race, sexuality, and identity across its long run.
How many seasons does The Real World have?
The Real World has 33 seasons, spanning cities from New York City and Los Angeles to London, Sydney, and Atlanta. With 634 total episodes, it is one of the longest-running reality series in American television history, originally airing on MTV before moving to Facebook Watch.
Who created The Real World series?
The Real World was created by Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray, the duo behind Bunim/Murray Productions. Their innovative concept of placing strangers together under constant camera surveillance transformed American pop culture and established a template that countless reality formats have since replicated worldwide.
When did The Real World first air?
The Real World premiered on May 21, 1992, on MTV in the United States. The debut season was set in New York City and introduced audiences to a format that would run for over three decades, making it one of the most enduring unscripted series in television history.
Is The Real World still being made?
The Real World currently holds a Returning Series status and remains in production. After its long run on MTV, the show moved to Facebook Watch for its most recent seasons. A spinoff series, The Real World Homecoming, has also reunited original cast members for new episodes on Paramount Plus.
What is the content rating for The Real World?
The Real World is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series frequently features mature themes including interpersonal conflict, discussions of sexuality, substance use, and other adult topics arising from the cast's unscripted daily lives.
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