New York, NY, December 21, 2005 – MTV: Music Television, Bunim-Murray Productions and the City of Austin announced today that the 16th season of The Real World will begin production in Austin, TX in Q1 ‘05. The next season of the popular MTV reality series featuring seven strangers in a house and following them for four months is scheduled to premiere in June ‘05 with 24 episodes.
Currently in its 15th season, The Real World series continues to generate strong ratings. The current season in Philadelphia ranks number one in its time period among P12-34 year olds versus the cable competition. The last season, The Real World XIV: San Diego reached over 100 million viewers P2+ and was the most watched series on cable in 2004 among P12-34 year-olds. It was also the highest rated season in Real World history.
“Austin is one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the United States,” said Lois Curren, Executive Vice President, MTV Series Entertainment. “As the live music capital of the nation and home to a thriving college community, Austin is the perfect backdrop for The Real World’s 16th season.”
“They say everything is bigger and better in Texas, and The Real World is no exception,” said Jon Murray, Creator and Executive Producer of The Real World and President of Bunim-Murray Productions. “Our Austin cast may be the best we’ve ever assembled, and I know they’re going to feel right at home in this vibrant city.”
"MTV has discovered what we all know, that Austin is a great place to live, work and play. We have a spectacular quality of life, particularly if you're young, energetic, educated, driven, and have a passion for the outdoors and live music. I'm excited about the opportunity to showcase our city to viewers around the world," said Will Wynn, Mayor of Austin, TX.
The Real World pioneered reality-based television debuting its first season in New York City. Each season, the show brings seven young strangers to live together in a new town and rolls the cameras 24-7, witnessing as their lives intersect, their ideas are challenged, and their passions emerge.
The finale for The Real World 15 in Philadelphia is scheduled to air on February 22nd. Past seasons of The Real World have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Hawaii, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris, San Diego and Philadelphia.
The Real World was created for MTV by Jon Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim-Murray Productions and Jon Murray serves as the executive producer. Jim Johnston is the supervising producer of Real World Austin and Drew Tappon and Jacquelyn French are executives in charge of production.
MTV is carried locally in Austin, TX by Time Warner Cable.
