The Real World: New York is the first season of MTV's reality television series The Real World, which focuses on a group of diverse strangers living together for several months in a different city each season, as cameras follow their lives and interpersonal relationships. The series was filmed from February 16 to May 18, 1992, and made its television debut later that year. It was produced by Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray. This was the first of three seasons to be filmed in New York City. In 2001 the show made a repeat visit with The Real World: Back to New York, and in 2008, set its twenty-first season, The Real World: Brooklyn, in the borough of Brooklyn. This makes New York City along with Los Angeles, the only two cities to be used as the setting of "The Real World" on more than one season.
Cast:
Rebecca "Becky" Blasband: July 8, 1967 (New Hope, Pennsylvania)
Biography 1992: At 24, Becky is at a predicament in her life. She is somewhere between the youthful exuberance that made her decide to try her hand as a folk singer and the maturity that has her searching for a grown-up relationship. She knows she wants to do lots of things in her life but is unsure about which direction to take. A moody wanderer, Becky is sure to stir up emotions in the house when she speaks her mind and offers up her opinions on life.
Andre Comeau: September 10, 1971 (Royal Oak, Michigan)
Biography 1992: Andre is a true musician, working desperately to turn his art into a full-fledged career. He is the prototypical Gen-X guy without a day job but with a dedication to his craft that is as strong as any career businessman. He likes to take it easy but isn't afraid to challenge others and engage in heated conversations about social issues. During the season, his band Reigndance makes a video and appears to be on the verge of something great. He divides his time between Detroit and New Jersey.
Heather B. Gardner: November 13, 1971 (Jersey City, New Jersey)
Biography 1992: A hip-hop artist with the group Boogie Down Productions, Heather B is on the verge of "blowing up." Although, she says that she wasn't doing much before getting on The Real World, her life suggests otherwise. During the season, she spends a lot of time in the studio recording her first album. She has a lot of drive and dedication to whatever she is doing. She makes friends quickly and always speaks her mind regardless of the consequences. Heather B may truly be as real as it gets.
Julie Oliver-Gentry: January 23, 1973(Birmingham, Alabama)
Biography 1992: Eighteen years old and straight out of Birmingham, Julie is leaving Alabama for the first time ever. The youngest of the cast, it's also her first time in New York and her first real experience as an adult. Julie's innocence, engaging personality and desire to learn about the world make her the darling of the loft. She and Eric become especially close and their friendship adds to much of the intrigue. Not always lucky in love, Julie claims she could write a book on bad dates.
Norman Korpi: March 6, 1967 (Williamston, Michigan)
Biography 1992: Artist Norman is the lone gay cast member in the loft. His sexual orientation takes center stage a few times during the season when he develops a serious relationship and has to deal with the issues that arise. A free spirit, Norman does what he wants, when he wants. He is a talker and a listener, ready for a conversation, a joke, a story, or an anecdote at the drop of a hat. Norm adds a lot of humor and heart to the show.
Eric Nies: May 23, 1971(Ocean Township, New Jersey)
Biography 1992: Eric is a charismatic (personal attractiveness or interestingness that enables you to influence others) young model straight out of Jersey. A guy with a troubled past, Eric deals regularly with trying to do the right thing and trying to make it in New York while still having a good time. In addition to modeling, Eric, who has also done some commercial work, gets a lot of attention because of his strikingly good looks. His volatile relationships with his girlfriend, sister, father and roommates are key stories this season.
Kevin Powell: April 24, 1966 (Jersey City, New Jersey)
Biography 1992: Kevin is a poet, writer and educator struggling to overcome many of the issues facing African American men in 1992. He has strong beliefs and is more than willing to argue the point with his loft-mates. At the same time, he is sensitive to their trials and tribulations and tries to help them when he can. The oldest of the cast members, Kevin sometimes feels like he is at a different place than the rest of his roomies and has some difficulty connecting with them.
Episode 1: ‘This is the True Story...’
It all begins with small-town country girl Julie and her family in Birmingham. Her family is nervous about the whole thing, but Julie is stoked about spending three months in the big city.
The seven strangers arrive at the luxurious loft that they'll call home for the next three months. After introducing themselves, they explore the house and find a Love and Sex book. The sex discussion begins, focusing on innocent Julie and her virginity.
At dinner, Kevin, Julie and Heather discuss prejudice and racism. Kevin is impressed with Julie's open attitude, considering where she grew up. In fact, Julie and her innocence and enthusiasm have already charmed everyone in the house.
Julie flies from Alabam to NYC.
Eric calls his friends to tell them how cool the house is.
Kevin and Eric are in shock about their new pad.
Andre asks Julie and Becky Questions from the "Love & Sex" book.
Eric and Norman get to know their roommates.
Becky talks to her mom on the phone.
Becky performs her music.
Norman is impressed with Becky's performance.
Julie, Kevin and Heather have dinner together.
Julie gets a ride on a motorcycle.
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Episode 2: ‘Julie and Eric...Could it be Love?’
Hmm...what's going on with Julie and Eric? There is some obvious flirting between the two, but they don't seem to be doing anything about it. After Eric appears in a Jovan Musk commercial that gets him highlighted on television, the whole loft discusses nudity, pornography and whether or not Eric is just selling himself and his good looks to the highest bidder.
Heather invites Julie and Eric to visit the studio where she is recording a song for her upcoming album, The System Sucks. It's clear from Heather's hard work and her producer's aggressiveness that the recording business is rough. The sexual tension between Julie and Eric continues as Julie makes her interest more obvious: harassing Eric on the phone, being overtly jealous when Eric talks about his girlfriend Missy, and, as Eric says, showing up in his bed one morning to talk about "pancakes."
But Eric seems to be into her too--he even shows off for Julie at her hip-hop dance class. Julie is excited by Eric's efforts and his willingness to take a chance. Eric later gets upset when Becky talks about setting Julie up on a blind date.
Eric appears on a talk show to discuss his sexy commercial.
Eric shows Julie and Becky his modeling book.
Eric talks about why he did the sexy commercial.
Heather spends some time in the studio.
Eric tries out his own rap.
Eric tells Beck how Julie crawled into bed with him.
Eric shows Becky how to eat spaghetti properly
Eric is highly entertained from watching Julie shake it like a polaroid picture!
Julie and Eric have a laugh after dance class.
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Episode 3: ‘Leather Chaps and Sequins? What is Eric Getting Himself Into?’
Julie gets lost on her way to a new dance studio because she can't follow the directions that Eric gives her. While she is getting critiqued on her performance, Eric is getting naked with a female model at a fitness magazine shoot. When Eric and the model, Taryn, get a little hot and heavy during the shoot, the photographer encourages them.
After the shoot, Taryn and Eric begin dating. But Eric is confused by the relationship, as their dates only consist of strange things like trying on "rocker clothes" (think leather chaps and sequins). Eric doesn't really understand what she sees in him.
Andre's band, Reigndance, is practicing for an upcoming show when the cops show up and shut the rehearsal down. The band plans to perform anyway, and at Julie's urging, several of the roommates watch the show. Grateful for their support, Andre dedicates the song "Redspot" to his roommies.
Julie gets lost on her way to the dance studio.
Shake that tail feather!
Eric gets a call about a photo shoot.
Eric meets Taryn at the shoot and things get hot and heavy.
Taryn takes Eric shopping for "rocker" clothes.
Becky attempts to cook everyone dinner--we're scared!
The roommates have a toast
Becky and Julie make a great Norman-Sandwich.
Taryn admires Eric's new 'bad boy' look.
Andre's band performs at a club.
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Episode 4: ‘Trouble Throughout the House’
Becky is in the studio recording her song, "Mr. Sunshine." It's clear she's looking for some action, as she cuddles with friend/producer Adam. Becky later dresses up for a party at the Limelight by putting Dixie cups in her bra. Heather is unnerved by Becky's overt sexual behavior, especially as Becky gets more out of control as the party rages on.
A house meeting is called after Heather and Becky wake up Kevin by jumping in his bed after the party. Tension runs high as the roommates gang up on Eric and his visiting sister. Eric feels like nobody gives him a fair shot. Heather suggests he either live with it or go to a hotel.
After the meeting, Kevin writes Eric a long letter about their relationship and the current conflicts. The roomies pass around and discuss the letter. Eric gets angrier about the letter as he waits for Kevin to return home. When Kevin does arrive, Eric verbally attacks him for being so passive-aggressive.
Becky rehearses in the studio.
The roommates play a Q&A game about sex.
Becky wears Dixie cups in her bra--that's funny, I don't see them!
Norm & Becky hear a disturbance upstairs.
Eric can't believe Becky rolled around with him in bed.
The roommates get together for a house meeting.
Julie speaks up about her concerns,
Eric hates the dirty dishes that pile up
Julie thinks Heather talks on the phone too much.
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Episode 5: ‘Kevin and Eric Mend Their Relationship’
Kevin and Eric go outside to discuss their issues. The argument dies down as the two talk about stereotypes and their inherent differences. They shake hands.
Kevin takes Morris, a teenage boy he is mentoring, to dinner and an art exhibit and talks to Morris about having a commitment to help others. Eric is also doing some community service as a probation requirement: He works in a basketball program for troubled kids. But he's got other things on his mind as he anxiously awaits Missy's arrival at the loft.
Kevin and Eric become closer as they discuss Missy and Eric's relationship with her. Eric then cements the deal when he invites Kevin to a Knicks game, where the two meet Isaiah Thomas. Kevin gets a chance to peek into Eric's private life as he watches him interact with his dad, an NBA referee.
Eric learns about the community service program he must participate in.
Eric tells Julie about being busted for steroids.
Eric still can't believe the letter Kevin wrote him.
Heather gives Eric advice about Missy.
Eric says he's had a lot of black friend and doesn't understand Kevin.
Eric is happy to see Missy.
Eric is beaming when Missy arrives.
Eric & Missy have dinner.
Eric and Kevin finally bond over a Knicks game and hang out in the locker room.
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Episode 6: ‘Kevin...Come Back!’
Julie and Kevin's brother/sister dynamic continues as they discuss sex, expectations and fantasies. The roommates, however, are a little bit miffed that Kevin is spending increasingly more time away from the loft, so they decide to play a little prank on him. They toss a bunch of personas in a hat and take on the characters, hoping to fool Kevin into thinking that things have changed while he has been away. Everyone gets into the game, especially Julie, who announces, "I get to be a whore!" Kevin returns to the loft, and overwhelmed by what he sees, rushes out of the house. His frightened roomies wonder if he's coming back.
Ewww, GROSS!
Julie reflects on her date saying that she was at the "wrong place at the wrong time."
Andre, Becky and the other roommates reflect on the lack of time they have spent getting to know each other.
Eric goes grocery shopping for their planned sunday night dinner.
Kevin performs at his poetry reading.
Norman plays along on their personality game.
Norman gets all dressed up for their April fools joke on Kevin.
Andre plays his role in the joke--pigtails and all.
Julie eats sexually to play out her new personality.
Julie all dolled up to play her sexy part in Kevin's joke.
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Episode 7: ‘Heather Wants to Grab His Booty!’
The cast is worried about Kevin because no one knows where he went. Once he returns, they show him the video they made of the joke they played on him and he eventually forgives them. Later, Kevin confesses he considered quitting the show because he thought his roommates were so weird.
Meanwhile, Heather constantly professes her love for Hornets basketball player Larry Johnson and says she plans to grab his ass if she ever meets him. Julie and Heather actually attend the Knicks-Hornets game, and Heather flirts incessantly with Larry Johnson afterwards. No booty-grabbing though--this show is strictly G-Rated.
A package arrives, informing the ladies of the house that they will spend a week in Jamaica. Becky may need a vacation after the ugly argument she has with Kevin about racism in America.
Andre finds out about Kevin's reaction to the joke.
Norman explains the joke to Kevin.
Kevin explains his reaction to the joke.
Heather talks about her love for Larry Johnson.
Heather crank calls people to tell them about the Jamaica trip she won.
Julie joins in on the crank calling
Kevin still doen't understand why they played the joke in the first place, and is still frustrated.
Kevin comes back to the house after the joke has ended.
Becky argues with Kevin about the limitations of being a female.
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Episode 8: ‘Becky Falls into Troubled Love’
The girls head off to Jamaica, Mon. They hit the beach to scope out the men, and they aren't too proud to beg for some lovin'. The guys are left at the loft in freezing cold New York and are forced to bond with each other. The girls do it all: water-ski, party and enjoy the rays. While relaxing in the spa, the girls picture the guys at home being bored and missing the girls.
Back at home, Andre and Kevin head off to a night on the town and talk for the first time. They find themselves not as different from each other as they originally thought. Norman also is far from bored as he develops a relationship with Charles Perez, who he thinks may be the man of his dreams.
Julie and Heather leave Jamaica a little disappointed by the available men. Becky, however, returns to NY with a new boyfriend in tow. But he's not from Jamaica; he's from the control room of the loft. Becky is getting it on with a Real World director.
Becky relaxes in Jamaica.
Julie lounges around in a pool in Jamaica.
Andre and Kevin discuss life back in cold New York.
Heather and the other girls decide to go looking for men.
Andre and his band Reigndance have an interview at a radio station.
Andre discusses his work with the band.
Videotape of Julie naked in the ocean in Jamaica.
Norman reveals his love for their neighbor Charles.
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Episode 9: ‘Julie in a Homeless Shelter?’
As the gang prepares for their trip to the pro-choice rally in D.C., Norman is falling head over heels for Charles. Charles doesn't seem quite as ready to make the same commitment.
While the rest of the gang is at the rally, Julie finds a "Reagan-Ville" filled with homeless people. Julie makes a connection with one of the women in the makeshift community and ends up spending the night. The situation affects Julie deeply and the rest of the loftmates are impressed with Julie's openness to the situation.
On their walk, Julie and Andre end up in a "Reagan Bill"--a cardboard box community.
Julie heads to church on Easter Sunday to see Darlene sing.
Julie talks to Darlene, a homeless woman, about her life on the street.
Julie and Andre at a pro-choice rally in DC.
Becky and Norman mess around with paint.
Norman reflects about growing up being gay.
Norman celebrates his birthday.
Norman and Charlie share an intimate moment.
Heather worries that Norman rushed into his relationship with Charles.
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Episode 10: ‘He's So Ugly He's Cute!’
The cast finds a white, "alien-like" dog on the street and name him Yoda. They want to keep the dog but decide to search for its owner. Becky and Andre say that the dog is just so ugly it's cute. Julie's mom comes for a visit and Julie plans to "tire her out" by doing the whole tourist scene in New York. They later get into a dispute about their relationship and debate on whether or not it is a good one. Andre's mom also comes for a visit and watches him play with his band.
Julie wants to keep the "ugly" dog they have found.
Heather is disgusted when they find a tick on the dog.
Julie gets an ice cream while she waits for her mom to arrive.
Norm looks for the dog's owner.
Andre wants to keep the dog.
Becky wonders what will happen to the dog.
Julie drags along Heather to meet her mom.
Julie greets her mom at the hotel.
The roommates finally find "Yoda's" owner.
Julie talks to her mom about her future.
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Episode 11: ‘Julie Thinks Kevin is Psycho!’
Crying hysterically, Julie explains to Norman and Eric that she and Kevin had a fight about a phone call and that Kevin threw a candleholder at her. She is scared of Kevin, thinks he is a psycho, and never wants to be alone with him again. Kevin denies brandishing the candleholder and says that the fight wasn't his fault, because Julie was rude to him on the phone and may have cost him a job.
Kevin needs to get some space, so he goes back to Jersey City and walks through his old neighborhood with his girlfriend. The time does him some good and he decides to return to the house to deal with the situation with Julie. They go outside and continue to argue about the fight and differences. After a lot of yelling and harsh words, they finally calm down and apologize to each other. To let it all go, Kevin and Eric throw a big birthday bash. But the fighting isn't over, as Heather tussles with a guest and the police arrive...
Julie is upset about her confrontation with Kevin.
Eric is really mad about the way Kevin treated Julie.
Julie relays the story to Eric about her confrontation with Kevin.
Kevin tries to understand Andre.
Norm goes off on Kevin for disrespecting Julie.
Norm calms down and wants to hear what really happened.
Julie says she doen't feel safe being alone in the house with Kevin.
Eric acts goofy to cheer Julie up.
Andre tries to understand Kevin.
Kevin & Julie fight on the street.
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Episode 12: ‘WWF is in the House!’
Heather gets arrested and is questioned about her fight. Heather lets it be known that nobody can give her attitude, but she sure can give them a piece of her mind. After a little while, the police let her go and even ask her for an autograph.
Heather and Eric fight like brother and sister in the loft. Her stubbornness mixed with Eric's thin skin lead to silly clashes on a regular basis. It all comes to a head when Heather and Eric wrestle through the loft like it's a WWF battle royal.
Kevin & Becky are concerned about Heather.
Andre prepares to shoot a video with his band.
Andre and his band.
Eric doesn't think anyone in the house listens to him.
Heather volunteered to help Eric pack if he were to go home.
Becky tells Heather to give Eric a break.
Heather spends some time in the studio.
Becky explains that Eric has to learn how to get along with other people.
Eric & Heather have made up.
Julie hands Eric a towel in the shower.
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Episode 13: ‘Goodbye to the Big Apple!’
It's the last few days in the house and the gang takes over the production room in the loft. They find out how it feels to be on the other side of the cameras. Becky expresses how the Real World is a real as it gets. Andre feels he has had some great experiences. Kevin confesses how cynical he was in the beginning and how much he's learned from the other members of the cast. Norman confesses that he is not afraid anymore to express his sexuality. The whole cast says their last goodbyes to the Big Apple.
Andre's band has an industry showcase.
Andre describes his camera paranoia.
Andre laughs during the fishbowl game.
Heather explains why there is no sex in the house.
Kevin contemplates their stay in the loft.
The roommates call Norm a "storyteller."
Eric doesn't have anything to say about Becky.
Heather talks about how they will miss the loft.
Julie isn't sure what she'll do about her career.
Norm and Eric pretend to work behind-the-scenes.
Becky says she learned a lot about herself.
