The Real World is returning to "The Big Easy."
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MTV has confirmed that The Real World's 24th season will be set in New Orleans with production slated to start later this month, the city's The Times-Picayune newspaper reported Thursday.
The Real World's Summer 2000 ninth season was also set in New Orleans, and rumors that the 24th installment would return to the city first started to circulate last month.
"We are delighted to be returning to New Orleans for the 24th season of The Real World," said creator and executive producer Jon Murray in a statement obtained by The Times-Picayune.
"Hurricane Katrina threw New Orleans for a punch, but the city is coming back and we're hoping our cast members and the series can play a small role in the city's rebirth."
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New Orleans Office of Film & Video director Jennifer Day told The Times-Picayune she has been in contact with The Real World's Bunim/Murray production company about a local recovery nonprofit for the cast to work with during filming.
"We expect the roommates to participate in some kind of recovery effort," The Real World producer Jim Johnston told The Times-Picayune.
"In returning to New Orleans we hope to see where the city has come since Katrina, and how much further it has to go."
An MTV spokesperson told The Times-Picayune that the house's location for the season has yet to be determined, and Johnston subsequently clarified that the location is set but won't be revealed until filming begins "out of respect for the privacy of the residents."
The 12-episode series is currently slated to air in the summer.
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Last March, MTV renewed the long-running reality TV series for four additional seasons -- extending it through its 26th edition. Its 23rd season -- dubbed The Real World: Washington D.C. -- premiered last week.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio