If you’re as big of a fan of The Real World growing up as I was, you were stoked when Paramount+ announced they would be doing a reunion show, The Real World Homecoming, where they brought together the original cast of season 1. Well, it’s time to continue being real. Hot off the heels of the wildly successful first season, The Real World Homecoming will be bringing us a reunion of epic proportions with the original cast of Season 2! Welcome back Beth A., Beth S., David, Glen, Irene, Jon, and Tami from the same iconic Venice beach house they lived in from 1993!
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If you don’t remember, season 2 of The Real World continued to be groundbreaking for a multitude of reasons. This season originated the “confessional” style interviews, cast members leaving mid-season and being replaced, a wedding, and so much more! As well as continuing to be ahead of its time tackling huge issues like same-sex relationships, safe sex practices, consent, abortion, and eating disorders.
Let’s talk about the cast members joining the reunion:
TAMI AKBAR – NEW YORK STATE
Now here was one of my favorite people from season 2. Tami is a Howard University Aluma who was raised by a single mother, starts every day with a Buddhist chant, works as an AIDS care specialist, and was part of a 4-woman R&B group, Reality. She also rubbed people the wrong way on the series, but that’s because she’s very type-A and doesn’t want to live in filth. In episode 11, Tami has an abortion which becomes a huge topic of discussion for the cast. It was one of the first times the subject of abortion was discussed like this on national television. By the end of season 2, Tami, Jon, and Beth S. become the best of friends and I really hope they’re still in touch today.
JON BRENNAN – OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY
Who doesn’t love a boy in a cowboy hat? Jon was the youngest member of the cast. As a devout uber Christian, Jon shocked his cast members (and the world) when we all learned about his anti-abortion views, how he has never had a drop of alcohol or smoked a cigarette in his life, and is also a virgin. Jon has always been a loner and never really had close friends growing up. So, coming from a small town to Los Angeles to live with these huge personalities was a huge culture shock, to say the least. But, by the end of season 2, Jon grows significantly as a person because of his exposure to the big city and his friendships formed with his castmates.
IRENE BERRERA-KEARNS – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Irene is a Deputy Sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who is deemed the “mom” of the house. She met her fiance while at work and fell into a depression while away from him. However, their wedding during episode 11 is one of the highlights of the season.
BETH ANTHONY – EUGENE, OREGON
Beth joined the cast on Episode 12 after Irene got married. She is also a lesbian, as well as a recovering alcoholic. As a lesbian, Beth was hoping to educate her cast members about the LGBTQ+ community. Her influence helped Tami face her own personal bias and she becomes besties with Glen.
DAVID EDWARDS – WASHINGTON, D.C.
David is a stand-up comedian who was constantly bumping heads with the cast members of the house. Whether it was musical differences, household duties, racial stereotypes, or causing the biggest controversy on Real World by pulling the covers off Tami who was only in her underwear as a joke. Sadly, because of this, he didn’t last long. After the incident with Tami, David was the first person ever to be evicted from the Real World house in episode 7! I’ve always wondered how he still feels about this moment in time and if he and Tami have cleared the air. Personally, I can’t wait to see how this plays out for David.
GLEN NAESSENS – PHILADELPHIA, PA
After David’s eviction, Glen was chosen as his replacement. Glen was a walking conundrum. He was the lead singer of an Alt band, Perch – who he constantly inviting into the house. He’s super religious and feels like he is besties with God, but is also a womanizer. Glen eventually becomes good friends with Jon and Beth A. However, he cannot stand Beth S. which causes quite a bit of tension in the house.
BETH STOLARCZYK – GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO
Beth, the known “drama queen” of the house, is an Ohio State graduate who doesn’t have the best relationship with her mother – who visits the house in episode 19. After being dubbed selfish and “a mess” by Glen, the two have words about his animosity towards her in later episodes.
WHICH CAST MEMBERS WILL NOT BE JOINING THE REUNION?
If you noticed, there are 2 cast members missing from this list. Best-friends Dominic Griffin (the Irishman), and Aaron Behle. However, Dominic is rumored to possibly pop in for a surprise, hello, but Aaron’s decision isn’t surprising. He hasn’t had anything to do with MTV since his time in the house.
Season 2 of The Real World Homecoming will premiere exclusively on Paramount + Wednesday, Nov. 24. Which cast members are you most excited to see? You can let us know by leaving a comment below.
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