The Real World

I was still in high school during the first season of The Real World, so I don't really relate to it, but the second season took place duing my first year of college and was part of the whole "college experience", I guess.

In any case, those couple of early seasons really bring back memories. I loved the second season, because at the time the show was more of what it pretended to be. They found several unique individuals, threw them all together and people got to see what happened. Or at least that's what it seemed like.

The one that everyone always bags on, London, was also a favorite, as was Miami. But with each passing season, the ratings grubbing Mtv execs pushed more and more for the formulaic tripe that we see now. All the people are as attractive as can be, and the show centers around sex, drinking and what looks like scripted melodrama (probably because the producers encourage certain kinds of behavior through subtle suggestions). I enjoyed Hawaii on some levels, but at the same time it was the ultimate undoing of the series. The sex, drinking and extreme weepy melodrama of this season got such huge ratings that every season since has tried to copy it. As a result, they have gotten progressively worse.

I couldn't wait to see them do The Real World in Chicago. But when I finally got to see it, it was just like the others: trying to be like Hawaii.

I also dislike the single organized job that everyone has to do together now. I don't recall the early seasons having this.

If you want to see how great this show could be, watch season 2 in reruns.

*The Real World*

I didn't start watching the Real World until Real World: Hawaii. I instantly became addicted to a show I thought was just another lame trashy Jerry Springer wannabe. It was actually very different and almost classy. Almost. I'll talk about what I remember form past seasons and the last season.

The Real World:Hawaii. I don't remember much except they had an awesome house and a guy named Teck jumped into a pool naked.

The Real World:New Orleans. This season holds a special place in my heart. Probably my favorite Real World house so far. The cast was great, I liked Julie the most. The last episode was really sad. And in the end you liked all the cast.

The Real World:Back To New York. This season I didn't watch very much... did they even have a finale episode? It was very boring. I think it may have been canceled do the the attack on the WTC.

The Real World: Chicago. Hmm... the last season. There were some great memories. And who could forget Tonya? The girl everyone loved to hate. And I've yet to meet a single person who can stand her. My favorite moment was when Theo made Tonya cry... no, just joking. My favorite moment was the lat episode in the hot tub. In the end I liked all the cast members... except Tonya.

So, I guess when you like a season of The Real World, you really like it. And you can't help but find yourself there every Tuesday night, TV turned to MTV. I know I can't.

*9/10*

The Real World is the classic of all reality t.v. Survivor or Big Brother doesn't compare to this. I am so addictive to the show. It is so cool watching them party, and have a great time, and yes fight.This is just a great show to watch, and keep up with cast members. For those of you that watch Big Brother, I would highly suggest The Real World.

I am a "Real World" addict. I have watched practically every episode of every season a dozen times each. When the MTV casting call came her to UNC-CH, I was one of the first people in line to audition for the show (though I didn't make it). What is it that has made this show such a cultural phenomenon? It is simply that society craves the act of seeing real people put into strange situations. It is like a car crash beside the side of the road--you don't mean to look as you pass by, but you just have to. But there is nothing wrong with loving this show. It is like any other tv show. It is a way to live out your fantasies through other people. You might never get to live in a phat pad with a bunch of beautiful people, but at least you can appreciate the fact that people like Amaya (my all time favorite cast member) are able to do just that.

Like previous posters, I too am curious. What on earth happened to the show this used to be? What happened to putting together seven strangers of all different shapes and sizes, from all different walks of life, the good, the bad, and yes... even the ugly, just to see how things turn out? What happened to letting them fend for themselves instead of giving them money, jobs, and projects to keep them occupied? Where did the individualism, the goals and the character go?

Is it just me, or does anyone else miss the med students, business entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, race car drivers... heck, even a cop! Was it fair to replace them with a bunch of "pretty people" with six pack abs, and teeny waists who's only goal appears to be who can "hook up" with who first? Some may say that the former doesn't fairly represent most of today's youth, but the latter certainly doesn't either!

I think it's just run it's course. When a show has run it's course, the creators resort to pathetic tactics in an effort to pull ratings and hold interest. What they end up doing is creating a machine that churns out the same trash year after year. A winning streak can only last for so long. You have to know when to fold the cards.