As the longest-running unscripted reality show in television history, MTV's flagship program, The Real World, is largely responsible for establishing the entertaining formula of collecting several strangers from various backgrounds and placing them under one roof to live as roommates. Without it laying the groundwork, there might not be the popular reality TV format today.
As the social experiment evolved over two decades, the rules, regulations, and hidden secrets about life inside the lavish Real World household also began to change with the times. However, whether it's casting stipulations, house rules, furniture, wardrobes, or personal restrictions, some things in The Real World never change.
Limited Social Media Access
While it's widely understood that The Real World cast are barred from using social media on the show, some may be unaware that even books, magazines, and physical media of any kind are also prohibited (per MTV via the stellar '90s reality show, along with a computer for cast to use. However, cell phone use was not allowed inside the house.
With the advent of mobile phones and social media, producers have altered course a bit in recent years to allow cast to use mobile phones only outside of the house, where they can their pictures on the town to social media. However, computer use, calls, and texts are monitored in the house.
MTV Is Not Responsible For Death Or Injury
According to an eye-opening contract leak, according to the Village Voice, it seems MTV bears absolutely no liability for a cast member's injuries or death inside the house during the filming of the show. Moreover, if a cast member contracts an illness, STD or is sexually ed in a non-consensual way, they're left to fend for themself.
In addition to the shocking lack of background checks prior to casting (also part of the contract), if a cast member has a mental breakdown or physically loses an appendage, they will have to come out of pocket to pay for the medical assistance. Additionally, pregnant women are barred from being cast, and getting pregnant on the show is grounds for dismissal.
Custom Furniture & Couch
One of the most alluring aspects of the beloved reality TV show is the ornate mansions adorned with stunning furniture. According to creator Jonathan Murray via fame10.com, the producers worked with Ikea for the first few seasons, but now employ a production designer who handpicks custom-made furniture from local artisans meant to reflect the vibe of the city they're in.
But here's the fascinating tidbit: producers have used the same giant couch that serves as the centerpiece of the living for the past five seasons, simply changing the color of the upholstery each time.
Social Hangouts Are Pre-Approved
Another enthralling part of the rewatchable reality show takes place when the cast venture outside of the house and hit the town. Despite appearing spontaneous, all of the bars, restaurants, clubs, cafes, malls, and shops that the cast attends are completely pre-approved before filming (per fame10.com).
When the cast arrives at the house, they are provided with a list of potential establishments to frequent, as well as work for. MTV only allows access to brands and companies they have a partnership with, which makes the nightlife portions of the show far more contrived than they appear. Odder yet, cast are forbidden from hiding inside bars and clubs to ensure filming access at all times.
Filming Sex Scenes
A huge appeal of The Real World is its racy and candid sex scenes among housemates that inevitably lead to intense drama. While most of the footage is seen through blurry surveillance feeds, there is actually a person in the room filming it all.
According to Murray via fame10.com, "if there's a camera person in the room when two people start getting heavy, the camera person will stay in the room just long enough to establish what's going on. Then they move out." Murray goes on to note how the cast are aware of the 24/7 surveillance and often dip under the covers to avoid exposure.
Cast Sign Away Their Life Story
As part of the contract signed before participating in the all-time great reality TV show, cast agree to completely sign their life stories away for MTV to do as it pleases. This entails legally giving MTV their name, background, likeness, and even personal items to be used in movies, TV shows, email, and the like.
More eye-opening yet, producers have the right to misrepresent cast as they see fit, with the contract stating "producer may depict, portray me and my life story either accurately or with such liberties and modifications as producer determines necessary or desirable" (via The Village Voice).
Payment & Mandatory Reunion
While the cast often get jobs on the show as a way to earn money and pay for expenses, fans may not realize the cast also receive roughly $300 per week for participating, most of which is paid as a lump sum after production wraps.
Stranger yet, The Real World Cast are required to appear in a reunion episode with only 14 days notice ahead of time, a stipulation that lasts up to five years after the show was filmed. receive $2,500 to appear on the reunion special and are forbidden from appearing on rival programs until it has aired (according to The Village Voice).
Confessional Interviews Are Mandatory
The Real World is responsible for an array of reality TV conventions, none adopted more than the direct-to-camera confessional. However, how many fans of the show knew that the confessional interviews were mandatory?
Part of the appeal of the confessionals is that appear candid and off the cuff. Little do most fans know that the confessionals are required whether a cast member really has to bare their soul or not. This completely shifts the perspective of fans regarding the veracity of events depicted on the show.
Mandatory Drug Testing
For as hard-partying as most of the cast appear on the show, everyone who participates is subject to rigorous mandatory drug testing during production. According to the official contract mentioned by The Village Voice, testing positive for drug use leads to instant dismissal, as seen when Brandon Kane was discharged from the St. Thomas house after testing positive for cocaine.
In addition to a zero-tolerance drug policy and random drug testing, physical altercations of any kind are also grounds for instant removal from the household.
Free Rent But Food, Damage, Travel & Phone Bills
Although the cast get to live in the household for free on the show, few fans realize how many sunken costs they incur as the season progresses. Per the casting contract, a long-distance phone bill is given to the cast to divvy up at the end of the season, while daily food must also be paid for by the cast themselves.
Inflicting property or furniture damage inside the house will also lead to a direct personal bill for the cast to pay for. Moreover, MTV has the right to recoup all travel expenses once production wraps. For a show that seems like a total fantasy escape, it really is much more like The Real World than fans think.