MTV continues to evolve with every generation.
And now, it appears as though the music network is going back to the drawing board with emphasis on its origins.
In recent years, MTV has received criticism for failing to air shows centered around musical artists. You may remember, the “M” in MTV stands for music, although it’s become more of a lost art for viewers. The network has put more efforts toward a reality format with popular shows like Teen Mom, Catfish and scripted programming including Awkward.
“Advertisers, fans — they always ask, ‘Can you bring music back?’,” said MTV president Sean Atkins. The network is now doing it “through a filter that brings the unique and unexpected while inspired by music and popular culture.”
Announced on Thursday, at the Viacom owned network’s upfront presentation, new episodes of Unplugged will begin airing later this year. The once highly coveted show debuted in 1989 with intimate, acoustic performances from artists.
By the 2000s, the show began to lose its momentum, eventually running sparingly either online or on sister networks. Now, Unplugged is back for young music lovers with the same old school influence, but a heavier connection to video platforms.
Wonderland is on the horizon for MTV this fall, a live weekly music performance series, which is a first in almost two decades.
You can also expect to see, “It’s The Real” (working title) an upcoming project executive produced John Legend on MTV.
And remember, Cribs? The show that made us jealous of (some) celebrities who allowed a camera crew into their home as they casually bragged about their multi-million dollar belongings?
It’s getting a reboot, but with a Snapchat feel, which will likely be shorter than the original 30-minute format. According to Variety, Cribs will debut in June with new, weekly episodes starting with Mac Miller, Austin Mahone and Travis Mills (Harpo, who are they?).
BET, like MTV under the parent company Viacom, announced this week that it will revamp much of its programming. We’ll be on the watch to see how both cable networks will appease its fan base.
Any guesses on whether Redman has cleaned up in the last 15 years? Did his cousin make it out?
