URGENT UPDATE: MTV is officially shutting down its iconic music channels globally after an impressive 44 years. Music lovers have only a few hours left to enjoy channels like MTV Music and MTV 80s before they are removed for good.
Paramount Global announced on Tuesday that by the end of 2023, MTV’s dedicated music channels will disappear from distributors in the U.K. and Europe, including major platforms like Sky and Virgin Media. This change follows a trend where many U.S. viewers have already lost access to music-centric programming. Now, contracts for regional feeds in the U.S. will expire, putting a definitive end to dedicated music channels there as well.
Fans are taking to social media to mourn the end of an era. One user expressed, “Yes, it’s sad, I will miss them music channels.” Another reminisced, “#MTV’s last music channels go dark tonight, and I’m suddenly 14 again watching Total Request Live after school,” referencing the beloved program that defined the late 1990s and early 2000s. As the last remaining music channels prepare to go dark, a third user lamented, “The era of MTV as a music video destination that defined generations has ended,” accompanied by a broken-heart emoji.
While MTV’s music channels will cease to exist, the main MTV channel will continue its programming, focusing on reality shows such as Jersey Shore, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Catfish: The TV Show. Notably, in October, MTV also announced it would cancel its long-running series, Ridiculousness, which had been a network staple since 2011. Though no new episodes will be produced, previously filmed episodes will continue airing through 2026.
The cultural impact of MTV’s music channels has been profound, shaping the music industry and influencing countless artists and fans worldwide. As the final hours tick away, the nostalgia is palpable, with millions reflecting on the channel’s legacy in music and youth culture.
As fans brace for the inevitable, the question remains: What will fill the void left by MTV’s departure from music programming? Stay tuned for updates on how this significant shift will reshape the landscape of music television.
