‘Real World’ may be dull world in Philadelphia

Fri., Sept. 3, 2004

Kathleen Sheridan Knight Ridder

What? You’re kidding. There’s another season of MTV’s “The Real World” premiering Tuesday?

And it’s taking place in Philadelphia? Pause.

Philadelphia?

Not the most noteworthy location for MTV’s longest-running and ever-popular show. As I recall, the best part of watching “The Real World” was to ogle the beautiful, professionally decorated home set in a desirable and hip location.

Where to next? Boise?

In addition to the not-so-glamorous address, I am struggling with the idea that after 15 years MTV thinks it can still bring something new to the table. Aside from a late-night streaking mission around the Liberty Bell or a controversial debate over which Philly cheese steak place is better, I can’t imagine this installment is going to compare to previous seasons in New York City, Boston and Miami, where there was always an opportunity for shenanigans set against a vibrant city backdrop.

The one interesting factor about this season’s show is the group job. They will be working for Philadelphia Soul, the Arena Football League team co-owned by Jon Bon Jovi. The cast will help the team with its community outreach program and build a playground for Northern Home, a local care center for troubled youth.

Seems the best we can hope for, to offset the boring landscape, is a spicy cast and a few Bon Jovi guest appearances. Fingers crossed.

In other news, amid controversy and court appearances, two rival boxing reality shows are set to battle it out in September. On Fox’s “The Next Great Champ” (premieres Tuesday), aspiring boxers compete for a contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s company and a chance at the world champion title.

On NBC’s “The Contender,” contestants battle for $1 million and a shot at a boxing career.

Makes you wonder if the two geniuses that came up with these shows were sitting in the same Starbucks, screaming on their cell phones about the unique idea they had for a boxing show, not realizing that their competition was sitting a tall-skim-milk latte away.

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