My Guide to MTV Real World Key West

The MTV Real World franchise is one of the most successful and enduring reality TV show hits of all time.  The latest installation, MTV Real World: Key West, focuses on a handful of young 20 somethings trying to work out their issues while living in a gorgeous house/mansion on Driftwood Drive.  The first episode aired on February 28th, 2006, and the show has proven a hit (once again) with its target demographic.

The show stars people like Jose Tapia (the youngest member of the house at 20 years old) a successful real estate entrepreneur who overcame a harsh life in New York City.  Californians John Devenanzio and Janelle Casanave represent the West Coast with enthusiasm.  Janelle (like Jose) continues to wrestle with her childhood traumas while forging a smart future.  John, a Penn State grad, is more happy-go-lucky.

Other members of the house include Paula Meronek, Tyler Duckworth, Zach Mann, and Svetlana Shusterman.  The housemates must work together to create a franchise of the Mystic Tan store.  While shooting on location in the Keys, the production ran into numerous difficulties, including the threat of a lawsuit by a local disgruntled tourism operator.

The MTV Real World crew (and cast) squared off against Florida's strong hurricanes in 2005.  A major episode focuses on how the housemates managed to endure Hurricane Wilma.