"The Real World" returns to MTV tonight (10 p.m. EDT), this time heading south to Austin, Texas.

After 16 seasons and locations as diverse as Philadelphia and Hawaii, the show still remains one of TV’s most successful franchises. "This season is great," says Jon Murray, "Real World" co-creator and executive producer. "Every show is defined by its cast, and this year there is some really powerful drama."

The housemates:

Rachel: The "talkative" brunette from suburban Los Angeles did a tour of duty as a medic.

Nehemiah: The L.A. suburbanite grew up in a single-parent family, and his mother is currently in drug rehab.

Danny: He’s from the blue-collar outskirts of Boston and grew up working for his father’s roofing business while his mother struggled with alcoholism and depression.

Wes: A college student originally from Kansas City, Wes admits many people think he is "a jerk," and claims to have "the best six-pack in [his] school."

Johanna: This Peruvian bad girl was raised in suburban L.A., and even though she denies the accusation that she has behavior issues, she was arrested for an as-yet-unnamed infraction while in the Austin house.

Lacey: This hairstylist from Ohio ensured her place in the house by telling casting directors, "I don’t go looking for gossip — it just finds me!"

Melinda: She contributed an unforgettable audition tape. The suburban Milwaukee lass is seen streaking topless and screeching "I’m crazy! I’m a crazy b--ch!"

---

Posted by Lawren at June 21, 2005 07:45 AM

You Said

Jeez...I love Austin. The city doesn't deserve this.

Says: Nanc' at June 21, 2005 07:48 AM

---

I haven't watched since Boston. Or was it Seattle? Hell, I forget. I know I just can't get into the true story (true story) of a bunch of spoiled kids whining in a big, lavish house.

Yeah, I'm getting old. :-p

Says: Kevvy the Unnamed Source at June 21, 2005 08:24 AM

---

*yawn*

The last season I saw had Puck on it, and I quit watching when they kicked him out.

Says: ren at June 21, 2005 01:21 PM

---

Ren, you've missed some good sh*t ... Puck? Dude, that was season II, wasn't it? San Fran? Ha. RIP, Pedro!

Says: Iceman at June 21, 2005 07:54 PM

---