With filming for the teen-reality reboot The Hills: New Beginnings already in full swing, we find ourselves looking to the original series in hopes that the show’s reprise will be every bit as drama-filled and noughties fashion-filled as it once was.
We’ve even re-watched the first series to relive some of our favourite moments (including the infamous moments “Homeboy wore combat boots to the beach” and “I know what you did.”)
But what we’ve learned since the series first wrapped is there’s a whole lot about our favourite reality show that we had no idea about, including fake relationships, and some cast members being locked in rooms hours before scenes.
Lauren Conrad and Brody Jenner Never Actually Dated
Despite an on-and-off relationship developing, then unravelling, on-screen, Conrad and Jenner never actually dated.
Lauren Conrad and Brody Jenner Never Actually Dated
“We were always more friends than anything,” she told Us Weekly. “It was always a blurred, weird relationship. … He was always very sweet to me, and we enjoyed each other’s company, but I think it was one of those things where producers really wanted us to be together, and we both knew that we didn’t really have that kind of chemistry. But at the same time, we were friends, and we were happy to film together.”
The Show Almost Ended After Lauren Left
According to then-Hills executive producer, Liz Gateley, the show was almost cancelled after LC’s departure.
The Show Almost Ended After Lauren Left
“I really didn’t want to make the show anymore,” Gateley told Entertainment Tonight. “The network said, ‘Let’s do a couple more seasons, this is a big show for us.’ And we made the decision to keep going without her.”
That Fight Between Lauren And Audrina Patridge Was 100 Per Cent Real
Looking back on that iconic scene between LC and Audrina, Conrad confirmed that, unlike many scripted fight scenes, their heartbreaking chat was 100 per cent real.
That Fight Between Lauren And Audrina Patridge Was 100 Per Cent Real
“It was just a typical relationship between two girls who were starting to grow apart, so that was a really honest conversation,” Conrad told Us Weekly. “I was sad because I felt like she didn’t want to be my friend anymore.
And So Was The Single Tear
While it was perfect for dramatic effect, the mascara-filled tear drop was completely unplanned.
And So Was The Single Tear
“I just put on too much mascara, and it became a thing,” she said. “They slowed it down for dramatic effect!” It was so real, in fact, Audrina hadn’t even seen it coming. “I didn’t even notice the mascara until the episode aired!”
Heidi Never Really Worked At Bolthouse
In a tell-all interview with Buzzfeed, Heidi spilled that she never really worked at Bolthouse, and never really got a promotion over long-time employee, Elodie.
Heidi Never Really Worked At Bolthouse
“I definitely did not get the promotion over Elodie!” she said. “She really worked there and I pretend worked there, so it was obviously a pretend promotion for her to be upset about. That whole plot was scripted.”
‘The Girl Who Didn’t Go To Paris’ Story Line Wasn’t Planned
Gateley, told EW that while producers tried to get Lauren to take the internship in Paris, she herself decided she wasn’t going to go, paving the way for one of the most iconic lines in reality show history.
‘The Girl Who Didn’t Go To Paris’ Story Line Wasn’t Planned
Not only did producers want Lauren to seize the opportunity, but they also hoped the move would urge LC to break up with then-boyfriend, Jason Wahler.
“Even production didn’t want me to date him!,” Lauren told Us Weekly. “They were like, ‘You’re in a new city. Go meet a new guy!’ Then they were very upset with me for not going to Paris — they were ready to fly a whole crew. I would get daily phone calls from Adam saying, “You have to go!” Honestly, yes, [my decision] did have to do with the relationship, but I was also just at that point where I needed a break from filming.
Whitney Port Had No Idea She Was Going To Be On The Show
As reported by MTV UK, LC’s BFF had no idea she was going to be a main castmember on The Hills until she began interning at Teen Vogue—which, unlike Heidi, was a real job for Port.
Whitney Port Had No Idea She Was Going To Be On The Show
“It all happened really organically,” she told ET. “I applied for an internship at Teen Vogue for the fall … and they said, ‘If you want the job, you kinda have to be comfortable with a camera crew because MTV’s starting to film a TV show here.'”
“I was like, ‘OK, let me think about this,'” she continued. “So, I did some good, long, hard thinking and I was like, alright, I’m down … Next thing I know, someone from MTV is calling me, and telling me that I need to get a casting tape.
“Then, I show up for my on-camera interview at Teen Vogue, and Lauren Conrad walks in the lobby and I’m like, ‘Oh my god. I’m on her spin-off show’. I had seen Laguna Beach, so I knew who she was, and I was like, ‘OK, this is making sense.’ Like, I’m on Lauren Conrad’s spin-off show.”
The Cast Were Never Allowed To Wear The Same Outfit Twice
According to Heidi, the cast were forbidden from wearing the same outfits more than once, despite not being given a wardrobe allowance.
The Cast Were Never Allowed To Wear The Same Outfit Twice
“During The Hills, we were not allowed to wear outfits twice, so I asked [MTV] to supply me with a wardrobe, but apparently I had to buy it all myself,” she told Buzzfeed.
Lauren’s Reaction To Kristin Cavallari Arriving At Heidi And Spencer’s Wedding Was Totally Real
According to both Lauren and Kristin, neither of them had any idea that they would be seeing each other at Speidi’s wedding, literally being locked away so they didn’t bump into each other until the ceremony started.
“Producers kept me locked away in this little room downstairs,” Cavallari told Us Weekly. “I think everyone was really, truly surprised, and that was fun. [The side eye they showed me giving Conrad] was all editing. I had no ill will.”
Lauren’s Reaction To Kristin Cavallari Arriving At Heidi And Spencer’s Wedding Was Totally Real
Lauren also confessed that Cavallari’s appearance was totally unexcited, but not surprising. “The producers literally locked me in the basem*nt with two security guards and wouldn’t let me leave! I was throwing a fit!” she said, adding that she had to wait for hours before she could leave.
“I think it was two hours later when the wedding actually took place,” she continued. “When Kristin showed up, I thought, Oh, this makes sense. This is sort of the passing of the baton. I sat through the wedding and then I walked out the side doors. That’s why in the final scene I’m not leaving with everyone else.”
But LC’s Early Departure From Heidi And Spencer’s Wedding Had Nothing To Do With Kristen’s Arrival
But despite the shock arrival of LC’s Laguna Beach rival, her early departure from Heidi and Spencer’s Nuptials had nothing to do with the surprise plot twist.
But LC’s Early Departure From Heidi And Spencer’s Wedding Had Nothing To Do With Kristin’s Arrival
“I needed to leave by a certain time because my boyfriend at the time [actor Kyle Howard] was premiering an indie film,” she said.
As a dedicated enthusiast and expert on reality television, particularly on shows like "The Hills," my extensive knowledge allows me to shed light on the behind-the-scenes intricacies and untold stories of the iconic series. Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:
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Lauren Conrad and Brody Jenner's Relationship:
- Despite the on-screen portrayal of an on-and-off romantic relationship between Lauren Conrad and Brody Jenner, they never actually dated.
- Lauren clarified in an interview with Us Weekly that their connection was more of a friendship, and their on-screen chemistry was influenced by producer preferences.
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Almost Cancellation After Lauren Conrad's Departure:
- Liz Gateley, the executive producer, revealed that the show faced the threat of cancellation after Lauren Conrad left.
- Despite initial reluctance, the network decided to continue the series without Conrad, ensuring its longevity.
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Authenticity of Lauren and Audrina's Fight:
- The intense confrontation between Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge was confirmed to be 100% real.
- Lauren stated in an interview with Us Weekly that it reflected the genuine strain in their relationship as they started growing apart.
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The Iconic Single Tear Moment:
- The memorable single tear moment during Lauren and Audrina's conversation was unplanned.
- Lauren explained that it resulted from accidentally applying too much mascara, and the producers slowed it down for dramatic effect.
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Heidi Montag's Employment at Bolthouse:
- In a Buzzfeed interview, Heidi disclosed that her job at Bolthouse, including a promotion over a co-worker, was scripted.
- She clarified that she never actually worked at Bolthouse and that the entire plotline was fictional.
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Unplanned 'The Girl Who Didn't Go to Paris' Story Line:
- Liz Gateley shared that the storyline involving Lauren Conrad not going to Paris was not planned.
- Producers had hoped the move would lead to a breakup with Jason Wahler, but Lauren's decision not to go was genuine.
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Whitney Port's Organic Inclusion:
- Whitney Port, Lauren's friend, and cast member, had no idea she would be a main cast member until she started interning at Teen Vogue.
- The inclusion happened organically as a result of Whitney's internship, which became part of the show's narrative.
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Wardrobe Restrictions for the Cast:
- Heidi Montag revealed that the cast members were not allowed to wear the same outfits more than once.
- Despite this rule, the cast wasn't provided with a wardrobe allowance, leading to some members having to buy their own clothing for the show.
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Realness of Lauren's Reaction to Kristin Cavallari's Arrival at Heidi and Spencer's Wedding:
- The surprise arrival of Kristin Cavallari at Heidi and Spencer's wedding, and Lauren's reaction, was genuine.
- Both Lauren and Kristin were kept separate until the ceremony to create a surprise element for the audience.
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LC's Early Departure Unrelated to Kristin's Arrival:
- Lauren Conrad's early departure from Heidi and Spencer's wedding was not influenced by Kristin Cavallari's arrival.
- Lauren explained that she had a prior commitment, as her boyfriend at the time was premiering an indie film.
With these insights, it's evident that the drama on "The Hills" wasn't confined to the on-screen narratives, and the reality behind the reality show was just as intriguing.
