Old ideas often get a fresh spin, especially in reality TV. In July 2024, the once-popular show “The Surreal Life” made a comeback with a new twist. Now called “MTV’s Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets,” this revamped version features a brand new cast and airs on a different network. The show brings together eight celebrities from various stages of their careers to live in a villa in Colombia, where they reveal juicy details about themselves to their new housemates and the audience.
These celebrities have all experienced the high life at some point, so it’s safe to assume they discussed financial terms with MTV before signing up. Fans are naturally curious about how much it pays to be part of this surreal experience.
The show premiered on MTV on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, featuring a diverse cast including singers, actors, and reality stars like Macy Gray, Chet Hanks, Kim Zolciak, O.T. Genasis, Ally Brooke, Josie Canseco, Tyler Posey, and Johnny Weir. The first episode had the cast exploring their luxurious villa and starting to bond before the inevitable drama and romantic entanglements began.
So, how much does the ‘Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets’ cast make?
While it’s not clear exactly how much each cast member was paid, it’s likely they received compensation for their participation. Unlike some reality shows, “Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets” doesn’t offer a cash prize at the end, so their earnings probably came from their initial contracts.
Interestingly, “Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets” airs on MTV instead of its original home, VH1. Although the exact salaries of the cast members remain a mystery, it’s safe to say they didn’t sign up to spill their secrets for free. According to The U.S. Sun, the show pushes each contestant out of their comfort zone with various missions designed to reveal hidden truths about them.
This switch from VH1 to MTV took many longtime fans by surprise. Since its debut in 2003, “The Surreal Life” always aired on VH1, even during its brief return in 2022 after a 16-year break. The change in network came after VH1 and MTV, once sister networks under Viacom, separated in 2022. VH1 became part of BET Media Group, while both networks remain under Paramount’s ownership.
Catch “Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets” on MTV every Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.
