Without actually watching an episode of MTV’s The Real World, it is easy to label the program as trashy reality television, in which ordinary individuals are stripped of their rights to privacy and placed in a fishbowl where the whole world can observe their actions and enter their lives…

That’s exactly what it is. But this is what makes the show incredibly unique and entertaining to watch. I never used to watch the show, unless there was nothing else to watch on television. But after the last few seasons, especially the episodes from Key West and the previous Hollywood season, I have found that “The Real World” is one show that is worth watching.

I find it extremely interesting to witness how such a diverse group of seven individuals cope with living together under one roof. Even though it is obvious the casting directors are trying to create a cast with individuals that fill certain molds so they inevitably clash (the gangster, the good girls, the bad girls, the gay guy, the player…) it is nonetheless fascinating to watch their interactions. Each cast member has their own unique background which plays into their actions and beliefs and how they view certain situations.

Last season’s Hollywood cast included: Joey, a personal trainer from Chicago who was haunted by his past addiction to drugs and alcohol; Kimberly, a rebellious and flirtatious Southern belle from South Carolina; Sarah, a very conservative college graduate from Arizona who had hopes of becoming a broadcast journalist; Dave, an outgoing athlete from Pennsylvania who doubles as a party animal; Brianna, a strong and hopeful singer from Philadelphia who didn’t let her job as an exotic dancer ruin her self-respect; Will, a funny ladies’ man from Michigan; and Greg, a pretentious, model-destined man who viewed the others around his as “peasants.” Two other cast members, Brittini and Nick eventually joined the crew later.

With such a group of different individuals, the season was full of surprises and heated conflict: Joey eventually succumbed to his old ways and left the house after he felt the pressure of partying made him revisit his past habits with drugs. His violent , drug-induced states threatened the safety of the other cast members. Brianna was continuously badgered for her career as a stripper and Greg quickly made enemies in the house after his arrogant attitude left many wondering why he had the right to call himself “The Chosen One.” Romance also made its appearance into the show, as Will and Brianna quickly hit it off. Will had flings with late-season cast member Britinni, but left with the heart of a previous “Real World” cast member, Janelle.

As much as violence, arguments, and excessive partying seem to tear the individuals apart, there is a real sense of personal growth and self-discovery that is a fundamental part of “The Real World.” Each cast member seems to learn more about him or herself and how they are perceived by others around them. They help each other through their hard times, offer advice, and literally become family in the end.

Through their ups and downs the cast members stick with each other, even when it may seem impossible to get along. By the end of the seasons, I find myself to be part of their TV family—after all, I know everything about them and their lives—they are filmed 24/7. In the end, it is hard to watch them leave the house once and for all, but the prospects of another exciting and interesting season continues to make me happy.

Season 21 of the “Real World,” which premieres this Wednesday at 10 pm on MTV, is definitely going to be a season to watch. The location is Brooklyn, New York. According to MTV, the “real” New York is on the “other side of the bridge.”

With cast members including a deeply religious Mormon musician, a transgender male, and a rocker-chick studying to help the disabled through art therapy, there is bound to be both drama and excitement in the house.

It will be interesting to see what happens “when people stop being polite, and start getting real.” Maybe I’ll try out for The Real World one day when I’m older—being stalked by cameramen all day long, however, makes me hesitant. Until then, I get enough thrills watching the emotional and deeply personal rollercoaster I can ride along with from my family room couch. Try it out, and see for yourself.

–Alex Hebels