MTV's 'The Real World' Premieres to 1.9 Million

MTV

"The Real World: San Diego"

On Wednesday, the Real World franchise began its newest season, set in the city of San Diego, and its premiere outperformed the previous effort (Las Vegas).

The opener drew 1.9 million total viewers at 10 p.m. and in the persons 12-34 demo MTV counts as its core, The Real World: San Diego -- posting a 2.1 rating -- bested the season premiere of The Real World: Las Vegas by 17 percent. The program was tops on cable in the key demo.

In March, MTV renewed the reality series for its 27th and 28th editions. San Diego marks The Real World's 26th season; the franchise debuted in 1992.

The Real World is executive produced by Jonathan Murray and Jim Johnston. MTV's Jacquelyn French oversees.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year, Murray said of the show's evolution, "I'd say the show mirrors society and sometimes leads society. You can argue the show has done a lot in terms of young people's attitudes towards gay, lesbian and transgendered people because it has featured that community from the very beginning."

The Real World: San Diego airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on MTV.

Meanwhile, Tuesday's hourlong season finale of Awkward delivered 2.2 million total viewers and posted a 2.1 rating in the 12-34 demo. Awkward marked MTV's highest-rated new series in the last two years. The quirky comedy will return for a second season in 2012.