MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
10-13-25 | 05:27 AM
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2572162...by-end-of-2025
So if you're still watching pirated MTV music video streams from Europe, you can kiss them goodbye. I assume this will probably affect Asia as well.
Pretty sad that only YouTube will likely be the broadcaster for future music videos around the world.
Multiple reports confirm that MTV’s remaining music-focused channels will go off air this December, signaling a significant change for the once-dominant music television brand.
The closures affect channels such as MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, which have been staples in the UK and across Europe.
The flagship MTV HD channel will remain active, though its programming has long leaned toward entertainment and reality series rather than music videos.
Paramount Global, MTV’s parent company, has not provided full details but confirmed the move is part of a global restructuring effort.
Industry observers note that the shift reflects the broader evolution of music consumption, with streaming platforms and social media replacing television as the main sources for discovering artists and songs.
The announcement has sparked nostalgia among fans and former MTV personalities. Ex-VJ Simone Angel told the BBC that the closure “breaks her heart,” describing MTV as a space that united artists and audiences in a shared musical experience.
On social media, many expressed surprise and sadness. Some mistook the news for MTV’s complete shutdown, while others reflected on the network’s cultural influence since its 1981 debut, from launching the video era to helping define global pop culture through decades of music and television innovation.
As 2025 winds down, the end of MTV’s dedicated music channels marks more than a business decision.
It closes a defining chapter in the history of how generations experienced and celebrated music on screen, leaving behind a legacy that continues to echo in today’s digital world.
The closures affect channels such as MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, which have been staples in the UK and across Europe.
The flagship MTV HD channel will remain active, though its programming has long leaned toward entertainment and reality series rather than music videos.
Paramount Global, MTV’s parent company, has not provided full details but confirmed the move is part of a global restructuring effort.
Industry observers note that the shift reflects the broader evolution of music consumption, with streaming platforms and social media replacing television as the main sources for discovering artists and songs.
The announcement has sparked nostalgia among fans and former MTV personalities. Ex-VJ Simone Angel told the BBC that the closure “breaks her heart,” describing MTV as a space that united artists and audiences in a shared musical experience.
On social media, many expressed surprise and sadness. Some mistook the news for MTV’s complete shutdown, while others reflected on the network’s cultural influence since its 1981 debut, from launching the video era to helping define global pop culture through decades of music and television innovation.
As 2025 winds down, the end of MTV’s dedicated music channels marks more than a business decision.
It closes a defining chapter in the history of how generations experienced and celebrated music on screen, leaving behind a legacy that continues to echo in today’s digital world.
So if you're still watching pirated MTV music video streams from Europe, you can kiss them goodbye. I assume this will probably affect Asia as well.
Pretty sad that only YouTube will likely be the broadcaster for future music videos around the world.
10-13-25 | 07:19 AM
#3
10-13-25 | 07:46 AM
#4
DVD Talk Legend
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Sign you are old: You can remember when MTV only showed music videos.
Sign you are getting old: You can remember when MTV showed music videos
Sign you are getting old: You can remember when MTV showed music videos
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10-13-25 | 07:53 AM
#5
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Yea. I lived in a very rural area and didn’t have it till 1992. I will still able to catch up on classic videos mostly through VH1. And was there for the best of the 90’s. Those videos and songs made me feel so good when I was a kid.
I wonder if those sort of greats will ever be supported by big record labels again. My thought is that Aerosmith or Metallica in 2025 would be on a small label and make a modest living from their small but rabid fan base. That seems to be the current model.
I wonder if those sort of greats will ever be supported by big record labels again. My thought is that Aerosmith or Metallica in 2025 would be on a small label and make a modest living from their small but rabid fan base. That seems to be the current model.
10-13-25 | 10:34 AM
#6
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
The Bugles need to come out of retirement and do an "Internet killed the video channel" song. But this is long past due. The channel lost sight of its mission decades ago.
10-13-25 | 10:48 AM
#7
DVD Talk Legend
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
It honestly seems very foolhardy to relinquish a brand that was synonymous with Music for so many decades. I'm reminded of HBOMax dropping the HBO, but then going back and restoring it because it had such a long legacy behind it.
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10-13-25 | 10:54 AM
#8
DVD Talk Reviewer & TOAT Winner
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
MTV just needs to be put out of its misery at this point. Does anyone watch the crap they show now?
10-13-25 | 10:56 AM
#9
DVD Talk Limited Edition
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
I had a similar conversation with someone about TWC and HLN. I remember when those stations only showed weather and headline news respectively 24/7.
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10-13-25 | 10:58 AM
#10
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
MTV Live or channel 572 on Directv in the U.S. will shut down too?
That sucks and they show music videos on their though they have the same old concerts from 2009-2012 in their rotation.
MTV Classic on channel 336 though not in HD is gone too?
They will have to rename or rebrand the VMA awards now.
That sucks and they show music videos on their though they have the same old concerts from 2009-2012 in their rotation.
MTV Classic on channel 336 though not in HD is gone too?
They will have to rename or rebrand the VMA awards now.
10-13-25 | 11:18 AM
#11
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Remember when TLC was actually about “learning” and not shitty reality shows. They had a series about the great books narrated by Donald Sutherland. Easily one of the best educational series on TV. It’s sad how far they have fallen.
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10-13-25 | 11:39 AM
#12
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
MTV Live or channel 572 on Directv in the U.S. will shut down too?
That sucks and they show music videos on their though they have the same old concerts from 2009-2012 in their rotation.
MTV Classic on channel 336 though not in HD is gone too?
They will have to rename or rebrand the VMA awards now.
That sucks and they show music videos on their though they have the same old concerts from 2009-2012 in their rotation.
MTV Classic on channel 336 though not in HD is gone too?
They will have to rename or rebrand the VMA awards now.
10-13-25 | 12:31 PM
#13
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
It's because it's cheap to make, has a deep catalog, can be shown in any order, and, for some reason, retains viewers. I'm guessing that millennial and genx people who have a familiarity with the brand will turn it on and leave it running for background noise or something.
MTV has been a zombie for years. Might as well just put a bullet in its head and get it over with.
10-13-25 | 12:35 PM
#14
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
I also remember really promoting the hell out of Craftmatic adjustable beds for some reason. Weren't those like hospital beds for old people?
Before that, or around that time, they also some non-music syndicated programming like Monty Python's Flying Circus and The Young Ones.
10-13-25 | 12:38 PM
#15
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Music videos still exist. I wonder why they never tried going back to that. Couldn’t be too expensive to rent a couple studios for vjs and work deals to promote the videos. They never tried.
10-13-25 | 12:39 PM
#16
DVD Talk Legend
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Surprised it was still around.
The only time I've heard "MTV" used was in reference to the "old days" from old farts like me, or on some sketch or something.
I don't think I've heard anyone from Gen-Z or younger ever mention it.
The only time I've heard "MTV" used was in reference to the "old days" from old farts like me, or on some sketch or something.
I don't think I've heard anyone from Gen-Z or younger ever mention it.
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10-13-25 | 12:42 PM
#17
DVD Talk Legend
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Why would kids sit in front of the TV and watch a channel in the hopes of seeing a music video they want to see, when they can just go on youtube, etc. and watch exactly what they want to watch at any time?
I don't think music videos are as popular as they were in the 80s and 90s, but even if they were more popular than ever - the delivery mechanism has changed.
10-13-25 | 12:56 PM
#18
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Just looked it up on wikipedia, and Ridiculousness is up to 1700 episodes and counting.
Jesus... how does that happen? That thing is one of the biggest pieces of shit I've ever seen. It's like sitting in some boring asshole's dorm room watching TikTok and Youtube. Except the boring asshole is a fifty year-old man trying to act like he's fourteen.
The enduring appeal of Rob Dyrdek baffles me. He comes off as completely witless and dull as dirt, but he's apparently a successful host, content creator, and businessman. I just don't get it. It's like the Illuminati pulled some nitwit out of a Foot Locker and made him famous. Or he made some kind of Faustian pact with the devil.
Jesus... how does that happen? That thing is one of the biggest pieces of shit I've ever seen. It's like sitting in some boring asshole's dorm room watching TikTok and Youtube. Except the boring asshole is a fifty year-old man trying to act like he's fourteen.
The enduring appeal of Rob Dyrdek baffles me. He comes off as completely witless and dull as dirt, but he's apparently a successful host, content creator, and businessman. I just don't get it. It's like the Illuminati pulled some nitwit out of a Foot Locker and made him famous. Or he made some kind of Faustian pact with the devil.
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10-13-25 | 01:16 PM
#19
DVD Talk Godfather & 2020 TOTY Winner
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
I make note of what new parents are watching on their TV when I come in and check a new baby. Part of it might be that I tend to round at the same time most days, but I am consistently shocked at how often a new mother is watching Ridiculousness. I can't really understand why people watch that trash. It's like a low-budget America's Funniest Home Videos, without even the 'winners' and prizes on that show. It's what, just a couple of guests watching viral video clips? That's the whole show?
10-13-25 | 02:20 PM
#20
DVD Talk Reviewer & TOAT Winner
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
So “Ridiculousness” makes better background noise than music videos?
If you say MTV shouldn’t show music videos anymore because you can see those online, then I guess radio stations shouldn’t play music either. Though most of those now do it very badly, played by a computer instead of a live person.
If you say MTV shouldn’t show music videos anymore because you can see those online, then I guess radio stations shouldn’t play music either. Though most of those now do it very badly, played by a computer instead of a live person.
10-13-25 | 04:25 PM
#21
DVD Talk Legend
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Update: You know you are really old when you don't know what Ridiculousness is.
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10-13-25 | 04:44 PM
#22
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
And I'm like, "What the fuck is this? Why is MTV filling up their schedule with it?"
After a couple of months of noticing this on and off, I watched part of an episode.
And I'm like, "What the fuck is this? Why is MTV filling up their schedule with it?"
10-13-25 | 07:46 PM
#23
DVD Talk Gold Edition
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
A while back I was curious and looked up why they were showing Ridiculousness around the clock.
It's because it's cheap to make, has a deep catalog, can be shown in any order, and, for some reason, retains viewers. I'm guessing that millennial and genx people who have a familiarity with the brand will turn it on and leave it running for background noise or something.
MTV has been a zombie for years. Might as well just put a bullet in its head and get it over with.
It's because it's cheap to make, has a deep catalog, can be shown in any order, and, for some reason, retains viewers. I'm guessing that millennial and genx people who have a familiarity with the brand will turn it on and leave it running for background noise or something.
MTV has been a zombie for years. Might as well just put a bullet in its head and get it over with.
That is in Ridiculousness is up to 1700 episodes. Is it like new episodes daily?
10-14-25 | 05:10 AM
#24
DVD Talk Hero
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
10-14-25 | 08:26 AM
#25
DVD Talk Gold Edition
re: MTV to Shut Down 5 Channels in the UK; MTVHD and American Channels Not Affected
Even the ones they don't own? Because the thread title reads like a Bond villain plan.
