What is The Real World about?

The Real World, an iconic American reality television series, mirrors contemporary young-adult life by chronicling the lives of seven strangers as they cohabitate in an urban dwelling. Since its inception in 1992, the show has selected a diverse group of participants every season, each hailing from different socio-cultural backgrounds, to live together in a major city. These housemates are continuously filmed, providing an unfiltered look at their interactions, relationships, and the personal and societal challenges they face. The dynamic of bringing together such varied individuals often leads to both confrontation and growth, with topics such as sex, prejudice, religion, and politics surfacing throughout the series. Embracing the unscripted nature of reality TV, The Real World has effectively showcased the unique perspectives and experiences of young adults, offering an intimate glimpse into the evolving issues that resonate with its audience. Its contribution to television has not only paved the way for the modern reality TV genre but has also sustained a reputation for engaging with the complexities of adulthood across its long history.

The first episode of The Real World aired on May 21, 1992 and the most recent episode to air was on August 29, 2019.