MTV Reality TV Shows

MTV was the originator of what is known as perhaps the first reality show on television - The Real World. Since then, they have created many different reality shows, which focus on people interacting with each other, entertainers trying to make it big, and issues people deal with each day.

The Real World - "The Real World" is a Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray production that began airing in 1992 - before the world even knew what reality television was! The premise is given at the beginning of each episode "This is the true story...of seven strangers...picked to live in a house...work together, and have their lives taped...to find out what happens when people stop being polite...and start getting real...The Real World." Through the years, there have been fights, illnesses, romances, marriages, and some of the contestants even come out of the house wiser.

It was recently announced that next season of "The Real World" will be in Hollywood.

A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila - MTV premiered this bisexual dating show in October 2007. It features Tila Nguyen, a model, entertainer, and singer who is known as the most popular person on MySpace. The show featured 16 straight men and 16 lesbians who are all vying for Tila's love. Each week, contestants are eliminated until there is just one remaining.

Adventures in Hollywood - "Adventures in Hollywood" follows the Academy Award winning rap artists Three 6 Mafia as they establish themselves as Hollywood players and try to make the most of the fame, while still remaining true to their southern roots.

DanceLife - "DanceLife" is MTV's dance reality show that both stars and is produced by Jennifer Lopez. The show follows six dancer hopefuls who want to make it in the dance world. Along the way, there are guest appearances by people such as Mary J. Blige, the Pussycat Dolls, and Ashlee Simpson.

Real World/Road Rules Challenge - For most of the past fourteen seasons, the cast or former cast members of "The Real World" and "Road Rules" have participated in this challenge reality show. But, in 2005, when the production of "Road Rules" was put on hiatus, the show was opened up to people who had never appeared on either show. The teams compete against each other to win prizes and continue in the game.

Engaged and Underage - This reality show follows young people between the ages of 18 and 22 who are in the final weeks of preparing for their wedding. The show covers not only their happiness, but also the drama and relationship tension that comes with planning a wedding.

Laguna Beach - A reality show accused of scripting things a bit, "Laguna Beach" showed the lives of teenagers living in the wealthy community of Laguna Beach in Orange County. MTV producers based it in part on the successful Fox show "Beverly Hills 90210."

The Hills - A spin-off of "Laguna Hills," "The Hills" follows the life of Lauren "LC" Conrad and her friends Audrina Patridge, Whitney Port, and Heidi Montag. The show follows Lauren as she interns at Teen Vogue in LA while attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. It also covers relationship woes between not only Lauren and her ex Jason, but also Lauren, Heidi, and her boyfriend Spencer.

MADE - "MADE" is an Emmy award winning series that follows teens who wish to be "made" into something they are not. Examples include the fat geeky kid who wants to become a ladies man, the loner who wants to be a sports star, and the shy girl who wants to become homecoming queen.

The teens are sent a "MADE Coach" who is an expert in the field in which they wish to excel. The coach helps the teen better themselves and try to achieve their goal. It is currently in its 8th season.

Pageant Place - "Pageant Place" follows the lives of Miss Universe (Riyo Mori), Miss USA (Rachel Smith), and Miss Teen USA (Katie Blair) as they live together in an apartment in New York. Later, Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner joined the show. It received high ratings when it premiered in October 2007 and MTV plans to continue it in 2008 with the newest pageant winners.

Run's House - This is the fourth season for "Run's House," a reality show that follows the family of Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, one of founding members of hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. Like "The Osbournes," MTV goes into the family home as Rev Run tries to balance his family life with being a reverend and a hip-hop icon.

Making the Band - "Making the Band" is a musical reality show that focuses on band hopefuls. Twenty contestants live in a house with Sean "Diddy" Combs as he grooms them to become the next big thing. Each week, contestants are eliminated until the best are left, making the band.

Latest Recaps on Reality TV

Reality News: MTV Debuts Legally Blond the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods June 2
Posted: 15 May 2008
MTV’s latest reality series “Legally Blond the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods” will premiere June 2 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The show features Haylie Duff as the mentor as well as the executive producer. This eight episode series will look at what it takes to star in a Broadway musical. [...]

Real World Hollywood: Bri Brings Home HoHo
Posted: 15 May 2008
Dave and Kim claim to be friends with benefits, but I don’t think Kim truly sees it that way in her heart. She pushed Dave away at the bar, so he did what any guy would do – he found another girl. He brought Justine home and Kim just lost it. She [...]

American Idol: Syesha Leaves
Posted: 14 May 2008
As I predicted, it will be a war of the Davids in the American Idol finale this year. Tonight’s show started out with the final three singing, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.” Was I the only one that thought David Cook looked slightly uncomfortable singing disco? Then, we got to see Fantasia [...]

Hell’s Kitchen: Ben Leaves as Matt Rebounds
Posted: 13 May 2008
Corey thought Matt would only last a day or two on the Red team, but he actually thrived there! Chef Ramsay put the chef’s palettes to the test and it was Matt that pulled out the win for the girls. That really helped him bond with them. He was no longer whinny [...]