18th edition of MTV series headed to Denver

MTV will study the effects of altitude on self-absorbed and frequently sozzled young adults later this year when it takes "The Real World" to the Mile High City.

Production on the 18th edition of "The Real World" is scheduled to begin later this spring in Denver. The show is scheduled to debut in late 2006.

"Denver has absolutely everything we could hope for -- diversity, activities, energy and nightlife," says Lois Curren, head of series entertainment at MTV. "We're sure that the character and spirit of this picturesque city will be endlessly compelling to the seven roommates and audience alike."

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, who apparently haven't watched the show much, say they're thrilled to welcome the show to the base of the Rockies. "This is a tremendous opportunity for Denver to showcase our cultural and recreational vibrancy to a very large, young audience," Hickenlooper says.

The latest batch of "Real World" roomies will take up residence in Denver's hip LoDo (Lower Downtown) area, a historic district that's home to a number of galleries, restaurants and bars. MTV isn't saying what their job will be.

Seventeen seasons into its life, "The Real World" shows no signs of fading. It remains one of MTV's most popular series, with the current edition leading all of cable in its timeslot among the target MTV demographic of people ages 12-34.