MTV shuts down remaining music channels worldwide after 44 years on air

MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live go dark as existing distribution contracts expire

MTV is set to shut down its remaining music-only channels worldwide, bringing an end to 44 years of round-the-clock music broadcasting and prompting an outpouring of nostalgia from viewers.

Paramount Global confirmed that the final 24-hour music channels operating in the UK and Europe will be removed from distribution on Sky and Virgin Media by the end of the year. While many music-focused MTV channels in the United States had already been withdrawn, some international regions continued to carry dedicated feeds such as MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live.

These remaining channels will go dark as existing distribution contracts expire, meaning no music-only MTV channels will be available globally after the New Year. The move effectively ends MTV’s long-standing association with continuous music video programming, which defined the network’s early identity.

Fans reacted to the announcement across social media, reflecting on the cultural impact of the channel.

MTV’s flagship channel will continue broadcasting its current slate of programming, which is largely centred on reality television and pop culture content. Shows such as Jersey Shore, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Catfish: The TV Show remain part of its schedule, alongside reruns of earlier series.

In October, MTV also confirmed the cancellation of Ridiculousness, a long-running comedy series that debuted in 2011 and ran for 46 seasons. While no new episodes will be produced, previously unaired instalments are expected to run through 2026, with past seasons remaining available on MTV and Paramount+.