[2] The series initially received a trial run on Fox-owned markets in the summer of 2013 and premiered for full syndication in 2014.

In the summer of 2013, it was announced that the series would be tested on seven Fox-owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Phoenix, Houston and Tampa.

[9][10] The program switched to broadcasting live in its fourth season, allowing viewers "a seat at the table" starting September 2017.

[25] The following June, Seales exited the series, citing her dissatisfaction with the inability to openly speak on recent social issues as a reason, along with a lack of minority executive staff within Telepictures.

In January 2016, the co-hosts traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit The White House and First Lady Michelle Obama.

[31][32] On April 30, 2018, The Real held a celebratory episode following their win at the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards one day before.