For the 2002 season of the same TV series set in the same city, see The Real World: Chicago.
Real World: Skeletons
Season number30
Starring
  • Bruno Bettencourt
  • Jason Hill
  • Madison Walls
  • Nicole Zanatta
  • Sylvia Elsrode
  • Tony Raines
  • Violetta Milerman
Num episodes13
NetworkMTV
First airedDecember 16, 2014
Last airedMarch 10, 2015
Prev seasonReal World:
Ex-Plosion
Next seasonReal World:
Go Big or Go Home

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.

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

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

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

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

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]AgeHometown[9]Biography
Bruno Bettencourt24East Providence, Rhode IslandBruno 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 Hill24Raleigh, North CarolinaJason 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 Walls23Austin, TexasMadison 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 Zanatta23Annadale, New York[14]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.[15]
Sylvia Elsrode25Kansas City, MissouriSylvia 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 Raines25Folsom, LouisianaTony 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.[16]
Violetta Milerman23Sarasota, FloridaVioletta 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][16]
The Skeletons
Alicia Glenny24Kansas City, MissouriDesignated 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 Hagan25Baton Rouge, LouisianaElizabeth 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 Giacone23Walker, LouisianaAlyssa 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 Kuttig23Sarasota, FloridaTia 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 Marino25Sarasota, FloridaJessica 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 Zanatta23Staten Island, New YorkAshley 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 Bettencourt22East Providence, Rhode IslandBriah 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 Shapshak20Austin, TexasRachel 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 Russ21Austin, TexasSkyler 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 Ricks50Durham, North CarolinaLafayette 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.
Age at time of filming[9]
Skeletons in order of arrival

After filming

On August 10, 2015, it was announced that Madison and Tony were expecting their first child. On February 16, 2016, Madison and Tony welcomed their daughter, Harper.[17] Nine months after Harper was born, on November 7, 2016, Tony and his former skeleton, Alyssa Giacone, welcomed a daughter, Isla.[18] 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.[19]

In 2017, Walls briefly dated Teen Mom 2 star Javi Marroquin.[20][21]

Tony and Alyssa appeared on the second season of How Far Is Tattoo Far?[22] The couple got engaged at the Reunion special of The Challenge: Final Reckoning,[23] and ultimately got married on October 14, 2023.[24]

In 2019, Nicole appeared on Game of Clones looking for a Ciara lookalike,[25] and later on the fourth season of Ex on the Beach with exes Laurel Stucky, Ashley Ceasar and Jemmye Carroll.[26] After exiting Ex on the Beach together, Nicole and Ashley appeared on True Life Presents: Quarantine Stories.[27]

Sylvia Elsrode became a real estate agent and appeared on House Hunters.[28] On September 21, 2024, Elsrode married Sergio Lira, with whom she shares two children.[29]

The Challenge

Cast memberSeasons of The ChallengeOther appearances
Bruno BettencourtInvasion of the Champions
Jason Hill
Madison Walls
Nicole ZanattaInvasion of the Champions, Vendettas, Double AgentsThe Challenge: All Stars (season 4),
The Challenge: All Stars (season 5)
Sylvia ElsrodeInvasion of the Champions, Vendettas, Final ReckoningThe Challenge: All Stars (season 3),
The Challenge: All Stars (season 5)
Tony RainesBattle of the Bloodlines, Rivals III, Invasion of the Champions,
XXX: Dirty 30, Vendettas, Final Reckoning, Battle of the Eras		The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars (season 2),
The Challenge: All Stars (season 4)
Violetta Milerman

References

  1. ^ 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. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  4. ^ "'Real World: Skeletons': What's Happening With The Reunion Special?". Fashion Style. March 10, 2015. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  5. ^ "Meet seven strangers picked to live in a Chicago house on 'The Real World' (VIDEO)". 5 November 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. ^ 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 2014-11-17.
  11. ^ "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". 16 December 2014.
  13. ^ "Madison on Real World: Skeletons". www.mtv.com. Archived from the original on 2014-11-08.
  14. ^ "Staten Island's new reality TV star: Nicole Zanatta dishes on the skeletons in her closet". February 2, 2015.
  15. ^ Ringler, Matt (February 11, 2015). "'Real World Skeletons' Episode 9: Where's the Beef?". Observer. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  16. ^ REAL WORLD SKELETONS OVERVIEW, thepub.viacom.com,
  17. ^ Ossad, Jordana (August 10, 2015). "Madison And Tony From 'Real World': Skeletons' Just Announced The 'Happiest' News Ever". MTV. Archived August 11, 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  18. ^ "Real World's Tony Raines Welcomes Daughter No. 2". MTV News. November 14, 2016. Archived from the original on November 15, 2016.
  19. ^ "Hiding Something! 'The Challenge's Tony Raines & Baby Mama Madison Seal Custody Case". E! Online. December 6, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  20. ^ "Teen Mom 2's Javi Marroquin Has a New Girlfriend, Madison Channing Walls: Details!". US Weekly. March 23, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  21. ^ "Javi Marroquin Splits From 'Real World' Star Madison Channing Walls After Two Weeks of Dating". US Weekly. April 7, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  22. ^ Debler, Lance. "A Tee Mom Duo is Getting Inked on How Far Is Tattoo Far?". MTV. Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  23. ^ Heller, Corinne (October 13, 2018). "Real World's Tony Raines and Alyssa Giacone Are Engaged". E! Online. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  24. ^ 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
  25. ^ Ossad, Jordana (January 31, 2019). "First Look: 'Game of Clones' Features MTV Stars Dating Celeb Lookalikes". MTV. Archived from the original on February 1, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  26. ^ Pasquini, Maria (October 24, 2019). "MTV Announces New Dating Show, Ex on the Beach: Peak of Love — with Your Favorite Reality Stars". People
  27. ^ Tinwala, Yasmin (August 19, 2020). "'True Life Presents: Quarantine Stories': Same-sex couple Nicole and Ashley feel the pressure of the pandemic". Meaww
  28. ^ "'The Challenge' Cast: Where Are They Now? Johnny 'Bananas' Devenanzio, Julie Stoffer and More". InTouch Weekly. February 15, 2021.
  29. ^ Brunner, Raven (September 22, 2024). "The Challenge Star Sylvia Elsrode Is Married: 'My Heart Was Beating Out of My Chest'". People