The WORST episodes of The Real World
Every episode of The Real World ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of The Real World!
The aim is to unite people from different backgrounds and find a common ground.
#1 - Relationship Rumblings
Season 8 - Episode 7 - Aired 7/20/1999
Colin's incessant teasing is starting to get a little old for Amaya. ""Sometimes I just want to smack him,"" she says. When Teck brings a scantily dressed woman back to the house, eyebrows and questions are raised. ""Is that a prostitute?"" Amaya boldly asks. Matt snickers in disbelief. Meanwhile, Colin admits he's ready for love but fears he'll never have it. Teck doesn't think he'll ever get tied down, but his soft side comes out when he meets Andrea, a strong, charismatic woman from California. Knowing his visiting father would wholeheartedly approve, Teck makes sure to introduce them. Colin is at a loss for words when Amaya asks him to be nicer to her. He agrees to do so, but when Amaya also wants him to show his sweet side to the others, Colin admits he can't open up to just anyone. Andrea kisses Teck goodbye as she heads back to the mainland. Could Andrea be the one to tame Teck's wild side? Sitting alone on the seawall, Colin realizes he pushes people away to avoid getting hurt.
#2 - My Oh Amaya
Season 8 - Episode 19 - Aired 10/19/1999
Ruthie and Colin get down to the business of silk screening T-shirts as the roomies prepare for an upcoming charity boat cruise sponsored by Local Motion. Later that day Amaya and Colin take a tour of the children's hospital to see who will benefit from their cruise. While on the phone with a friend, Amaya talks of Ruthie's return. Amaya feels that Ruthie is faking a sunny deposition. Over lunch, Ruthie and Colin talk about her time away from the house. Colin feels that Ruthie has changed for the better. Ruthie tells Colin that she has no regrets but can't understand Amaya's ""attitude"" since her return. At the airport, Colin can't wait as he holds a sign up for his friends and former casting rejects Mike and Trevor, who are coming to visit. In a confessional, Colin and his boys talk about their brush with the law. Tensions mount as Ruthie confronts Amaya about a shirt that she wanted to borrow. Amaya gives her attitude and Ruthie storms out of the room.
#3 - Twin Trouble
Season 8 - Episode 14 - Aired 9/7/1999
Several days have passed since Ruthie's departure and Matt is worried that no one knows what she is up to. At Local Motion, an emotional Ruthie says goodbye to Calvin. He comforts her by saying that he's there for her but is also is concerned for her well-being. Later that day, Calvin tells the group that he understands what they are going through but feels they are slacking. The group agrees and in an attempt to pick up the pace, they decide to put on a talent show. At a local radio station, Teck freestyles a radio spot for the Local Motion talent show. While on the air, Teck gives a shout-out to Ruthie. After several messages from Matt, Ruthie agrees to meet him for dinner with Sara. When asked if she will come back, Ruthie says, ""They need to miss me."" Since their dinner, Matt and Sara have become inseparable. While out one evening Matt tells Sara that he wants to write a book about their situation. He says flirtatiously that he wants her to fall for him as a happy ending.
#4 - Hasta Pasta, Hawaii
Season 8 - Episode 13 - Aired 8/31/1999
In her scheduled meeting, Ruthie tells the roommates she is aware she let alcohol take over her life during her stay in Hawaii. She makes no promises to quit drinking, but swears to make a positive change. Knowing that Matt told Ruthie about their planned intervention, an angry Colin confronts him outside. Later that night, the roommates agree that Ruthie really needs medical treatment for her alcohol problem. ""This thing can't linger,"" says Colin. They decide on a firm ultimatum: Check into a treatment facility or leave the house. Overwhelmed by the pressure of saving Ruthie, Matt breaks down in tears. Ruthie can't believe what she's hearing when the roommates announce their strict ultimatum. The next day, Ruthie meets with the roommates and tells them their decision was too extreme. Proposing a compromise, she agrees to quit drinking for the rest of her stay, and agrees to visit the clinic, ""but not for 30 days.""
#5 - Glass Houses
Season 8 - Episode 12 - Aired 8/24/1999
Happily reunited with her family, Ruthie introduces her older sister, Rachel, and twin sister, Sara, to the roommates. Out on the town, Rachel warns Matt about Ruthie's party habits: ""She is the life of the party. She just tries harder and harder to impress people, and I'm like 'Girl, you've gotta slow down, because you're gonna crash.'"" After Ruthie has too much to drink at the club, embarrasses Teck on the ride home, and shatters a glass on the kitchen floor, Teck decides to give Ruthie a piece of his mind. In tears over Teck's outrage, Ruthie runs off to her sister's hotel. As she stands on the balcony contemplating suicide, her sisters manage to talk her out of it.Later that night, the roommates discuss Ruthie's behavior and decide she needs to either get help for her alcohol problem or leave the house. Going behind the roommates' backs to ""do what's right,"" Matt tells Ruthie about the planned intervention.
#6 - Kaia Comes Clean
Season 8 - Episode 11 - Aired 8/17/1999
Admittedly picky about men, Kaia is pleasantly surprised when she meets and instantly connects with Trey, a rap artist from The Pharcyde. At a viewing of the AIDS quilt, Kaia has a quiet moment as memories of her deceased father resurface. Having lost her father to AIDS, Kaia reveals to Justin that her awareness of the disease has caused a fear of intimacy. Running into the kitchen with an envelope in hand, Teck is the bearer of some very good news. The roommates gather to unanimously decide their vacation destination. And the winner is...India! Teck and Kaia are excited for their vacation. To get away from the city life, Kaia and Justin make a trip to The Big Island for a touch of nature and some soul-searching inspiration. Upon returning from island-hoppin', Kaia recounts to Trey her moment of self-discovery.
#7 - Hawaiian Havoc
Season 8 - Episode 10 - Aired 8/10/1999
Matt and Colin share a boys' night out...and Amaya comes, too. Amaya's hit with some bad news from home when she learns that her father might have cancer. Feeling guilty that she is so far away, Amaya breaks down in tears. ""I'm all about fascinating the people out here, and hopping on the radio behind a microphone is how I'm gonna do it,"" Matt says upon scoring a job at KCCN. At a Mardi Gras charity event, Amaya decides to tell Colin she's had enough of his cold shoulder. Colin thinks she's being overly dramatic. On the van ride home, the roommates voice their own opinions about Colin and Amaya's relationship. Later that night, Colin breaks the news to Amaya: She is becoming too dependent on him, and he needs some space. Upset about her sick father and Colin's latest request, Amaya checks her pulse in the midst of a major anxiety attack. After one week of ""space"" from Amaya and one night of margaritas with Matt, Colin invites Amaya back into his arms--and bed.
#8 - Ruthie Risks Her Life
Season 8 - Episode 9 - Aired 8/3/1999
Overhearing Justin encourage Ruthie to drink before they go out, Colin vents his anger to Matt. Out on the town, Ruthie's had too much drink and Matt offers to pay for her cab ride home. She turns him down and takes her friends on a drunken joy ride instead. Back at the house, Colin questions Justin's approach to Ruthie's drinking. The next day, the supervising producer and director step out from behind the camera to call Ruthie in for a private meeting. Her drunk driving cannot be tolerated so they require that she start seeing an addiction specialist. When she hesitantly tells the roommates that she has to meet with a counselor in order to stay, Ruthie gets nothing but support. Ruthie is wary in her first counseling session with Dr. Alathea: ""I don't really take to telling deep s*** to a perfect stranger. No matter how professional they are.
#9 - Gender Benders
Season 8 - Episode 8 - Aired 7/27/1999
When Local Motion comedian Auggie T. performs his act, Justin responds with disgust. Matt, on the other hand, thinks the gay jokes are hilarious. While visiting KCCN to promote Local Motion, Matt and the DJ banter on air about women. Justin is embarrassed to be there. Matt confronts Justin regarding his obvious disapproval while at the radio station. He accuses Justin of being heterophobic, prompting Justin to storm off. Kaia and Justin decide to try a seven-day fast. Amaya is in tears after Justin kicks her out of his room. He's tired of Amaya and Colin ""rocking the bunk"" every other night. Colin feels that Justin's prejudice against the heterosexual males in the house is the real problem. Justin opens up and reveals his past to Kaia. He was accused of ""turning"" his first boyfriend gay at age 16, and was almost arrested. Justin proposes a new plan for future Local Motion comedians. Teck disagrees, but the group ultimately sides with Justin.
#10 - The Final Clash
Season 8 - Episode 22 - Aired 11/9/1999
In the van, Ruthie tells Colin she feels bad about the house ganging up on Amaya. In response, Colin believes that their confrontation will help Amaya become a better person. Feeling the effects of the roommates' animosity towards her, an emotionally- charged Amaya explains to Pam her desire to confront Kaia.When Kaia corners Matt in the kitchen, he's at a loss for words. The roommates decide to produce their own talent show for the final performance at Local Motion. Teck and Matt get in touch with their ""feminine side"" when they spoof the daytime talk show, The View. Kaia also plants a big wet one on Matt during the show. While the roommates throw a farewell party outside, Kaia invites Matt to sleep in her bed. There, Matt confesses that he is confused about his feelings towards both her and Ruthie's sister, Sara.
#11 - Sex, Cries and Videotape
Season 8 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/13/1999
At the cast's first barbecue, Ruthie steps up for an impromptu freestyle rap. A huge hit with the guests, she proves her knack for pleasing a crowd. Amaya lets out her sexual frustration in a kickboxing class, then goes home to try out her new moves on Colin. It's Calvin's girlfriend's birthday and the roommates all join in the celebration. When it comes to gift giving, Ruthie gets creative. Nothing says ""I care"" like a lap dance. Later at Local Motion, Ruthie apologizes to Calvin for her birthday dance the night before. Calvin accepts her apology but admits he was shocked. Colin and Amaya's playful antics move to the hottub, where he sarcastically tells her that women are ranked fourth in importance after guy friends, Pez and toilet paper. In a confessional, Colin tells it like it is. He likes Amaya, but it seems that Amaya more than likes Colin.
Watch Now:Apple TV#12 - Pairing Off in Paradise
Season 8 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/6/1999
Love is in the air in Hawaii…some of the roommates have the requisite sex talk. Amaya declares that while sex is good, making love is beautiful. Let the games begin! Amaya and Colin are sharing the sack--and apparently nothing more. But we're just getting started. In other pairing off news: Kaia meets a gentlemanly fellow who asks her to a Janet Jackson concert. Kaia, a fan of Janet's, readily accepts. Colin and Amaya have a fight, but don't know exactly what it's about. Nevertheless, Amaya kicks Colin out of his own bed. Colin, confused, tries to get some shut-eye. Suddenly all is right with the world again. Amaya and Colin make up and Kaia is off with her new friend to see Janet. They have a blast. Could this be courtship? Amaya and Colin then take a hand-holding stroll on the beach, where they (gasp!) kiss. Ladies and gentlemen--we have a romance!
#13 - The Kiss Off Begins
Season 8 - Episode 4 - Aired 6/29/1999
In this episode, Ruthie and Kaia become really good friends when their mutual admiration heats up into a smooching session. This goes over really big with some of the guys in the house. The next morning, Kaia, now sober, has second thoughts about her lip-locking session with Ruthie. Ruthie claims she doesn't even remember the smooching. Meanwhile, Amaya, the house sorority chick, suggests they promote the club at frat houses and sororities. This goes over like a lead balloon. She's also having problems with one of the surfboards in the house. Colin and Matt make mandatory flip remarks, hurting her feelings. Amaya has a good cry in the hot tub. Ruthie hops in to give her a pep talk. As Colin and Amaya grow closer together, they deny that smooching has taken place between them. But hey, there's always next time...
#14 - Teck and New Talent
Season 8 - Episode 3 - Aired 6/22/1999
In this get-to-know-Teck episode we learn: Teck is John Wayne; he's a lover of the ladies but not so much a lover of homosexuals; and he loves being black, unpredictable and the cheese with women. The roommates get a call from their new boss, Calvin, at Local Motion--a surf shop/cafe. Oops...they're running late for their first meeting with bossman, where they learn their job is to book talent and work in the new cafe. And--Calvin gives them a set of wheels! They celebrate in song. Ruthie books an act she knows called 3-2-1. The cast heads out to promote the show at the college campus. At least 100 people have to come so they can get their big bonus. The show is a big hit with almost everyone, and the roomies get their big bonus. Now they just have to pull it off again next week.
#15 - The Trouble with Ruthie
Season 8 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/15/1999
Colin, Teck and Kaia head home from the club and discuss Ruthie's alcohol problem. When Amaya and Justin return from the hospital, Amaya confronts Teck, telling him how pissed she was at the other roomies for bailing on the Ruthie situation. Teck appreciates her honesty and gives her a hug. Matt brings Ruthie home from the hospital. She has no recollection of what happened to her. As the sun rises, Ruthie tells Matt and Amaya that nothing like that ever happened to her before--she thinks her drink must have been spiked. Amaya tells Ruthie that she just drank too much. There is much concern in the house for Ruthie's well-being. Ruthie says that this incident is a wake-up call, but there's no way she's going to 12-step it. She says, ""I'm not saying that I'm going to quit anything. I'm saying that I'm going to do it in moderation from now on.""
#16 - Closing Time
Season 7 - Episode 20 - Aired 10/27/1998
The kids pack up and prepare to leave, and reflect on their experiences. Stephen is changed by his anger management sessions. When there's an altercation at a bar, he tries to talk his friend out of fighting. Nathan consoles an emotional Stephanie, who can't wait for Nate's return. On David's last day at the market, he engages in some ""fishy"" male bonding with his co-workers. As the kids broadcast the last Dead Air, Lindsay, is surprised that people are actually calling in, saying they will miss the show.Stephen and Oruba spend their last few days dating and talking often. Stephen knows Oruba is special, and over the phone, tries to talk her into having sex. She ends the conversation with an optimistic ""you never know."" On the last morning, Janet and Lindsay reflect on their friendship and the bond they have developed. After learning his lessons, Stephen says he would have been able to deal with Irene differently. He puts the ""bad situation to rest"" with a teddy bear memorial service.
#17 - The Real World / Road Rules Aqua Games 1998
Season 7 - Episode 19 - Aired 10/20/1998
The cast is challenged to The Real World/Road Rules Aqua Games Competition on a cold, rainy day at Lake Washington. Mark and Kit, from Road Rules 1, are hosting the games. The kids are competing for $3,000. In the first event, the Raft-O-Rama, the teams must build a raft and complete a course. Both teams end up cheating, and no points are awarded. Next event is Dueling Tubes, as they're dragged across the lake by a boat. It's Rebecca the ""sacrificial lamb"" vs. Kefla. The southern gentleman kicks her in the head and sends her flying. Next, David and Shayne battle on the open water, and David sends Shayne into the icy abyss. For the Blind-Folded Canoe, Chad and Susie face off against David and Lindsay. Blindfolded, the teams paddle out and retrieve inflatable animals, guided only by their teammates yelling from shore. The race is tight until Lindsay and David tip over. In Extreme Fishing, teams of three on jet skis head out onto the lake, scooping up silver and golden inflatable sharks w
#18 - New Orleans: The Show Must Go On
Season 9 - Episode 8 - Aired 7/25/2000
Kelley takes the lead in producing the first episode of "The Real 7," the cast's cable-access TV show. But tensions mount when David insists on singing a song during the show's introductory segment. Also: Matt builds the show's set.
#19 - New Orleans: Men, Music, and Malice
Season 9 - Episode 16 - Aired 9/19/2000
Julie attempts to emerge from her sheltered past by undertaking new experiences, including singing at a coffee shop's open-mic night and trying her hand at boxing at a party. Also, Jamie confronts Kelley about her attitude toward him.
#20 - New Orleans: All Talk and No Walk
Season 9 - Episode 15 - Aired 9/12/2000
Danny's family visits and meets Paul for the first time. Also: Danny and Matt, who believes homosexuality is sinful, bridge their differences; and Jamie produces an episode of the "Real 7" that explores the influence of African tribal music.
#21 - New Orleans: South Africa, Part 2
Season 9 - Episode 14 - Aired 9/5/2000
As the South Africa trip comes to a close, Matt attempts to draw David out of his shell. The roommates also try bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, an experience that proves memorable for Matt, David and Julie.
#22 - New Orleans: Apartheid and Abseiling and Safaris, Oh My!
Season 9 - Episode 13 - Aired 8/29/2000
The cast heads to South Africa, where they tour the townships and District Six, a section of Cape Town that was demolished under the country's apartheid system, forcing 60,000 people of color to move. They also experience "abseiling" (descending a steep cliff on a rope) and enjoy a safari.
#23 - New Orleans: Mardi Gras Madness
Season 9 - Episode 12 - Aired 8/22/2000
For Mardi Gras, horror scribe Anne Rice invites the roommates to ride on a float in a festival parade. David opts to host a party at home instead, but the other six enjoy themselves---Danny, perhaps, too much.
#24 - New Orleans: Depressed and Impressed
Season 9 - Episode 11 - Aired 8/15/2000
Melissa comes to realize the part her childhood played in contributing to her unhappy present---and makes a brave decision. Also: Matt discusses what he's looking for in a girlfriend, and invites several girls over to the house.
#25 - New Orleans: Spotlighted and Unrequited
Season 9 - Episode 10 - Aired 8/8/2000
David produces an episode of "The Real 7," and alienates some of his roommates by his aloof approach. Also: David invites his mother to visit when he gets the opportunity to sing the national anthem before a minor-league hockey game.