<P> Real World (formerly known as The Real World from 1992 to 2013) is a reality television series on MTV originally produced by Mary - Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray . First broadcast in 1992, the show, which was inspired by the 1973 PBS documentary series An American Family, is the longest - running program in MTV history and one of the longest - running reality series in history, credited with launching the modern reality TV genre . Seven to eight young adults are picked to temporarily live in a new city together in one residence while being filmed non-stop . </P> <P> The series was hailed in its early years for depicting issues of contemporary young - adulthood relevant to its core audience, such as sex, prejudice, religion, abortion, illness, sexuality, AIDS, death, politics, and substance abuse, but later garnered a reputation as a showcase for immaturity and irresponsible behavior indicative of the declining morals of contemporary youth . </P> <P> Following Bunim's death from breast cancer in 2004, Bunim / Murray Productions continues to produce the program . The most recent 32nd season, set in Seattle, Washington, premiered on October 12, 2016 . </P> <P> The series has generated two notable related series, both broadcast by MTV: Road Rules, a sister show, which lasted for 14 seasons (1995--2007), and the ongoing spin - off reality game show The Challenge, which has run for 30 seasons since 1998 . </P>

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