'Real World: St. Thomas' bows tonight
Published: June 27, 2012
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ST. THOMAS - After months of seeing camera crews following around a handful of young, beautiful twentysomethings, Virgin Islanders can see what all the fuss is about as "The Real World: St. Thomas" premieres at 10 p.m. tonight on MTV.
The cable TV network began filming the reality show in March, when the seven roommates arrived on St. Thomas. For about two months, camera crews and producers filmed the three women and four men as they partied on St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water Island.
V.I. residents saw the group out at night clubs, shopping on Main Street, at the St. Croix St. Patrick's Day parade and starring in their own Carnival troupe.
The cast - identified only as Trey, Swift, Robb, Marie, Laura, LaToya and Brandon - lived together in a luxury home on Hassel Island during filming.
The house belongs to local businessman Ricardo Charaf, who bought the residence and about 10 acres on Hassel Island from the Paiewonsky family in 2007 for $7.5 million. Local artists supplied the production with hip and breezy Caribbean artwork and decorations for the house.
"The Real World: St. Thomas" is the show's 27th season.
"The Real World" first was broadcast in 1992 on MTV. It is the longest-running program in MTV history and one of the longest-running reality series in TV history. It often is credited with launching the modern reality TV genre.
V.I. Tourism officials are hoping the exposure on a national television show will attract visitors to the territory and boost the economy.
On MTV's website, the promotional material for the show promises an entertaining season.
"Full of pranks, rum and romance, these roommates party like pirates, immersing themselves into the culture of the Caribbean, from boating and scuba diving to dancing in the streets of the traditional Carnival parade," the website said.
"The Real World" was created for MTV by Jonathan Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim-Murray Productions. Murray and Jim Johnston serve as executive producers of "The Real World: St. Thomas."
"The U.S. Virgin Islands - long a spring vacation spot for young people - has beautiful weather and a laid-back Caribbean culture, making it the perfect environment for this year's seven strangers to get to know each other and figure out their lives," Murray said in a written statement.
- Contact reporter Aldeth Lewin at 714-9111 or email alewin@dailynews.vi."The Real World: St. Thomas"
When: 10 p.m.
Where:
Innovative Cable Channel 44
Direct TV Channel 264
Dish TV Channel 160
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