From Brooklyn to Cancun, from Cancun to Washington?  As the MTV reality show The Real World moves to its astonishing 22nd season, some are asking how successfully it can make the transition from being set in the haven of spring break-like debauchery (The Real World: Cancun)  to the nation's center of politics (The Real World: Washington, D.C.).

The June 24 premiere of The Real World: Cancun is pegged almost simultaneously with the start of filming for The Real World: Washington, D.C. on June 20, slated for a 2010 launch. Also, it's easy to see the connection between the choice of the city and the recent euphoria over hugely popular Barack Obama, but critics are skeptical on whether it'll be politically tingled at all.



"The charged atmosphere of Washington D.C., the center of our country's social and political change, will provide an electric setting for this next season of The Real World.  We are thrilled to be filming our classic franchise in the heart of where history is being made ... it adds a whole new dimension to the great characters and drama our viewers expect and love from The Real World," says creator and executive producer Jonathan Murray.

With how the past Real World seasons went, however, most people doubt if the word politics would even escape the mouth of the eight confirmed cast members.

At least the local government has high hopes.  Mayor Adrian Fenty warmly welcomed the production, adding that young people have a large impact on the national scene.

For its part, the house that will serve as the residence of the cast members is located in a block that traces its roots to the "early gay and lesbian epicenter" of Washington.  In fact, the four-story, red brick and brownstone property once housed a lesbian bar and restaurant during the late 1970's.


- Glenn Diaz, BuddyTV Staff columnist
Source: MTV
(Image courtesy of MTV)