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 - 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.
#2 - 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.
#3 - New Orleans: A Friendship is Tested
Season 9 - Episode 9 - Aired 8/1/2000
After the guide on an airboat ride makes a racist comment, Melissa becomes upset by Jamie's inability to understand her hurt. Also, she, David and Julie discuss racism, language and the ability of words to scar.
#4 - 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.
#5 - New Orleans: Cupid Strikes the Belfort
Season 9 - Episode 7 - Aired 7/18/2000
With Valentine's Day approaching, Danny is tempted to stray from his long-distance relationship with Paul. Meanwhile, Kelley's relationship with Peter reaches new heights, and Julie's younger brother Alan visits.
#6 - New Orleans: Trepidation and Isolation
Season 9 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/11/2000
When her former boyfriend visits, Melissa worries that he wants to rekindle their relationship. The tension causes her to lose her temper---and take it out on David.
#7 - New Orleans: Let the Games Begin
Season 9 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/4/2000
Jamie is stuck in the middle when Kelley and Melissa both compete for his attention---until Kelley becomes attracted to another man. Meanwhile, Julie invites Matt to a drag show that she's performing in.
#8 - New Orleans: Frat Matt and Work
Season 9 - Episode 4 - Aired 6/27/2000
Melissa is unsure whether or not a fraternity boy she dates is right for her. Kelley is beside herself with joy when she and the other housemates learn what their jobs are.
#9 - New Orleans: Triangles
Season 9 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/13/2000
David expresses an interest in Julie, just as she begins to develop a crush on Matt. Also, Danny pines for his boyfriend, who's in the military and can't visit because he could be discharged if his sexual orientation was discovered.
#10 - New Orleans: Moving Into the Big Easy
Season 9 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/13/2000
In the ninth season premiere, the cast settles into its New Orleans digs: a mansion. As they gradually become acquainted with each other, bonds form, secrets are revealed and potential romantic entanglements swirl to the surface. Also, the cast takes in Bourbon Street.
#11 - Mahalo
Season 8 - Episode 23 - Aired 11/9/1999
Feeling empowered, Amaya corners Kaia to defend herself. Amaya admits that although she may be guilty of some of Kaia's accusations, she is no more guilty than the other roommates. The next day, the roommates wake up early to pack for their trip home. At the airport, Teck and Colin give each other a final goodbye hug as the other roommates share their memories and feelings of their time together in Hawaii.
#12 - 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.
#13 - Strange Bedfellows
Season 8 - Episode 21 - Aired 11/2/1999
Amaya takes a liking to Colin's friend Tony, who is visiting from the mainland. Could Amaya's flirtatious behavior with Tony be just another plot to make Colin jealous? In a confessional, Colin shares a piece of advice to his friend, Tony, regarding Amaya. Although she and Tony spent the night together, Amaya insists that nothing happened. The next morning, the roommates question Amaya's actions while Colin coldly says goodbye to Tony. Over lunch, Kaia, Matt, Ruthie and Colin discuss Amaya's attitude in the house. The roommates are tired of her talking behind their backs and being two-faced towards them. ""I just assume people are smart enough to see through Amaya's crap,"" says Colin. Later in the kitchen, Amaya corners Colin in an attempt to set the record straight about Tony. Colin, clearly upset with Amaya, ignores her and escapes to the confessional. Feeling isolated, Amaya breaks down to Pam on the phone, telling her that she feels alienated by the roommates and wants to go home.
#14 - Lovesickness
Season 8 - Episode 20 - Aired 10/26/1999
During a performance at Local Motion, Amaya has her sights set on Michael, the keybord player from The Hawaiian Style Band. When Kaia learns that Colin has asked Ruthie to join them on a trip to Maui, she decides not to go. Colin and Ruthie, clearly not bothered by Kaia's action, look at this as an opportunity to get to know each other better. Later that evening Amaya and Michael go out for Cinco de Mayo. At dinner, Amaya can't take her eyes off Michael as they kiss and later take a midnight stroll along the pier. Can lightning strike twice? Ecstatic over her date with Michael, Amaya can't wait to see him again and invites him over for drinks. With Matt's help, Amaya gives the house a well-deserved cleaning--and her sheets a fresh wash. Matt confronts Kaia about Amaya when he overhears her talking to a friend about a medical problem.
#15 - 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.
#16 - Ruthie Returns
Season 8 - Episode 18 - Aired 10/12/1999
Ruthie's coming back to the house and Teck is unsure if she still likes him. It seems that Teck and Ruthie are seeing the same girl, Malo. Still troubled over her breakup with Colin, Amaya has stopped eating. At lunch, Amaya's friend Pam becomes concerned. Amaya then tells Pam that after her last breakup, she couldn't eat for a month. Ruthie's back and is greeted with open arms by Colin and Matt. But Amaya isn't quite as warm. Teck is surprised when he finds out that Ruthie has brought Malo back to the house with her. While Ruthie connects with the rest of the roomies, Malo faces off with Teck.
#17 - Teck's Love Triangle
Season 8 - Episode 17 - Aired 10/5/1999
Colin has the Bay Room to himself and is happy to take the bottom bunk. Amaya has other plans. After arguing and then asking nicely, Colin allows Amaya into the Bay Room, occupying the top bunk. When she begins hitting on Colin again, he gets angry. Matt and Kaia wonder why Amaya puts up with Colin's verbal abuse and confront her, telling her to be strong and stand up for herself. Amaya takes the initiative and confronts Colin in the van in front of Kaia and Matt. Colin storms off. When Amaya approaches him the next day, he walks away and she cries. Amaya goes skydiving with Matt and Teck and gains some confidence about herself. Amaya writes Colin a letter, saying she is through with him. Meanwhile, Teck's clubbing with his stream of women leaves the roommates wondering whether this will catch up with him. Teck returns home at night with a woman and kicks Kaia out of their room. Matt and Teck go to a strip club, where Teck gets his underwear ripped off.
#18 - Justin Fouls Out
Season 8 - Episode 16 - Aired 9/28/1999
Amaya tells her friend Pam that Colin was nasty to her in India. To make things worse, she has planned an island-hopping trip with Colin. Pam thinks she's crazy to go with Colin so Amaya decides to have a chat with him. On the sea wall Amaya learns that Colin's behavior towards her was influenced by Justin and Kaia. Surprised, Amaya tells Colin that Justin made negative comments about him as well. ""Why would someone like Justin want to create fights in paradise?"" Colin wonders. Later, Colin confronts Kaia about Justin's behavior. Kaia tells Colin that she can't stand around and watch Justin hurt others, so she decides to distance herself from Justin. Meanwhile, on the phone with his mother, Justin learns that his great aunt is dying of cancer and decides to leave.
#19 - Passage through India
Season 8 - Episode 15 - Aired 9/14/1999
When the roommates arrive in India, they are greeted by their tour guide, Romesh. The surprise comes when they learn that they will be traveling aboard the ""Palace on Wheels,"" India's most luxurious train. Later in their hotel room, Justin has ""Cruel Intentions"" and tells Kaia of his plot against Amaya. Aboard the ""Palace on Wheels,"" Colin and Amaya decide to share a room. Could their romance resurface? In the city of Jaipur, a group of local kids get a taste of Western culture. Teck delivers an impromptu beat box, as one of the kids busts out with his version of street dancing. On the train, Justin has some advice for Colin. With some subtle coaxing he persuades Colin that Amaya isn't stable enough to have a relationship with him. Reacting to Justin's comments, Colin turns on Amaya. In a strange twist, Justin meets with Amaya as he asks about her newly broken relationship with Colin. Acting surprised, Justin wonders why Colin is acting so strange.
#20 - 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.
#21 - 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.""
#22 - 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.
#23 - 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.
#24 - 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.
#25 - 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.