Sean Atkins wants to put the ‘M’ back in MTV.
Atkins, the network’s new President, unveiled a new programming lineup at the TV’s annual upfront market.
“You will see a strengthening of our connection to popular culture, exploring new formats and doing the unexpected. This is the beginning of the journey.”
The network greenlit over a dozen series, including a music competition that is a re-imagined version of MTV Unplugged. MTV is also set to partner with Scooter Braun Films to develop Studio 24, a show where a celebrity and mystery talent create a song in 24 hours. They are also in talks of developing a music documentary series titled Year One, which will explore the breakthrough year in a superstar’s career. These programs sound like the kind of programs that we all used to enjoy watching on MTV.
The evolution of MTV’s programming has been dramatic since its launch in the 1980s. MTV in the 80s and 90s had tons of music videos, VJs (video jockeys) and music news. In recent years, the network has become a home for reality shows like Jersey Shore, Catfish, and Teen Mom, and many are unhappy about that. But Atkins said that MTV is in the middle of a “turnaround” effort. Hopefully this move will inspire the other music channels to get back in touch with their roots.
Take a look at the programs that are coming to MTV below:
Acting Out: Established and up-and-coming comedians have their best stand-up routines acted out, bringing new life to your favorite moments from stand up history. Produced by A Smith & Co. Productions (Hell’s Kitchen, American Ninja Warrior).
The Almost Impossible Game Show: Contestants complete physical challenges ranging from the absurd to the outlandish in this half-hour program to win cash prizes. Based on a popular UK format by the same name, produced by Endemol Shine UK company Initial for ITV2. MTV is producing with Endemol Shine. Executive producers include Rob Smith and Georgie Hurford-Jones for Endemol Shine North America; Matt Odgers and Scott Teti for Left Hook Media.
Going Off: Choreographer Tricia Miranda holds a master class where the best young dancers in the world compete to book a professional job. Dave Sirulnick, a longtime MTV executive, is Executive Producer for Radical Media. Directed by Austin Peters for Radical Media.
Loosely Exactly Nicole: In this half-hour comedy, Nicole Byer tries to find her voice as a comedienne, but also deals with unpaid bills, friendship issues and the hilarious missteps of being on your own for the first time. Christine Zander is Showrunner/Executive Producer. Avi Gilbert (3 Arts) and Christian Lander are Executive Producers.
Mary + Jane: In this half-hour comedy, two girls living in LA deal weed and try to find romance and success with the least amount of effort possible. Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont serve as Executive Producers. Television 360 is Executive Producer.
MTV’s The Investigation: In this serialized documentary series, Ryan Ferguson tries to uncover the truth alleged wrongfully convicted prisoners fighting for their freedom. MTV is producing with Embassy Row. Michael Davies, Debbie DeMontreux, Stacey Altman and Andrew Jenks are Executive Producers.
The Outsiders: This docuseries will follow eight different families who have very polarizing beliefs, from white supremacists to devil worshipers. MTV is producing with Barcroft Media.
Shiniest: A comedic doc series about the young millennial entrepreneurs behind Shinesty, an apparel company in Boulder, Colorado, that did $5 million in sales last year. MTV is producing with Critical Content.
Stranded with a Million Bucks: Ten cast members are stranded on an island with nothing but the clothes on their back and a million dollars in cash. Those who survive for 40 days will split that money as their prize. The catch? They can buy any supplies they want, but everything is expensive – and comes out of their prize money. Tollbooth TV is producing. Kevin Lee is Executive Producer.
Sweet/Vicious: Two unlikely friends take justice into their own hands on their college campus. Amanda Lasher serves as Showrunner. Stacey Sher is Executive Producer and Jennifer Robinson is creator and Co-Executive Producer.
Mark Burnett Music Competition: Undiscovered Hip Hop artists perform in front of music’s biggest moguls—all in the recording studio. Mark Burnett will be executive producer with MGM Television, which will also serve as international distributor.
Untitled Zac Efron Documentary: Host and executive producer Zac Efron explores how food has moved to the center of millennial culture. Executive Producers are Zac Efron, Michael Simkin, Jason Barrett, Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson and Edwin Zane. Comedy Dynamics and Ninjas Runnin’ Wild are producing.
