Real World: Skeletons

Summary

Real World: Skeletons is the thirtieth season of MTV's reality television series Real World, which focuses on a group of diverse strangers living together for several months in a different city each season, as cameras document their lives and interpersonal relationships. It is the second season of Real World to be filmed in the East North Central States region of the United States, specifically in Chicago, Illinois after The Real World: Chicago.

Real World: Skeletons
Season 30
The cast of Real World: Skeletons
Starring
  • Bruno Bettencourt
  • Jason Hill
  • Madison Walls
  • Nicole Zanatta
  • Sylvia Elsrode
  • Tony Raines
  • Violetta Milerman
No. of episodes13
Release
Original networkMTV
Original releaseDecember 16, 2014 (2014-12-16) –
March 10, 2015 (2015-03-10)
Season chronology
← Previous
Real World:
Ex-Plosion

The season featured a total of seven people with an additional 11 rotating guests who were the "Skeletons." It is the eighth season to take place in a city that had hosted a previous season, as the show's eleventh season was set in Chicago in 2002. Chicago was first reported as the location for the 30th season in a June 2014 article by Crain's Chicago Business.[1] Production began on August 8, 2014, and concluded on October 20, 2014 totaling up to 74 days of filming.[1][2] The season premiered on December 16 of that year, consisting of 13 episodes.[3]

This season marks the first time that the show has aired on a night other than a Wednesday since the seventeenth season. No reunion special was produced, marking the first time since the tenth season in 2001.[4]

Season changes edit

Each week, one cast member is faced with people from their past ("skeletons") who they have unresolved issues with at the moment relating to family, romance, work, and socialization. Unlike the previous season, the surprise guests only have the option to live in the house for only one week.

Employment edit

Beginning in the 28th season, certain jobs in the area were approved by production that the cast had the liberty to apply for independently if desired. This season, the entire cast worked in groups of two or three as bartenders, barbacks, and waiters at three Chicago bars and nightclubs: Vincenzo’s Sports Tavern, Old Fifth, and Red Kiva.[5] Red Kiva was located next door to the cast residence before being demolished in 2019.

Residence edit

During shooting, the cast lived at 1100 W. Randolph Street in the West Loop neighborhood, the location of Bon V, a former nightclub.[1][6] The property was demolished in late September 2019 along with the cast's workplace Red Kiva.[7]

Cast edit

The season started off with seven roommates, and then the cast was joined at different points by eleven additional guests, who each were chosen to visit for a week. The additional guests are Skeletons, people who have unresolved issues with the originals at the moment relating to family, romance, work, and socialization, but they are not officially part of the cast.

Cast Member[8] Age1 Hometown[9] Biography
Bruno Bettencourt 24 East Providence, Rhode Island Bruno is a Portuguese-American fitness fanatic from Rhode Island who works for his father's construction company. His skeleton is his brother Briah, who arrived to the house in episode 10, whom he has not spoken to in three years after Briah personally attacked him during a verbal argument over a tuna sandwich.[10][11] In episode 10, Bruno shares his history with anger, and explains how it came from his father giving him tough love when he was younger.
Jason Hill 24 Raleigh, North Carolina Jason is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, but lives in Raleigh, North Carolina where he worked as a car salesman. He was raised by a single mother and played football at Campbell University and resents his father for leaving when Jason was a baby. His father, Lafayette, is his skeleton, who arrived to the house in the season finale.[12] While being in Chicago, Jason has a daughter on the way.
Madison Walls 23 Austin, Texas Madison is a former child actress who recovered from a heroin addiction two years ago and is seeking a fresh start. Her skeletons are former acquaintances who suffered as a result of her addiction: her stepsister Rachel, who arrived to the house in episode 11, and ex Skyler, who arrived to the house in episode 12.[11][13]
Nicole Zanatta 23 Staten Island, New York Nicole participated in track and field at Tottenville High School, graduated from St. John's University, and works as an EMT on Staten Island. Her skeletons are her triplet sisters, Ashley and Samantha, who both arrived to the house in episode 9, whom are both about to get married and move out while Nicole has no interest in settling down.[14]
Sylvia Elsrode 25 Kansas City, Missouri Sylvia graduated from Oak Park High School in 2007, and works as a bartender, saleswoman, and aspiring actress in Kansas City. Her skeleton is a former "boss from hell", Alicia, who arrived to the house in episode 4.[11] In episode 2, she explains her past with abuse from her ex-boyfriend when she was 15. She also reveals that she was pregnant by him, but she had a miscarriage.
Tony Raines 25 Folsom, Louisiana Tony is an aspiring actor and is a former chemical plant worker who is originally from Metairie, Louisiana, and lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before leaving for the show. His skeletons are former girlfriends, Elizabeth and Alyssa, who both arrived to the house in episode 6.[15]
Violetta Milerman 23 Sarasota, Florida Violetta is originally from Moldova, but moved to the United States over 10 years ago. She currently resides in Sarasota, Florida, where she graduated from high school in 2009, and is enrolled in college at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. Her skeletons are former acquaintances, Jessica and Tia, who both arrived to the house in episode 8, whom have been involved in cyber and verbal harassment with Violetta. Milerman later reveals she is suffering from anorexia and bulimia due to past bullying about her weight.[11][15]
The Skeletons
Alicia Glenny 24 Kansas City, Missouri Designated as Sylvia's "Boss from hell". Alicia and Sylvia used to be friends until Alicia earned her role of the boss which is when she and Sylvia's friendship went sour. After she and Sylvia were no longer friends Alicia then started telling people that Sylvia slept with one of her closest friends' boyfriends causing her to quit. Entering the Real World house, Alicia gets into a heated argument with roommate Violetta turning everyone in the house (except for Madison) against her. In episode 5, Alicia voluntarily leaves the house after not feeling welcomed, leaving her and Sylvia's relationship undecided.
Elizabeth Hagan 25 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Elizabeth is Tony's girl from back home but they decided to break up when Tony came to the Real World. Elizabeth quickly rubs all of the roommates the wrong way with her princess-like attitude and accuses the cast of acting for camera time. Elizabeth and Tony come to an equal decision to no longer speak to each other when the show is over.
Alyssa Giacone 23 Walker, Louisiana Alyssa is Tony's Stalker/ex-girlfriend, the two met in high school where they were inseparable. Alyssa claims she is still in love with Tony.
Tia Kuttig 23 Sarasota, Florida Tia is Violetta's ½ enemies. Tia and Violetta do not like each other because of reasons undisclosed on the show. Tia and Violetta connected over Violetta's eating disorder.
Jessica Marino 25 Sarasota, Florida Jessica is Violetta's enemy. Violetta claims Jessica made an Instagram account bashing Violetta and her friends, possibly in retaliation to Violetta posting Jessica's nose-job pictures on Facebook.
Ashley & Samantha Zanatta 23 Staten Island, New York Ashley and Samantha are Nicole's sisters. They grew up very close and were always inseparable with them being triplets. With both Samantha and Ashley getting married, them coming to Chicago is the last time they have together before going their separate ways.
Briah Bettencourt 22 East Providence, Rhode Island Briah is Bruno's brother, the two no longer speak due to a heated argument over a tuna fish sandwich in which Briah told Bruno he wished he died in the car accident Bruno suffered a few years back. Briah apologized to Bruno for the comment and the two rekindled the relationship.
Rachel Shapshak 20 Austin, Texas Rachel is Madison's step-sister, the two were really close growing up but when Madison started falling into a drug addiction their relationship began to fade. Rachel and Madison have since became closer.
Skyler Russ 21 Austin, Texas Skyler is Madison's ex, the two were dating for a couple years, but when Madison started her drug addiction he backed away from that relationship.
Lafayette Ricks 50 Durham, North Carolina Lafayette Ricks is Jason's father, at a very young age Lafayette left Jason with only his mother to raise him. With Jason having a child on the way he wants to break the cycle and be there for his daughter like his father never was. The two rekindled things and have plans to keep in contact.
^1 Age at time of filming[9]
^ Skeletons in order of arrival

Episodes edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
5661"Skeleton Keys"December 16, 2014 (2014-12-16)0.65[16]
Seven strangers move in together. They will soon be forced to confront the last person on Earth they want to see.
5672"Love and Other Drugs"December 23, 2014 (2014-12-23)0.51[17]
When the roommates clash with Madison, she reveals a haunting secret; Bruno and Sylvia's romance is jeopardized by jealousy.
5683"Three Way"December 30, 2014 (2014-12-30)0.67[18]
Tension between the housemates rises over wild parties and scandalous hookups; a battle between Jason and Violetta results in the revelation of another secret.
5694"Blast From The Past"January 6, 2015 (2015-01-06)0.84[19]
Tensions come to head when Sylvia's skeleton comes into the house.
5705"Dirty Laundry"January 12, 2015 (2015-01-12)0.81[20]
The first Skeleton ambushes the roommates; Sylvia's past returns to haunt her; Tony and Madison restart their romance.
5716"A Royal Nightmare"January 20, 2015 (2015-01-20)1.02[21]
Tony is shocked when two of his Skeletons move in, creating a battle for his affection between them and Madison.
5727"All the King's Women"January 27, 2015 (2015-01-27)1.13[23]
Tony has his work cut out for him with three of his lovers in the house. Violetta's annoyance with Madison erupts into a physical altercation which Sylvia jumps into in order to defend Violetta. After watching the fight back, Violetta is disgusted by her actions and apologizes to Madison. Sylvia doesn't feel like she needs to but also apologizes. Tony attempts to sort out his feelings for the girls in his life. He finally tells Alyssa what she needed to hear: that he doesn't love her anymore. Elizabeth officially breaks things off with Tony for good.[22]
5738"Sarasota's Finest"February 3, 2015 (2015-02-03)0.94[25]
The roommates worry about Violetta's eating habits when she quickly loses weight. Violetta is in for a shock when two of her enemies arrive at the house: Jessica, who is rumored to have started a hateful Instagram page about her and Tia, who called Violetta and her friends "coke-whores." After Violetta and Bruno trade negative remarks at each other, Bruno explodes in anger and Violetta finally talks about her eating disorder. Tony juggles his feelings for Jessica and Madison. Violetta, Tia and Jessica learn a valuable lesson about gossiping when they decide to bury the hatchet.[24]
5749"Where's the Beef?"February 10, 2015 (2015-02-10)0.99[26]
Nicole receives two surprising skeletons. Tensions run high after the new skeleton is arriving into the house.
57510"Brother in Arms"February 17, 2015 (2015-02-17)0.95[27]
Bruno's skeleton comes into the house. Tony gets a visit from his brother Shane. Also tensions blow between Sylvia, Tony and Shane against Bruno and Briah.
57611"Breaking Mad"February 24, 2015 (2015-02-24)0.86[28]
Madison's sister and first skeleton comes into the house to confront her about her past drug addiction. Also Jason embraces fatherhood.
57712"Wine and Roses"March 3, 2015 (2015-03-03)1.03[29]
A surprise mystery skeleton leaves the house scrambling when Madison receives another skeleton. Tensions run high between Jason and Nicole after a bar fight.
57813"The Final Skeleton"March 10, 2015 (2015-03-10)0.97[30]
After a shocking fight between best friends Jason and Nicole, Jason receives the biggest skeleton this season. The cast say goodbye to Chicago.

After filming edit

On August 10, 2015, it was announced that Madison and Tony are expecting their first child. On February 16, 2016, Madison and Tony welcomed their daughter, Harper.[31] Nine months after Harper was born, on November 7, 2016, Tony and his former skeleton, Alyssa, welcomed a daughter, Isla.[32] In July 2018, Madison's parents requested sole custody of Harper. In October of the same year, Madison' parents and Tony agreed to a temporary custody order amid claims that Walls relapsed on drugs use.[33]

In 2017, Walls briefly dated Teen Mom 2 star Javi Marroquin.[34][35]

Tony and Alyssa appeared on the second season of How Far Is Tattoo Far?[36] The couple got engaged at the Reunion special of The Challenge: Final Reckoning,[37] and ultimately got married on October 14, 2023.[38]

In 2019, Nicole appeared on Game of Clones looking for a Ciara lookalike,[39] and later on the fourth season of Ex on the Beach with exes Laurel Stucky, Ashley Ceasar and Jemmye Carroll.[40] After exiting Ex on the Beach together, Nicole and Ashley appeared on True Life Presents: Quarantine Stories.[41]

Sylvia Elsrode became a real estate agent and appeared on House Hunters.[42]

The Challenge edit

Cast member Seasons of The Challenge Other appearances
Bruno Bettencourt Invasion of the Champions
Jason Hill
Madison Walls
Nicole Zanatta Invasion of the Champions, Vendettas, Double Agents The Challenge: All Stars (season 4)
Sylvia Elsrode Invasion of the Champions, Vendettas, Final Reckoning The Challenge: All Stars (season 3)
Tony Raines Battle of the Bloodlines, Rivals III, Invasion of the Champions,
XXX: Dirty 30, Vendettas, Final Reckoning
The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars (season 2),
The Challenge: All Stars (season 4)
Violetta Milerman

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Maidenberg, Micah (June 12, 2014). "MTV's 'Real World' moving into West Loop". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  2. ^ Riley, Chloe (June 18, 2014). "'Real World' Producers Warned: 'No Shenanigans' During West Loop Filming". DNAinfo Chicago. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  3. ^ Donnelly, Matthew Scott (October 20, 2014). "'Real World' Is Digging Up 'Skeletons' For Season 30". MTV. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  4. ^ "'Real World: Skeletons': What's Happening With The Reunion Special?". Fashion Style. March 10, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  5. ^ "Meet seven strangers picked to live in a Chicago house on 'The Real World' (VIDEO)". November 5, 2014.
  6. ^ "Randolph Street Loft". Real World Houses. December 16, 2014
  7. ^ "'Remember the 'Real World' house in the West Loop? It's been torn down". Real Estate. October 3, 2019. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  8. ^ Heldman, Breanne L. (May 21, 2017). "Every Season of 'The Real World' Ranked". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  9. ^ a b Jue, Teresa (November 4, 2014). "'Real World: Skeletons' cast will feature 7 living humans, 0 skeletons". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  10. ^ "Bruno on Real World: Skeletons". www.mtv.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2014.
  11. ^ a b c d "Meet the cast of MTV's Real World Skeletons set in Chicago". Chicago Sun-Times. November 4, 2014. Archived from the original on December 4, 2014.
  12. ^ "Why Real World Has Another Crazy Twist This Season - E! Online". December 16, 2014.
  13. ^ "Madison on Real World: Skeletons". www.mtv.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2014.
  14. ^ Ringler, Matt (February 11, 2015). "'Real World Skeletons' Episode 9: Where's the Beef?". Observer. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  15. ^ a b REAL WORLD SKELETONS OVERVIEW, thepub.viacom.com, Archived 2014-11-28 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (December 17, 2014). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Tuesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 12.16.2014". Showbuzzdaily. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  17. ^ "Tuesday Cable Ratings - 'Moonshiners,' 'The Curse of Oak Island,' 'College Football,' 'Ground Floor,' 'The Little Couple' & More!". TV Recaps-Reviews. December 23, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
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  19. ^ Bibel, Sara (January 8, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Haves and the Have Nots' Wins Night' 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Switched at Birth', 'Dance Moms', 'The Real World' & More". Zap2it. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
  20. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 14, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Monday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 1.12.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 18, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  21. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 22, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Tuesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 01/20/2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Archived from the original on January 24, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  22. ^ "All the King's Women". Real World: Skeletons. Season 30. Episode 7. January 27, 2015. MTV.
  23. ^ Kondology, Amanda (January 28, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Tops Night + 'Pretty Little Liars', 'The Haves and the Have Nots', 'Sons of Liberty' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 29, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  24. ^ "Sarasota's Finest". Real World: Skeletons. Season 30. Episode 8. February 3, 2015. MTV.
  25. ^ Bibel, Sara (February 4, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Mary Jane' wins night, 'The Have and Have Not' + Plus 'Pretty Little Liars'". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  26. ^ Kondology, Amanda (February 11, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Haves and the Have Nots' Tops Night + 'Being Mary Jane', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  27. ^ Bibel, Sara (February 19, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: '19 Kids and Counting' Wins Night, 'Being Mary Jane', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Rizzoli & Isles', 'Cougar Town' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 20, 2015. Retrieved February 19, 2015. NOTE: Scroll down to the comments section.
  28. ^ Kondology, Amanda (February 25, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Tops Night + 'The Haves and the Have Nots', '19 Kids and Counting', 'Pretty Little Liars' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  29. ^ Bibel, Sara (March 4, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: College Basketball & 'Being Mary Jane' Win NIght, 'The Haves & The Have Nots', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Rizzoli & Isles' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  30. ^ Kondology, Amanda (March 11, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Haves and the Have Nots', 'Pretty Little Liars' & 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Top Night". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  31. ^ Ossad, Jordana (August 10, 2015). "Madison And Tony From 'Real World': Skeletons' Just Announced The 'Happiest' News Ever". MTV. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  32. ^ "Real World's Tony Raines Welcomes Daughter No. 2". MTV News. November 14, 2016.
  33. ^ "Hiding Something! 'The Challenge's Tony Raines & Baby Mama Madison Seal Custody Case". E! Online. December 6, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  34. ^ "Teen Mom 2's Javi Marroquin Has a New Girlfriend, Madison Channing Walls: Details!". US Weekly. March 23, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  35. ^ "Javi Marroquin Splits From 'Real World' Star Madison Channing Walls After Two Weeks of Dating". US Weekly. April 7, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  36. ^ Debler, Lance. "A Tee Mom Duo is Getting Inked on How Far Is Tattoo Far?". MTV. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  37. ^ Heller, Corinne (October 13, 2018). "Real World's Tony Raines and Alyssa Giacone Are Engaged". E! Online. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  38. ^ Strohm, Emily; Greene, Jordan (October 17, 2023). "The Challenge Star Tony Raines Marries High School Love Alyssa Giacone: '18 Years in the Making!' (Exclusive)". People.
  39. ^ Ossad, Jordana (January 31, 2019). "First Look: 'Game of Clones' Features MTV Stars Dating Celeb Lookalikes". MTV. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  40. ^ Pasquini, Maria (October 24, 2019). "MTV Announces New Dating Show, Ex on the Beach: Peak of Love — with Your Favorite Reality Stars". People.
  41. ^ Tinwala, Yasmin (August 19, 2020). "'True Life Presents: Quarantine Stories': Same-sex couple Nicole and Ashley feel the pressure of the pandemic". Meaww.
  42. ^ "'The Challenge' Cast: Where Are They Now? Johnny 'Bananas' Devenanzio, Julie Stoffer and More". InTouch Weekly. February 15, 2021.

External links edit

  • Official site. MTV.com
  • Real World: Skeletons Trailer. MTV.com

41°53′04.5″N 87°39′16.8″W / 41.884583°N 87.654667°W / 41.884583; -87.654667