The MTV Network recently removed the ‘Music Television” tag from their logo and it wasn’t a moment too soon. While MTV launched in 1981 as an all-music channel, the network began to make the transition into other types of programming in the late 1980’s. It didn’t take long for MTV to air a wide array of non-music programming, with varying degrees of success. Now there’s hardly a music video to be found on the network. From teen angst to life in the Hollywood hills, here are the some of the best MTV Shows of All Time.
Made (2003-present). This inspirational reality show follows teens as they attempt to reach their personal goals. Whether it a dream of being a triathelete, a singer, or class president, the teens are given a life coach (okay, it’s called a Made Coach) who helps them make their dreams come true.
Remote Control (1987- 1990). MTV’s first foray into the game show genre featured TV junkie Ken Ober as the host of this tongue and cheek quiz show, which was said to be filmed in his fictional basement on Whooping Cough Lane. Contestants on Remote Control had to answer a series of trivia questions about TV, music and movies. Comedian Colin Quinn served as Ober’s sidekick on the show. The show’s unique”elimination” of contestants made it clear that this was not your ordinary game show, but it was fun to go along for the ride.
The Hills (2006-present). Following the success of the MTV reality show Laguna Beach, popular teen Lauren Conrad signed on to do her own spinoff. Thus, The Hills was born. The show followed Conrad as she made her way in L.A. while working and attending fashion design school. Later seasons of the show became more tabloidy and devoted more time to bickering between Conrad and her former best friend Heidi Montag (and Montag’s man, Spencer Pratt). Still, in the initial seasons it was interesting to see Conrad out of high school and out on her own. In 2009, Conrad left the show and was replaced by Kristin Cavallari.
Diary (2000- present). This show documents the everyday lives of celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Chris Rock and Marilyn Manson. It gives viewers a glimpse into the celeb’s lives, while not focusing on just the glamour. The series’ subjects talk right into the camera, in a first-hand narration format.
Dead at 21 (1994). MTV’s first dramatic series was short lived, but it was innovative at the time and paved the way for more non-music programming on the network. Dead at 21 starred Jack Noseworthy as Ed Bellamy, a 20 year old who found out he was part of a government experiment to make humans smarter. If he didn’t track down the scientist who headed the experiment, his life would end on his 21st birthday.
120 Minutes (1986-2000). Back in their all-music heyday, MTV quickly became acclimated into playing mostly mainstream music in heavy rotation. So what to do with all those alternative music videos? 120 Minutes was a music show that showcased underground bands like Concrete Blonde, World Party, The Smiths, Cocteau Twins, Sonic Youth and XTC. It was the place to see alternative music videos back in the days when alternative wasn’t the norm.
My So Called Life (1995-1998). While not technically an original MTV show, new life was given to this ABC reject about 15 year old Angela Chase (Claire Danes) and her life or lack thereof. This coming of age show, which also starred Tom Irwin, Bess Armstrong, A.J. Langer and Jared Leto, enjoyed a cult following on MTV for several years after it was unceremoniously canceled by ABC in 1995. Reruns of My So Called Life’s original 19 episodes played on MTV repeatedly- and new fans were made.
True Life (1998- present). This award winning documentary follows the real life stories of young people and the obstacles they face. The subject matter on True Life varies (everything from being the new kid in town to video game addiction), but when it’s good it’s really good.
MTV Unplugged ( 1989-present). This Emmy nominated series has showcased some of MTV’s biggest rock stars performing acoustic versions of their songs. Gone are the glam videos, electric guitars and synthesizers- it’s just the artist, a microphone and an acoustic guitar. Some of the most notable Unplugged performances since the show’s inception include Stevie Ray Vaughn (1990), Nirvana (1993) and Alice in Chains (1996).
The Real World (1992). Way ahead of today’s reality game, MTV’s first season of The Real World was groundbreaking at the time of its debut. On The Real World, seven strangers lived together in a New York loft and had their lives taped. The idea was novel at the time and viewers were fascinated by the voyeuristic, unscripted nature of the show. The first season of The Real World tackled topics like racism and homosexuality, subjects that were rarely talked about on TV at the time. Subsequent seasons of the show focused more on the cast member’s partying and romantic hook ups and the substance of the show show quickly went downhill from there. But the first season of The Real World really stands out from the rest.
Sources:
MTV.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_programs_broadcast_by_MTV
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409579/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_Control_(game_show)
http://www.mtv.com/shows/truelife/series.jhtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_at_21
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/120_minutes
http://www.mtv.com/music/unplugged/
http://www.mtv.com/shows/the_hills/season_5/series.jhtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_World
