Is MTV Shutting Down?
Let’s clear the air first, no, MTV isn’t disappearing forever. The iconic network that basically shaped music TV in the '80s and '90s isn’t shutting down entirely, but yeah... part of it is. And that part really stings if you grew up hearing “MTV News” between your favorite videos.
So, what’s going down? Several beloved MTV music channels, including MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, and more, will all go dark after December 31, 2025. That means no more late-night '90s throwbacks or live gig reruns blasting from your TV. SAY CHEESE! (@SaycheeseDGTL) reported on X that MTV has shut down its music channels after 40 years, noting that the network once aired music videos around the clock before shifting its focus to more profitable reality shows.
But don’t panic just yet; MTV HD, the main channel that airs reality shows like Geordie Shore and Naked Dating UK, will continue to roll. It’s only the music side of the brand that’s getting the axe (which, let’s be honest, MTV hasn’t been about “music” for quite a while now).
MTV Music Channels Shutting Down
Here’s the simple rundown of what’s ending:
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MTV Music – the main music video channel
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MTV 80s – our retro escape to synths and shoulder pads
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MTV 90s – the nostalgia zone for those who lived through the grunge and boyband era
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Club MTV – the house party channel for dance and electronic tracks
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MTV Live – home for live performances and concerts
These were the last few pieces of “old MTV” still doing what the brand originally stood for: music videos, performances, and vibes. (@AlbumTalksHQ) shared on X that MTV is reportedly preparing to shut down its music channels after 40 years of operation.
Former VJ Simone Angel even told the BBC that the decision “broke her heart.” She’s not alone. For many, watching MTV was more than background noise; it was how people discovered music before YouTube existed. Now, most of us stream our playlists on phones and laptops, and that’s part of the problem.
Apparently, it’s all tied to Paramount Global’s cost-cutting plan, about $500 million in total. That’s a massive move, and it’s not just MTV feeling it. Paramount also shut down its television studio division earlier this year, which had produced shows like Jack Ryan and The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Which Countries Will Majorly Witness the MTV Shutdown?
The shutdown starts with the UK and Ireland, where all five channels will officially close by the end of 2025. Then, expect ripple effects. Reports suggest that similar closures are coming in Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil, possibly more after that.
What’s interesting (and kinda sad) is how it marks a shift in how people watch music content. MTV used to be the only place to see a new video premiere. Now? YouTube gets billions of views in a day. TikTok trends can launch careers overnight. Cable television just can’t keep up with that pace anymore.
Still, it hits differently to think that the same network that introduced the world to Madonna, Nirvana, and Beyoncé’s early videos will soon stop doing what it did best, showing music.
