When you are the world’s foremost reality television expert, you are often approached by many networks, producers and even faux-celebrities themselves in an effort to win you over. Your opinion of their show matters and with the number of voyeuristic programs increasing not only by the channel, but by the minute, there is an inordinate amount of bad television out there. There are still some things that do not change.
Survivor will always be the best.
The Amazing Race is only as good as the teams that are on it.
The Real World is what everything else aspires to be.
There was a lot of hype about The Real World: Denver. There was a buzz about it during filming and I had many other reality stars tell me that this show had the best cast of all-time, the hottest girls of all-time, and the most drama of all-time. Even before I had a chance to see the premiere of the show, I thought that the nineteenth season of the show (can you believe it has been 19?) could contend with Survivor: Borneo, and The Amazing Race 8 as the greatest reality show of all time. And based on the first episode, it might not just compare with the others as the best. It might just define it.
The Real World: Denver premieres on Wednesday, December 10 at 10 p.m. EST/PST on MTV Canada. Our neighbors south of the border are already well into the show and it debuted in the States with an audience of 5.3 million P12-34 years. That was a 10 per cent increase over last season’s Key West edition. If the numbers are any indication, the ratings will only get higher.
What is it about this season that makes it stand out?
Primarily, it is the cast. Whereas Key West faltered by casting people that were already in relationships, especially the girls (Paula and Svetlana come to mind immediately), the girls are totally single. And to say that they are hot would be the understatement of the year. How do I rank them? Glad you asked.
1. Jennifer, 22 — (Martinez, CA)
She is a former Oakland Raiderette cheerleader. There is really nothing more to say. Without question, the hottest girl ever cast in a Real World house.
2. Brooke, 24 — (Nashville, TN)
Raised by two clinical psychologists, Brooke is not the typical Southern belle. While every season has their Trishelle wannabe, Brooke ended a long-term interracial relationship to join the cast and admits to being an extremely sexual person.
3. Colie, 22 — (Brunswick, NJ)
Surprisingly, Colie has been billed as having the strongest personality in the house. She constantly seeks attention (especially from guys), and the premiere starts with her graduation from Tulane University where former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush offered speeches.
In addition to the girls, the guys are also well cast. Alex is the players, dealing with women like they are playing cards. Stephen (a hardcore Republican conservative) clashes with Davis (a non-typical gay frat guy from Georgia). Tyrie actually looks like the face of stability (if you forget that he is a former gang member).
As if the cast wasn’t enough to whet your palette, there’s also the allure of the classic Real World staples, sex, drugs, and alcohol.
Well, okay. Maybe not the drugs, unless you count the addiction to the other two (sex and alcohol), but as any reality aficionado can tell you, sex and alcohol are the best ways to stir up drama on TV and Denver mixes these like a smooth margarita.
The premiere is absolutely enthralling. While the first few minutes are a little boring as the roommates meet each other and move into the house, they are necessary in establishing the second half of the show. I can tell our Canadian audience that there is a love triangle, two hook-ups, a break-up, a lesbian hot tub make-out session, a dancefloor orgy and Davis coming out of the closet.
The funny part is that the preview for the rest of the season is even better.
This show cannot be missed.
