MTV Music Channels Shut Down After 44 Years

MTV shut down its 24-hour music television era. On December 31, 2025, MTV music channels shut down worldwide as distribution deals expired.

MTV Shuts Down Music-Only Channels Worldwide

MTV shuts down its last 24-hour music channels, closing a chapter that started in 1981. As of January 2, 2026, MTV music channels no longer exist anywhere on linear TV.

The shutdown happened when long-running distribution contracts expired. MTV confirmed earlier that it would not renew them. This decision ends the brand’s original music-first format after 44 years on air.

Which MTV Music Channels Shut Down

Under this move, several well-known MTV music channels went dark. These include MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, Club MTV, and MTV Live. These channels aired across the UK, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and other regions.

Each channel signed off with a final song. MTV Music played “Video Killed the Radio Star,” the same track that launched MTV in 1981. The moment felt planned and clear. The era was over.

MTV announced the plan in October 2025. The move follows the Paramount–Skydance merger and a wider cost-cutting strategy. Viewer habits have also changed. Audiences now watch music on YouTube, TikTok, and streaming platforms.

Linear music TV no longer fits the business model. So MTV shuts down music-only channels and shifts focus.

What Happens to MTV Now

The main MTV channel continues to operate. It now focuses on reality shows and pop culture content. Music videos no longer lead the schedule.

MTV music channels shaped how people discovered artists. That role has ended. The brand remains. The format does not.