How ‘The Real World’ & ‘Road Rules’ Helped Define ‘The Challenge’ Forever

Back in 1992, reality television changed forever as The Real World debuted on MTV. Three years later, a sister series called Road Rules found itself as the next phenomenon. The real twenty-somethings had their lives taped and became stars. Production company Bunim/Murray decided to capitalize on their success and unite the shows by bringing former cast members from both programs together and having them engage in some physical challenges, all for the love of money. And thus, The Challenge was born! Though it has evolved quite drastically over the decades, The Challenge as fans know it today would not be possible had it not been for The Real World and Road Rules and the trailblazers of those franchises.