The Surreal Life - General Discussion

[Vermicious Knid]

Yes, VH1 is reviving the insanity of The Surreal Life.

Quote

The upcoming Season 7, which is set to premiere this fall, will feature former NBA pro Dennis Rodman, rapper August Alsina, adult film star Stormy Daniels, singer/reality TV star Tamar Braxton, Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle), Kim Coles (Living Single), wrestler CJ Perry and YouTuber Manny MUA.

Much of the craziness was fueled by alcohol but with Rodman, plus August Alsina having a liver disease, maybe no drinking in the house this time?

Remember, this is the series that gave us Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielson hooking up. I don't usually watch this kind of program, such as Big Brother and the Real World, but something about throwing together a random bunch of celebrities becomes golden.

[SnarkShark]

15 hours ago, Vermicious Knid said:

Yes, VH1 is reviving the insanity of The Surreal Life.

Much of the craziness was fueled by alcohol but with Rodman, plus August Alsina having a liver disease, maybe no drinking in the house this time?

Remember, this is the series that gave us Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielson hooking up. I don't usually watch this kind of program, such as Big Brother and the Real World, but something about throwing together a random bunch of celebrities becomes golden.

I liked the original because it felt a bit more honest, in an odd way, than stuff like Celebrity versions of shows like Big Brother.  It removed the annoying pretence of being some contest they wanted to win, in actuality to prop up careers, but pretending not to be such.  Surreal Life was just a celeb fishbowl, and didn't pretend otherwise. 

This new cast does seem to have big potential for weird/trainwreck.  I like the choices for the most part. 

[Ananayel]

I loved it. LOVED IT! I'm so happy right now I could just weep. I remember way back when, it seemed like it had been renewed, and among the rumored cast were these folks: https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2006/06/the-surreal-life-8-cast_rumors/ (They seem to be calling this season 7 rather than 8, because the first season was on a different network.) I was crushed that it didn't materialize, as I was a Type O Negative fan and wanted to see Carrot Top for the train wreck factor. Carrot Top might still turn up if there are more seasons!

I can't wait, and if you can find a place to watch the previous seasons do so- I've heard it's on Pluto TV, but I haven't been able to figure out how to watch specific shows, it seems like you can only choose one of their "channels" and watch what's on a schedule, it was on Hulu a long time ago and briefly on Tubi. Maybe it will become easier to find as the air date draws closer. The first season was absolute gold, I will never get tired of MC Hammer (and the entire cast, really) dealing with Corey Feldman, and later on having Ron Jeremy and Tammy Faye Bakker living together, also gold. And that's before we even get to season 3, with Flav and Gitte. 

https://pluto.tv/en/on-demand/series/the-surreal-life-1/details/season/1?utm_source=homepage I hope this works, it took forever to find it!

Edited July 24, 2021 by Ananayel
found it

[Gharlane]

I loved this show but fear it won't nearly be a sincere as the original because candid reality TV shows have changed since those days. 

[configdotsys]

Is this the show that had Chyna Doll taking Mini Me's room? That was the seasson with Chris Knight, Adrian Curry and Da Brat. I'm laughing thinking about Da Brat telling Chris Knight that Mini Me was riding around on a scooter naked and totally drunk. LOL. That was a good season.

When I think of Flava Flav and Brigitte, all I hear is, "Foofy foooo!"

[Ananayel]

Yep. Gold! I know it will be different since there's been so much reality tv since then, but it was great because it was them just hanging out, talking, and doing silly things. No money on the line, it was only like two weeks or so, and since these are celebrities, they're already doing a certain amount of image manipulation, so they're used to it. I always like how they got really different people, and sometimes someone who I only knew slightly I became a real fan of. I was floored by what a sweetheart Sherman Hemsley turned out to be, and how adorable CC DeVille was, even though he literally came directly from rehab and it could have been a disaster.

[Gharlane]

23 hours ago, Ananayel said:

I always like how they got really different people, and sometimes someone who I only knew slightly I became a real fan of. I was floored by what a sweetheart Sherman Hemsley turned out to be, and how adorable CC DeVille was, even though he literally came directly from rehab and it could have been a disaster.

That's how I felt about Tammy Fae Baker by the end of that season. Didn't she become good friends with Ron Jeremy?

[Ananayel]

I think so - she was a revelation to me as well. All I knew of her was mascara and that she was married to a douchebag. What a lovely person she turned out to be once she was out of Bakker's clutches and could finally be herself.

I didn't much like the season with Omarosa and Janice Dickinson, but the others on that season seemed fine. I always liked Bronson Pinchot, and felt sort of bad for the others being stuck with O and J. Nobody deserves that!

[Melina22]

I feel sure Charo was on one season, or was that a different show? I remember how serious she was, especially when it came to her music. 

I always enjoyed this show as well as Celebrity BB for the reasons mentioned here. You get to see who people really are, but at same time they know how to handle themselves to a degree, because they're used to being on camera. Usually people are nicer than I expect, although there have been some notable exceptions. 

[pinkandsparkly13]

8 hours ago, Melina22 said:

I feel sure Charo was on one season, or was that a different show? I remember how serious she was, especially when it came to her music. 

I always enjoyed this show as well as Celebrity BB for the reasons mentioned here. You get to see who people really are, but at same time they know how to handle themselves to a degree, because they're used to being on camera. Usually people are nicer than I expect, although there have been some notable exceptions. 

Yeah she was on the season with Flav and Brigitte, Jordan Knight, Dave Coulier, etc..

[greyflannel]

I was excited to see the show was coming back until I saw Tamar Braxton was on it. I just can't.

[Aaron4102]

The new season will premiere on Monday, October 24th at 9/8c on VH1. The first 2 episodes will air back to back that night

https://news.yahoo.com/surreal-life-trailer-tamar-braxton-230112820.html

[configdotsys]

On 8/3/2021 at 11:40 PM, pinkandsparkly13 said:

Yeah she was on the season with Flav and Brigitte, Jordan Knight, Dave Coulier, etc..

I know this is an old post but the new one got me here so I scrolled up a little, saw this, and immediately heard in my head:

FOOOOOFY FOOOOOOO!

[Vermicious Knid]

Just saw the promo. And there's already one houseguest keeping up the tradition of someone wandering around naked. Too bad with the pandemic they won't be delivering cookies to the neighbors.

[Ananayel]

I was super excited for this to come back, but I was hoping for a weekend marathon of all the seasons beforehand. Strike one. Why weren't they in the original house, and why in Mexico? Strike two. Why did Stormy come in so late - did they say? If there wasn't a good reason, strike three. 

Rodman - another three strikes. That's two outs so far. 

Two hours was too much, but on the whole I like Manny, Frankie, Kim, Tamar and Stormy. Don't know anything about CJ, but she seems okay. I knew Bridgette from Girls Next Door was a paranormal investigator, but I had no idea Stormy was too. 

Anyway, overall I'm happy it's back. It's good mindless entertainment.

[EdnasEdibles]

Mindless entertainment is right. It's enjoyable for the most part. I like almost everyone so far (granted my TV started acting up so I gave up before the last 45 minutes and will watch that tonight) but I can't stand Dennis Rodman and I also didn't like the guy who was in the entanglement. Everyone else seemed fun. Even Stormy was funny. She had a good ability to bring the tension down with a good self-deprecating joke. 

With Dennis - what's wrong with him? Serious question. Is it drugs now? Is it from using drugs previously? Do basketball players get those head injuries that football players get? Is he just not very bright? He seems really not all there. Not functioning at a normal healthy level and I could not figure out what was going on with him. 

[BAForever]

Mindless fun, I'm in! No idea who half these people are. Frankie seemed incredibly normal for a former child star. Kind of like Tamar's TH's, she's insightful. Need Manny to do a makeup tutorial for me. 

[Ananayel]

Yeah, Entanglement August is something else. He may surprise me later, but he annoys me now. I guess that's why I like shows like this and Celebrity Big Brother - you're always surprised by someone, either good or bad.

I remember years ago when a new season of the previous incarnation of this was unofficially announced, and the cast included Claudia Jordan, poker player Phil Helmuth, and Pete Steele of Type O Negative. I still don't know if that was legit or not, but it never happened and there was never anything official. I'd like a dvd of all the seasons though, and in an ideal world, either a cable or streaming channel dedicated entirely to VH1 Celebreality, of which this was the seed that sprouted it all.

[Keywestclubkid]

August can kick all the rocks for the super disrespect he gave with throwing her bed around and basically kicking her into the living room for no other reason then I was here first even tho the room was made for 2 people to sleep in.. dude NO just no 

[Vermicious Knid]

Yeah, I expected Rodman to be his weirdly annoying self but August was just a huge ass. I assume they filmed in Mexico because it had fewer Covid protocols. Not into any 'influencers' but Manny seems to be a nice guy. His eye makeup is a hell of a lot better than I can do. Stormy seemed more bemused than mad when drunk CJ flopped on her in bed. She and Frankie seem to be the adults in the room so far. Devil dolls aside.

[kassa]

22 hours ago, Keywestclubkid said:

August can kick all the rocks for the super disrespect he gave with throwing her bed around and basically kicking her into the living room for no other reason then I was here first even tho the room was made for 2 people to sleep in.. dude NO just no 

I hate people who coopt genuine issues in order to manipulate people. I'm not being an asshole, I'm just "keeping it real." I'm not being a self centered jerk, I'm just "Setting boundaries."  He's a smooth talker so he cons a lot of people (including some in this house) into thinking he's smart, but I think he's more manipulative. That said, he handled Rodman very well at the dinner table. THAT was setting boundaries.

I also wouldn't have minded if he said the doll was just not something he could have around him, and politely asked if anybody else wanted to switch. Or took HIMSELF elsewhere. Kicking her out was just... grrr. 

[Ananayel]

I mean, unless there was some non-controllable reason for Stormy to get there so late (like travel issues or something,) it was horrible of the producers to do that to her. I get that she's the "scandalous" houseguest, but she still could have arrived last, on the same day but hours after the others had started bonding, but while it was still possible for the rooms situation to change without too much bother. I should check who produces this version, it seems different in some ways from the previous one.

[Keywestclubkid]

2 minutes ago, Ananayel said:

I mean, unless there was some non-controllable reason for Stormy to get there so late (like travel issues or something,) it was horrible of the producers to do that to her. I get that she's the "scandalous" houseguest, but she still could have arrived last, on the same day but hours after the others had started bonding, but while it was still possible for the rooms situation to change without too much bother. I should check who produces this version, it seems different in some ways from the previous one.

I think it’s more the I DESRVE my own room BS line he took a room that had 2 beds and knew another person was coming … then decided I don’t care this is MY room .. he didn’t want to room with anyone 

[Ananayel]

1 hour ago, Keywestclubkid said:

I think it’s more the I DESRVE my own room BS line he took a room that had 2 beds and knew another person was coming … then decided I don’t care this is MY room .. he didn’t want to room with anyone 

Oh for sure. But he might not have had a chance to get to that place if everyone was there from the start to negotiate the rooms. He got an inch and he took a mile. If he came on this show trying to improve how people think of him, so far he's failing.

[Vermicious Knid]

Tory Lanez has been sent to house arrest until his trial against Megan Thee Stallion begins, because his beating up August Alsina violated the terms of his parole. Guess we're not the only ones who find him annoying.

[xls]

Sorry not sorry,  but not one of these men stood up and made sure a lady had a bedroom and not slept on the floor (no matter who she is or does for a living ) speaks volumes about how they were raised!

Cads 

[EdnasEdibles]

Dennis seems really mentally not all there. Is it just me or does he not even make sense half the time. He seems completely gone. I forget that this is not the reboot of Celebrity Rehab. Like what are you even talking about, dude? For real is he drunk? Or high? Or did he have a head injury?

[xls]

1 hour ago, EdnasEdibles said:

Dennis seems really mentally not all there. Is it just me or does he not even make sense half the time. He seems completely gone. I forget that this is not the reboot of Celebrity Rehab. Like what are you even talking about, dude? For real is he drunk? Or high? Or did he have a head injury?

He is drinking like a fish. I cannot understand much of what he is saying.

[Ananayel]

I feel bad for Dennis, because he clearly needs a massive amount of intense long-term help. I also feel bad for everyone else who has to deal with him. Really not ideal for him to be in situations like this. 

[Keywestclubkid]

Dennis's socialization is off from ours ... that might account for a LOT of this behavior ... its sad that he knows something is wrong but doesn't want to get help and it just perpetuates the whole situation

August had to go to the bathroom every 10 min but they didn't show him going once .. i think dude just didn't want to do the heights

[xls]

11 minutes ago, Keywestclubkid said:

August had to go to the bathroom every 10 min but they didn't show him going once .. i think dude just didn't want to do the heights

Can't say I blame him , that having-dinner-hanging-from-a-crane is so stupid & dangerous. 

Cranes topple all the time. And what's the point of it?

[Keywestclubkid]

1 minute ago, xls said:

Can't say I blame him , that having-dinner-hanging-from-a-crane is so stupid & dangerous. 

Cranes topple all the time. And what's the point of it?

100% but be honest about it... I mean I give props to Tamar for doing it at all ... at least she was honest about hey I hate hights ya know what I am saying .. August just comes across so phony to me 

[toodywoody]

Did Dennis leave on his own or did production make him leave? 

I understand Tamar being triggered but she did put it out there. Just like Dennis put his shit put there. While Tamar has been to therapy, she still needs more. Dennis needs to live in therapy. Number one he is drinking to escape his shit, but it comes out when he's drunk. So he isn't doing himself any good with his self medicating drinking. He needs help and a lot of it. 

August, I don't know about. He rode on the horses and didn't need to piss every 10 minutes, so wtf. He sure spouts off all this good stuff but then says no way no I can't alot.

Even Manny got up on the crane to have dinner and he was terrified also. I give him and Tamar props. While Ausgust is just full of excuses. I still don't understand why he threw her bed out there? Was it the doll or because she was a porn star or late to the party?

[Keywestclubkid]

On 11/2/2022 at 7:02 PM, toodywoody said:

Did Dennis leave on his own or did production make him leave? 

It looks like production and his team removed him ... 

[xls]

FFS take them damn sunglasses off! Bugs the shit out of me

[Vermicious Knid]

August absolutely deserved to be cursed. Good job Susan.

Having to play in the mini-zorbs is hilarious. The kids were probably the same approximate size as Frankie. Also funny that he was the one all the Mexicans recognized.

[Ananayel]

I'm always torn between feeling so bad for Dennis, and being so irritated with him. He seems to know he's got issues, but he doesn't seem to be getting help for them. If he is getting help, it's not working and he should try something different. Whatever it is, him going on shows like this is not a good idea, for him or anyone else.

[Keywestclubkid]

Susan the doll being the reason for August having diarrhea lol 

Edited November 15, 2022 by Keywestclubkid

[Keywestclubkid]

OMG Frankie not giving one f**k and mowing down the other team will never not be funny 

[Vermicious Knid]

No comments at all a few days after ending? I think everyone will keep in touch except August. Lowkey amused that Dennis actually visited Frankie and his family. I still think August is an ass but I found Tamar the most annoying out of them all. She must be exhausting to deal with in person. Wasn't she the only one missing somebody during the video calls? Of the people who I'd never heard of had the best impression of Manny. He and Kim are the only ones I'd want to hang out with, and maybe Stormy.

[kassa]

Everybody seemed very nice and I liked that most were clear that they were there for the paycheck. I even warmed up to August, and that reveal at the end explained a lot. Hope he finds happiness and acceptance. 

I too was impressed by Manny. I don't care for the manic energy of most "influencers" but in a low key setting he seemed like a genuinely sweet guy and he always looked stunning. (Note - I've never seen his online stuff so maybe he's lowkey there as well)

Dennis does a lot of reality tv and almost always is befriended and supported. I wonder if he does the shows as much for that as for anything else. It sounds like his personal life is full of users, so maybe all he can handle emotionally are these brief forced encounters with strangers who are kind to him, then he runs away to what's familiar?

[Ananayel]

I missed the end, so I'll have to catch it on demand. There are no reruns scheduled right now. Of course, that doesn't really bode well for another season, but it is what it is. 

[QQQQ]

On 10/31/2022 at 10:09 PM, EdnasEdibles said:

Dennis seems really mentally not all there. Is it just me or does he not even make sense half the time. He seems completely gone. I forget that this is not the reboot of Celebrity Rehab. Like what are you even talking about, dude? For real is he drunk? Or high? Or did he have a head injury?

He was like this on Celebrity Mole almost 20 years ago.

[Aaron4102]

New season filming this month. Will air on MTV

https://deadline.com/2023/09/the-surreal-life-macy-gray-kim-zolciak-chet-hanks-cast-mtv-1235545599

https://people.com/kim-zolciak-macy-gray-tom-hanks-son-chet-hanks-join-the-surreal-life-cast-mtv-7969290

A new batch of stars are headed for The Surreal Life!

The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak, singer Macy Gray, and actor Chet Hanks, the son of Tom Hanks, are set to join the upcoming season of the MTV reality show.

The cast also includes Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke, Olympic ice skater Johnny Weir, model Josie Canseco — the daughter of former MLB player and The Surreal Life season 5 alum José Canseco — and rapper O.T. Genasis. Production is expected to start later this month.

Edited September 16, 2023 by Aaron4102

[Ananayel]

Just stumbled across this - the only one I'm interested in seeing is Johnny Weir. Possibly Macy Gray. Isn't Chet Hanks the troubled one of Tom's sons? I wish some channel would air the OG series (actually, if someone made a 24/7 VH1 Celebreality channel, I'd never turn it off.)

[Vermicious Knid]

First teaster is out and the tradition of bizarre hookups continue. 

[AntFTW]

This looks like my kind of bullshit!

 

[xls]

On MTV! A mix of younger & older 'stars' and I hope there is some discussion here!

[Wanda]

Hell is freezing over.

chet Hanks is coming across really well and like a good person 😳

[Vermicious Knid]

Every time Macy opens her mouth, you never know what's going to come out.