The Hills (TV series)
 |
| The Hills | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Reality Show |
| Created by | Adam DiVello |
| Starring | see below |
| Opening theme | "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield[1] |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 6 |
| No. of episodes | 102 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 20-22 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | MTV |
| Release | May 31, 2006 – present |
| Related | |
| The City The Audrina Show The Heidi Show | |
The Hills is a television program that follows the personal lives of several people living in Los Angeles, California. The program premiered on May 31, 2006, and followed the personal life of former Laguna Beach star, Lauren Conrad and her friends, and their new lives in Los Angeles. After 5 seasons, Conrad chose to leave the series, and another former Laguna Beach star, Kristin Cavallari, replaced her starting in the second half of season 5. Cavallari announced on July 16, 2009 that she had signed on for two more seasons following the fifth.[2] On March 27, 2010, Entertainment Weekly ran a story announcing that the show's sixth season will be its last, spanning 12 episodes.[3] The series finale will air on July 13, 2010.
Entertainment Weekly ranked The Hills 82nd on their list of The 100 Best Shows of the Last 25 Years, stating that the series was a "New Classic."[4]
Overview
The Hills follows the lives of several young women in Los Angeles including Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, Whitney Port, and Heidi Montag. Kristin Cavallari, Stephanie Pratt, and Lo Bosworth, subsequently became focal points following the departures of Conrad, Port, and Montag.
After MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County became one of the network's highest-rated programs, producers wanted to continue the story of one of its more popular characters, Lauren Conrad, as she moved to Los Angeles. After the cameras turned off for the Laguna Beach cast, those same producers stayed on to follow Conrad as she left her home in Laguna and moved on to a new life in Los Angeles. The Hills follows the daily lives of Lauren and friends, documenting all of the drama that eventually ensues. Despite being billed and formatted as a reality series, scripting is used for production purposes.[5]
Initially, Lauren moves in with her friend Heidi Montag that she met while attending art school in San Francisco. Soon after, the pair become friends with new neighbor Audrina Patridge. However, as the series progresses, Lauren and Heidi end their friendship after rumors about Lauren having a sex tape surfaces. Heidi's boyfriend, Spencer Pratt, was accused of starting the rumor. When Lauren confronts Heidi, she stands by Spencer. The feud between the two women continues through each subsequent seasons, with Audrina providing a stabilizing influence in Lauren's life. While Lauren constantly fights with Heidi, she also makes time to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and lands an internship with Teen Vogue alongside new friend Whitney Port. Lauren's best friend, Lo Bosworth, moves in with her in the third season, and becomes a factor in the distance between Lauren and Audrina. Audrina is in a rocky relationship with Justin Brescia, whom Lo has jokingly titled "Justin-Bobby". Lauren befriends Brody Jenner after their brief relationship, followed by a memorable trip to Paris. Stephanie Pratt, the sister of Spencer, joins the cast in the third season, and later befriends Lauren, causing a rift between her relationship with Heidi and her brother. Whitney eventually moves to New York, and Heidi and Lauren had seemed to come to common terms in the fourth season. Lauren's suspicions about Spencer still hang over them.
Upon conclusion of season four, rumors were widespread that Conrad wanted to leave the series. Despite this, the producers persuaded her to film ten more episodes at the start of season five in order to settle her relationships before making her exit. As Heidi and Spencer decided to marry, Heidi wanted Lauren to attend their wedding. After much debate, Lauren decides to attend the wedding, and in her final appearance on the show, makes peace with Heidi. The episode also marks the arrival of Lauren's rival from Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, Kristin Cavallari who catches the bouquet at Heidi's wedding. Season five continues with Cavallari as the series' lead. A fight broke out between Cavallari and Audrina at Heidi and Spencer's honeymoon party, as Kristin was flirting with Justin. The feud between Audrina and Kristin turns out to be a major plotline over the rest of the season. In addition, Heidi and Spencer battle over whether or not to start a family (Heidi wants children, Spencer does not).
The sixth and final season, premiered on April 27, 2010. It began with Heidi's much publicized plastic surgery drama, as she reveals herself to her family for the first time. The rest of the girls, Kristin, Audrina, Lo, and Stephanie head to Miami for Super Bowl weekend, where Kristin's wild partying leads to rumors about her alleged drug use. Heidi and Spencer continue to isolate their family and friends, to the point where no one wants to be involved in their crazy antics. Meanwhile, Brody and Kristin begin flirting again. He soon starts dating McKaela, who brings trouble in the form of Allie, Kristin's old rival. McKaela befriends Lo, and immediately clashes with Kristin. Drama ensues as Kristin has confrontations with both Allie and McKaela. Audrina begins dating singer Ryan Cabrera. The relationship came to an end, and Justin tries to come back into Audrina's life, but she refuses. Stephanie finds it difficult to get back into the dating scene after her arrest for drunk driving, but soon finds the right guy. Lo is in a happy relationship for over a year with boyfriend Scott, and contemplates moving in.
Ratings
The day The Hills first premiered, it followed the season 2 finale of Laguna Beach, and viewership stayed roughly the same between the programs. Ratings were high for MTV and one of the highest for any cable network. There was a ratings dip after the season 2 finale as viewers reacted poorly to the developing story. From then on, viewership remained relatively steady. Ratings for the premiere of season four were down 9% among the 12-to-34 demographic (2.1 million) and down 5% among total viewers (3.5 million) in comparison to the show’s third season premiere.[6] Additionally, the total season 4 average was down 25% from that of season 3.[7] When season 5 premiered on April 6, 2009, both back-to-back episodes averaged 3 million viewers, which is lower than the season 4 premiere had last year. The season 5 part 1 finale brought in 2.7 million viewers. This was slightly less than the season premiere yet still higher than the season 4 finale, which garnered roughly 2.5 million viewers.[8] The second part season of 5 of the Hills premiered on Tuesday September 29 at 10pm and had a 30% decline in ratings. It premiered with 2.1 million viewers, nearly a million less than had seen the previous season's premiere. Since its premiere, the show's ratings increased a bit. The second half of season five has averaged about 2.5 million viewers per episode. The final season of the Hills beat the season 5 part 2's premiere and equaled the season 5 part 1's finale at 2.7 million viewers.
Spin offs
- Whitney Port received her own spin-off from The Hills entitled The City.[9] The series centers around Port as she moves to New York City to work for fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg.[9][10] The series debuted December 29, 2008 on MTV.
- Kelly Cutrone, PR fashion maven and mentor to Lauren Conrad & Whitney Port had a huge presence on "The Hills" & "The City", now stars in her own show, "Kell on Earth" debuting on Bravo February 1, 2010.[11] [12]
- Audrina Patridge confirmed on May 28, 2009 on "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" that she too will be starring in her own reality-based program documenting her life outside of The Hills. Tentatively titled The Audrina Show, it will be produced by Mark Burnett and was planned to also air on MTV, but got dropped, and now producers are looking for a new network.[13]
Starring
- This is the Main Cast for all seasons according to MTV. For a full list of current and former cast members of The Hills, see the list of cast members.
| Cast Member | Years Credited | Season(s) | Title(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Conrad1 | 2006–2009 | 1-5 | Lead Role | Original narrator. Moved to Los Angeles after being a main character on Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County to pursue a career in Fashion. Left series after first half of Season 5. |
| Kristin Cavallari1 | 2009–2010 | 5-6 | Lead Role | Replacement narrator. Moved to Los Angeles following her appearance on Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. Debuted in the second half of season 5. |
| Audrina Patridge1 | 2006–2010 | 1-6 | Lead Role | Heidi's friend. Then becomes Lauren's friend & housemate. Appeared in more episodes than any other castmember. |
| Whitney Port1 | 2006–2008 | 1-4 | Lead Role | Lauren's friend. Moved to New York City, now stars in own spin-off show, The City. |
| Lo Bosworth1 | 2007–2010 | 2-6 | Lead Role | Credited as "Lauren's friend" until Lauren's departure, then "Audrina's friend", then elevated to lead role in Season 6. |
| Stephanie Pratt1 | 2007–2010 | 3-6 | Lead Role | Credited as "Spencer's Sister", then elevated to lead role in Season 6, Episode 5. |
| Heidi Montag1 | 2006–2010 | 1-6 | Lead Role | Lauren's friend prior to Season 3 & Kristin's friend. Spencer's wife. Absent after Season 6, Episode 4. |
| Brody Jenner | 2007–2010 | 2-6 | Supporting | Credited as "Lauren's friend" until Lauren's departure, then "Kristin's Ex". |
| Frankie Delgado | 2007-2010 | 2-6 | Supporting | Credited as "Lauren's friend" then later known as "Brody's friend". |
| Stacie Hall | 2009–2010 | 5-6 | Supporting | Credited as "The Bartender" before becoming "Kristin's Friend". |
| Justin Brescia | 2007–2010 | 3-6 | Supporting | Credited as Audrina's Boyfriend, Audrina's Ex-Boyfriend, Kristin's Love interest. Commonly known as "Justin-Bobby". |
| Holly Montag | 2007–2010 | 4-6 | Supporting | Credited as "Heidi's Sister" |
| Spencer Pratt | 2007–2010 | 2-6 | Supporting | Credited as "Heidi's Boyfriend", then "Heidi's Fiancee", then "Heidi's Husband". Absent after Season 6, Episode 4. |
1 Only members to receive star billing in opening credits.
Seasons
| Season One | |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date Wednesday, May 31, 2006 |
Lauren's road to independence was documented shortly after leaving Laguna Beach and moving to Los Angeles with her best friend, Heidi Montag. In L.A the girls meet future best friend Audrina. Lauren and Heidi had originally intended to attend FIDM together, but Heidi unofficially withdraws to go work for Bolthouse Productions. Additionally, Lauren lands a job interning with Teen Vogue magazine, where she meets new friend, Whitney and together the two embark on their careers in fashion. Heidi begins dating Jordan, and Lauren's ex-boyfriend, Jason, follows her to LA in an effort to woo her back. The two evidently get back together. In the season finale, Lauren makes a difficult decision. (more) |
| DVD Release Date Tuesday, February 13, 2007 | |
| 10 Episodes | |
| Season Two | |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date Monday, January 15, 2007 |
Lauren tearfully breaks up with long time boyfriend Jason. In response, Heidi's new boyfriend, Spencer, introduces Lauren to his friend, Brody, and the two have a short-lived relationship. Lauren still has feelings for Brody, but her friend, Jen, is introduced to him by Spencer and Heidi, causing tension between Lauren, Jen and Heidi. Over time, Heidi becomes blind to Spencer's mischievous ways, and Lauren, who is concerned, subsequently turns to Audrina and childhood friend, Lo, for friendship. Meanwhile, Lauren and Whitney are challenged at work when New York intern, Emily, comes to help. Whitney is eager to move ahead in the fashion world, applying for jobs at teen vogue and even trying out modelling. In the season finale, Spencer surprises Heidi. (more) |
| DVD Release Date Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | |
| 12 Episodes | |
| Season Three | |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date Monday, August 13, 2007 |
Lauren gets upset when a vicious rumor about her surfaces and she blames Spencer for starting it. At school, Lauren inadvertently befriends Spencer's sister, Stephanie, after she apologizes for verbally attacking her in response to Lauren's feud with Spencer and Heidi. After a work trip to Paris, Whitney feels her job isn't what she wants and quits. In a search for a new job she interviews for fashion PR firm, People's Revolution. Meanwhile, Spencer wants take his relationship with Heidi to the next level, but has a hard time confirming his commitment. Audrina rekindles her rocky relationship with former flame, Justin. In the season finale, Lauren makes a big move. (more) |
| DVD Release Date Tuesday, July 29, 2008 | |
| 28 Episodes | |
| Season Four | |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date Monday, August 18, 2008 |
Lauren is surprised to know that two of her best friends are butting heads. Meanwhile, Spencer continues to be a strain on Heidi, especially when Heidi's sister, Holly, chooses to move to LA. Spencer gets Heidi fired for drinking while on the job. In an effort to save their relationship, the pair unofficially elope, forcing her mother to voice her disappointment. Lauren has a huge rift with Audrina when yet another vicious rumor threatens a tight friendship. Additionally, Whitney's boss offers her the chance to interview with Diane von Furstenberg. In the season finale, Whitney learns the outcome of her interview. |
| DVD Release Date Tuesday, March 3, 2009 | |
| 20 Episodes | |
| Season Five | |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date Monday, April 6, 2009 |
In the first half of Season 5, Lauren is celebrating her 23rd birthday on a yacht when Heidi turns up impulsivley in an effort to renew their friendship. Heidi later finds out that in her absence, Spencer had spent the evening flirting with a bartender. Delivered with an ultimatum, Spencer attends couples' therapy, tries to makes amends with Lauren, and proposes for a third time. Ultimately, Lauren changes her mind about Heidi's wedding invitation and decides to attend. In the second half of Season 5, Kristin Cavallari joins the cast. It isn't long before Kristen has made it apparent she has an interest in Justin, Audrina struggles to admit how this really makes her feel; is she still interested in Justin or does she want a fresh start? Meanwhile, Heidi decides she wants to have a baby, Spencer on the other hand is firmly against the idea. Brody and Jayde start to question their relationship, whilst Holly (Heidi's sister) struggles with a drinking problem.(more) |
| DVD Release Dates Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Tuesday, April 27, 2010 | |
| 20 Episodes | |
| Season Six | |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date Tuesday, April 27, 2010 |
In the final season of The Hills, Kristin, Audrina, Lo, Stephanie and Heidi learn that the people they love the most can be the hardest to hold on to. When Kristin comes to terms with her fading summer romance with Justin, she regrets the enemies she has made in L.A and decides to renew her friendships with the girls. But when Kristin abandons the girls in Miami, rumors about her wild partying and possible drug abuse surface. Luckily, she's got her friend, Brody to stand by her. Audrina finds a fresh start and a true shot at happiness when she starts dating her old friend, Ryan Cabrera. No one has changed more than Heidi. Because of her cosmetic surgeries, Heidi has to endure the disapproval of her mother and friends, and soon begins alienating them as a result. The Hills may be coming to an end, but it's not over until it's over. The end is just beginning. |
| DVD Release Date TBA | |
| 12 Episodes | |
Finale
On December 1, 2009, it was announced on The Hills season finale Live After Show that there would be a sixth season, which began filming on January 13, 2010 and debuted on April 27, 2010. On March 27, 2010, Entertainment Weekly ran a story announcing that the show's sixth season will be its last, spanning 12 episodes. On March 25, 2010 The Hills producer and creator Adam DiVello confirmed that he had chosen to end the show.[14] Despite speculations from both the cast members as well as the show's mastermind Adam DiVello concerning the possibility of Lauren Conrad's return, the former series star confirmed she would not appear in any of season six episodes or the series finale, however it has been confirmed that Lauren Conrad will be on the Hills finale After Show.[15] The series finale will air on July 13, 2010.
Releases
| Season | Date Released | # Of Episodes | # Of Discs | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Complete 1st Season | February 13, 2007 | 10 | 3 | Deleted Scenes, Interviews |
| The Complete 2nd Season | August 7, 2007 | 12 | 3 | Deleted Scenes, Interviews |
| The Complete 3rd Season | July 29, 2008 | 28 | 4 | Deleted Scenes, Interviews |
| The Complete 4th Season | March 3, 2009 | 20 | 3 | Deleted Scenes, Interviews |
| The Complete 5th Season | (Part 1) October 6, 2009 (Part 2) April 27, 2010 |
10 10 |
2 2 |
Deleted Scenes, Interviews |
| The Complete 6th Season | TBA | 12 | TBA | TBA |
References
- ^ "U.K. singer behind breezy tune". Toronto Star. 2007-10-05.
- ^ Perezhilton.com
- ^ Stack, Tim (24 March 2010). "'The Hills' exclusive: Season premiering April 27 will be the last". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
- ^ EW.com
- ^ Buddytv.com
- ^ "Fourth season 'Hills' premiere takes a dip", The Live Feed, August 19, 2008.
- ^ "Hills Season 4 Ratings Down 25 Percent"
- ^ "Top twenty cable network television shows for the week ending May 31 , 2009"
- ^ a b "It's a go For Whitney Port's Spinoff".
- ^ "Kelly Cutrone Will Shell Out Dating Advice on The City". The New York Observer
- ^ IMDb.com
- ^ NYdailynews.com
- ^ MTV.com
- ^ Perezhilton.com
- ^ Eonline.com