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The Real World

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: MTV, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    1.0
  • Common Sense says

    "Real life" amplified; mature teens only.

Why We Rated This off for Ages 16 and Under

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    There's rarely positive role model-type behavior on this series. The only redeemable housemates are those who don't party as hard as the others, but they're made to seem like "downers" by the rest of the cast. Jobs within the community are overshadowed by outlandish behavior and fights at the workplace.
  • Violence:

    Bar brawls.
  • Sex:

    Kissing, multiple sexual partners, group showers, same-sex hookups, one-night stands, skimpy clothes, grinding on the dance floor, threesomes.
  • Language:

    "Bitch," "ass," sexual discussions, more vulgar language bleeped out.
  • Consumerism:

    MysticTan, Subway, signs for local bars and restaurants get a lot of screen time.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Excessive drinking and smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Real World

Parents need to know that this landmark MTV series first aired in 1992 (making it one of the first reality shows) and has remained popular among teens and young adults over the years. Each season follows seven new roommates who bring a wide range of social, behavioral, physical, and sexual issues and experiences to the table, including (but not limited to) alcoholism, smoking, bar brawls, girls kissing for shock value, hot tubbing, drunken parties, lewd sex talk, one-night hook-ups, eating disorders, stereotypes, group showers, concerns about body image and self-worth, excessive drinking, homosexuality, and racism. The housemates' ages range from 18-24, so it's no surprise that the show's topics are really for a mature audience.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the housemates. Which ones do you relate to? Why? What appeals to teens about the show and its stars? Is this something they might aspire to be part of? Why? What are the redeeming qualities (if any) of this fishbowl environment? Which issues in a particular season made a specific housemate stand out? Are there any positive role models here, or is everyone a stereotype? Do you think the housemates are chosen to fit a particular "type"? Why would producers want to do that? Why do you think they edit the show's content to emphasize sex, partying, and conflict?

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Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Real World?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

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See all 15 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    addicting

    the real world really shows ppl what its like to be these kids. it's a good reality show for a change

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 1.0

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    love it

    I watch every episode! It's cool, but it might not be appropriate for people 12(my age) and under.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i love this show

    my mom and i watch this show and we can't get enough of it. WATCH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

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