In Real Life (TV series)


In Real Life is a Canadian reality show where eighteen young contestants aged 12–14 race across North America and compete in a series of real-life tasks, aimed to "discover the skills, strength, and stamina it takes to make it in real life." The show is developed and produced by Apartment 11 Productions. The show is hosted by Canadian comedian and actress, Sabrina Jalees.
The first season of In Real Life was nominated for the Shaw Rocket Prize in 2010. Sabrina Jalees was nominated as "Best Host in a Pre-School, Children's or Youth Program or Series" in the 2009 Gemini Awards. The show was nominated for "Best Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Program or Series" in the 2011 Gemini Awards. In 2011, Mark Lawrence, the director of In Real Life was nominated for a Leo Award for "Best Direction in a Youth or Children's Program or Series".
The first season was originally planned to premiere on February 4, 2009 as In the Real World but was delayed one month. The first season premiered on March 4, 2009. The second season premiered on October 4, 2010. The third season of the series premiered on October 3, 2011.

Overview

Each season of In Real Life features eighteen kids, aged 12–14, from across Canada competing throughout North America in various real life jobs. At the start of each season, the eighteen challengers are paired up into nine teams of two and given team colours, or Pink ).
In each experience, the challengers compete in three tasks related to one job in the real world. Each experience also contains a hidden "Shield", which a team can find and use to protect themselves from elimination. The first team/challenger to cross the finish line at the end of each experience is given the choice between two prizes: the "Big Reward" for instant gratification or the "Wrench" which will slow another team down in the next experience. The second team/challenger to cross the finish line receives whichever prize the first team turned down. The last team/challenger to cross the finish line is usually eliminated, unless they possess a "Shield" or it is a non-elimination experience.
The shield cannot be used more than once in the competition but if you find it you can keep it for the whole competition.
When five teams remain in the competition, they will have the opportunity to split up and pair up with a new teammate. When Three teams are left the teams are dissolved and the challengers will compete as solo competitors.
In the very last experience, the winner will receive the title of "In Real Life Champion", college tuition money, and an all-expense-paid family vacation.

Seasons

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryResult
2009Gemini AwardsSabrina Jalees, Best Host in a Pre-School, Children's Youth Program or Series
2010Shaw Rocket PrizeBest Children's, Youth, or Family Program
2011Leo AwardsMark Lawrence, Best Direction in a Youth or Children's Program or Series
2011Youth Media Alliance Awards of ExcellenceBest Convergent Interactive Content
2011Gemini AwardsBest Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Program or Series
2012Digi AwardsBest in Cross-Platform - Kids
2012Kidscreen AwardsViewer's Choice for Best Tweens/Teens Program
2012Kidscreen AwardsBest Tweens/Teens Companion Website
2013Kidscreen AwardsBest Tweens/Teens Non-Animated or Mixed Series
2013International Emmy Kids AwardsBest Non-Scripted Entertainment
2013Canadian Screen AwardsBest Cross-Platform Project – Children's and Youth
2013Canadian Screen AwardsClaire Cappelletti, Best Writing in a Lifestyle or Reality/Competition Program or Series
2013Youth Media Alliance Awards of ExcellenceAwards of Excellence for Best Television Program, All Genres, Teen Category
2013Youth Media Alliance Awards of ExcellenceParents' Award

Records

Talon holds the record for most times wrenched throughout the series, 5, where as Kelly & Andreas hold the record for most times wrenched in a single experience, 2 Times.
Ruby-Rae, Maddison H, Sam, Amber, Abhinav, & Zachary all tied for this record.