How The Real World - New York Changed Television

Seven Strangers Moved to a SoHo Loft for a Reality TV Experiment

Apr 20, 2009 Kimberly Kunaniec

MTV's reality television show, The Real World, featured cast members from different walks of life. The first New York cast broke convention and changed television histor

In February, 1992, seven strangers moved into a loft in New York City to begin a social experiment to find out what happens when a diverse group of people is thrust together. The seven cast members didn’t know what to expect when they signed on to appear on The Real World. MTV didn’t know it at the time, but this experimental documentary was about to change the landscape of television for years to come.

Reality Television Emerges

Reality television was not invented by The Real World producers. Shows like Candid Camera and What’s My Line debuted in the 1940s and 1950s, but featured a much different premise. In 1978, the TV documentary An American Family showed an inkling of what was to come. This doc featured a single family going through sensational issues, and eventually inspired the creation of The Real World by Bunim/Murray Productions. However, once The Real World: New York began airing, the reality television market began to explode.

The premise of The Real World is simple -- seven strangers move into a house together and their daily lives are taped. These cast members were selected from across the country, with different ages and life experiences. The first cast members were aspiring dancers, singers, writers, and actors who were looking for opportunities in New York while they were on the show.

The Real World: New York Cast

  • Becky Blasband - A moody, 24 year old folk singer who is trying to move into a more adult life.
  • Norman Korpi - An openly gay artist and free spirit with a big heart.
  • Kevin Powell - An outspoken writer who can stir up trouble with his roommates.
  • Eric Nies - A model and actor with a tendency to party, who later goes on to continued success with MTV shows.
  • Julie Gentry - The youngest member of the cast at only 18, Julie is an innocent and somewhat sheltered dancer.
  • Andre Comeau - A member of an indie rock band, Andre sang and played guitar.
  • Heather Gardner - A hip-hop artist who spent much of the show in the recording studio working.

Tackling Tough Social Issues on Television

Because of the diversity of the cast members, many tough subjects were brought out in the open for discussion. From Norm’s sexuality to Kevin’s passion about race relations, everything was caught on camera. Many viewers remember the first episode, as Julie naively asked Heather if she had a pager because she sold drugs. Future seasons carried on this tradition, with one of the most memorable cast members of all time, AIDS activist Pedro Zamora.

Reality television has changed dramatically in the years since The Real World: New York first hit the airwaves. Subsequent cast members of The Real World and other reality shows have become more and more outrageous. Many people are left wondering, where will reality television head next?

The copyright of the article How The Real World - New York Changed Television in Reality TV is owned by Kimberly Kunaniec. Permission to republish How The Real World - New York Changed Television in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
The Original Real World Cast Members, MTV Publicity Photo
The Original Real World Cast Members
    
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