The best seasons of MTV's 'The Real World'

The 17th season of The Real World premiered in February 2006 and was filmed in Key West, Florida. The cast of seven had plans to thrive in the city, as they’re known to do on this show; however, Hurricane Katrina drove that to a halt. Despite that, Season 17 still featured scandals, complicated relationships, and petty drama. Plus, this season birthed the career of an MTV and reality TV legend, Johnny Bananas. 

In 2002, MTV aired the 11th season of The Real World. Except this time, the cast took on the Windy City, otherwise known as Chicago. It featured some genuine moments, like the tragic 9/11 attacks and heated discussions with romantic partners. Also, Aneesa Ferreira was on a 10 the entire time. How could energy like that not make for great TV? 

It wasn’t just the Eiffel Tower in the background that made us fall in love with The Real World: Paris. Chris "CT" Tamburello may have had a little something to do with it as well.

The Real World: Austin is iconic for two reasons alone: Danny Jamieson getting decked on Sixth Street and Wes Bergmann’s introduction to The Real World/Challenge zeitgeist.

Talk about a layered season. The Real World: Cancun aired through 2009 and was truly a hot mess. Backstabbing, lying, broken guitars, and two cast members leaving the show early. 

If you’re interested in seeing what is likely the first display of reality television, you have to give The Real World: New York a watch. It’s the first season of this legendary franchise, filmed in 1992, and is the most authentic and genuine display of cast members throughout its 33-season run. 

The Real World: Los Angeles is the follow-up to The Real World: New York. It featured reality TV icon Tami Roman, who later starred in Basketball Wives, and the wildly entertaining David Edwards. However, it wouldn’t be The Real World without conflict, and this season had plenty of it. There were honest conversations and heated arguments around consent, race, and abortions. A revival with the original cast called The Real World: Homecoming aired on Paramount+ in 2021. 

If you’re looking for a throwback season of The Real World that will have your jaw touching the floor, look no further. The Real World: Seattle is really something else. It’s full of complex characters, genuine friendships, and a slap heard worldwide.  

Some may say the New Orleans stop The Real World made in 2000 was rather dull; however, a show with a cast member like David Broom on it will almost certainly be something worth tuning in for. He rubbed his roommates the wrong way then and did so even more during their Homecoming season in 2022. Some things never change, and we couldn't ask for anything more for a show like this. 

Like New Orleans and other cities featured on The Real World, production may have filmed in a location once, twice, or in Las Vegas’ case, three times. But even then, it always seems to be the OG seasons that remain on top. Las Vegas' original season, which aired in 2003, highlighted several authentic moments between the cast and just as many laughs.  

Toward The Real World’s end, production decided to switch things up to keep the show interesting. Skeletons featured the same seven houseguests, except this time, they had to deal with hard truths from their past. Many of the storylines showcased in this show are moving; however, Jason meeting his biological father for the first time during this season may take the cake. 

Despite Hollywood being The Real World’s 20th season, this cast — specifically Greg — understood the assignment. He was removed from the house midway through the season due to his raging anger, but at least he gave viewers a solid eight episodes of pure chaos before his departure. 

The Real World: Portland featured an odd bunch of roommates. Cast members Averey and Johnny were in a fairly serious relationship that caused plenty of tension in the house, primarily between Averey and Nia — the explosive replacement roommate from Powder Springs, Georgia. 

With a list like this, there’s no reason The Real World: Hawaii wouldn’t be on it. Let’s face it, Teck (and we’ll give Ruthie her flowers, too) was one of the most enjoyable parts of this season. He was unapologetically himself — just fun and free.  

The Real World: Denver featured drama every step of the way. From shouting matches to physical tussles to disagreements over sexuality, the cast of TRW Denver gave viewers drama unlike anything they were expecting.