Watch The Real World Homecoming: New York

The Real World Homecoming: New York is a docuseries airing on Paramount+ that brings together the original cast of the groundbreaking reality TV show, The Real World, which premiered on MTV in 1992. The original season was filmed in a loft in New York City's SoHo neighborhood and sparked a cultural revolution by showing the lives of seven diverse strangers living together while confronting social and personal issues. The 6-episode-long show brings back the original cast that includes Tami Roman, Beth Stolarczyk, Kevin Powell, Andre Comeau, Heather Gardner, Julie Gentry, and Norman Korpi, without Eric Nies and Becky Blasband who opted-out, to reflect on their past experiences and how their lives have been since then.

In The Real World Homecoming: New York, viewers get a chance to see how the seven strangers have aged, along with how their lives have evolved in the last three decades, and how some of their attitudes toward race, gender, and identity have changed. The cast gets a chance to revisit the loft where they stayed and discuss how their lives were impacted by appearing on the show and the cultural significance of the show. As they explore the loft and revisit some of the iconic moments in the original season, they explore their journey from being strangers to becoming like family and how the show has affected not only them but also millions of viewers.

The show follows the format of a reunion show, but The Real World Homecoming: New York is different because it is filmed in the classic reality TV format, where cameras follow the cast 24/7. The show takes viewers on a trip down memory lane as the cast recreates some of the memorable scenes that took place during the first season. Additionally, the series brings forth issues of the early '90s that may be of relevance today, such as racism, prejudice against the LGBTQ community, and cross-cultural communication. It also witnesses the conversations around the #MeToo movement and the racial division in America, making it a timely show in today's climate.

The Real World Homecoming: New York is a nostalgic ride for viewers who grew up watching the original MTV show. The cast members' reactions, seeing the iconic red booth where they would share their thoughts, or the table where they would gather to eat a family dinner, will surely conjure memories in those who watched the show in the past. Viewers get to see how the cast has aged, and it's interesting to note how they've progressed. Some have moved on from their Real World days, while others have embraced their original identity, over the years.

Tami Roman, who went on to become a reality TV staple on Basketball Wives, is perhaps the most significant revelation in the show, as she discusses her challenges with mental health, along with finding her place in this world. It's a poignant moment, much like when Norman Korpi comes out to his housemates as gay in the original season, and their discussion around race relations. The topics that are explored on this reunion is what real conversations look like when people come together to chat, free from any media or gossip.

Overall, The Real World Homecoming: New York is an interesting watch for anyone who has been a fan of the show. In a world that is now dominated by social media influencers and reality TV shows that bear little resemblance to reality, it's refreshing to see a show that promises to revisit the past while exploring how the world has changed. It's a balance of nostalgia, relevance, and reflection that make it a fitting tribute to the groundbreaking show that started it all.

The Real World Homecoming: New York is a series that ran for 3 seasons (22 episodes) between March 3, 2021 and on Paramount+