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Surfs Up! "Real World" Hits San Diego
Fri Jul 18, 4:30 PM ET Add Entertainment - E! Online to My Yahoo!


By Lia Haberman

It's a reality programming no-brainer: Sun and surf equal exposed bodies and hotter ratings.

Is it any wonder then that MTV has settled on steamy Southern California for the 14th installment of its reality roommate series The Real World, going into production next month in San Diego.


Casting is underway for seven strangers to shack up in the laidback coastal city, where they'll no doubt learn to surf, cruise the local bars, spend hours in the hot tub and clash over their closely monitored living situation.


And with the newest MTV crib so close to the border can a tequila-fueled road trip be far behind? Viewers will have to wait until January 2004 for the salacious details when the Real World San Diego bows on the music network.


It's the third time producers have picked California as a backdrop to the roomies drama; previous Cali spots include Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other installments have taken place in New York (both the first and 10th seasons), London, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, Hawaii, New Orleans, Las Vegas and most recently Paris.


"San Diego, with its great beaches and easy-going lifestyle, has long been a hot destination for young people all over America," said Real World cocreator and executive producer Jon Murray in a statement Friday. "It only seemed natural that the Real World would make it home for a season."


Here's hoping San Diego isn't too damn laidback for MTV's camera-friendly 18-25 year-olds.


The fish-out-of-water concept of the current season, taking place in the City of Lights, has made the Real World Paris as MTV's top-rated show.