Did MTV Go Dark on New Year's Eve?

Table of Contents

The Claim About MTV's Shutdown

In late 2025, a claim circulated online that the parent company of MTV, Paramount, was shutting down all MTV channels. This statement, however, is a mixture of truth and falsehood.

What Is True?

MTV’s 24-hour music channels in the United Kingdom did shut down, along with other closures reported in several European countries, Australia, and Brazil. These closures were part of a broader strategy by Paramount to adjust its international Pay TV portfolio, as audience behavior shifted toward streaming and digital platforms.

According to reports from entertainment media outlet Deadline, the 24-hour music channels had also stopped running in Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Australia, and Brazil. While these closures were confirmed, it remains unclear whether they were permanent or temporary.

What Is False?

Despite the closures in several regions, MTV had not shut down completely. The U.S. channels continued to operate, although their content had changed significantly over the years. Unlike the early days when MTV focused solely on music videos, the main U.S. channel now largely airs reality shows such as "RuPaul's Drag Race" and re-runs of older programs.

As of January 2, 2026, according to an archived schedule on the channel's website, MTV Classic was still showing music videos, while MTV and MTV2 were airing reality shows and other programming. This shift in content reflects the evolving nature of the channel over the decades.

The Last Music Video on MTV UK

One of the most notable moments in this transition was the final music video aired on MTV Music UK. A BBC journalist named Jono Reed posted a video of the last ever music video, which was the 1979 song "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles. This song was also the first music video ever aired on MTV in the U.S. in 1981.

According to an unnamed spokesperson for Paramount, the specialist music channels in the UK would no longer operate as linear channels. However, the flagship MTV UK channel would continue to broadcast. The spokesperson added that Paramount was reviewing and adjusting its international Pay TV portfolio in response to changing audience preferences.

Cost-Cutting Measures

Throughout 2025, Paramount sought to cut costs by around $500 million, as reported by the BBC. This included the shutdown of Paramount Television Studios. Despite these changes, MTV's brand remained visible on social media channels and through Paramount's streaming service.

While the channel still existed at a smaller scale as a television channel, it was uncertain whether this would remain the case in the future. As of now, the channel had not shut down completely.

Other Shutdowns by Paramount

This move by Paramount was not isolated. In July 2025, the comedian Stephen Colbert's late-night talk show was canceled on the subsidiary television network CBS. This decision was part of a broader trend of cost-cutting measures by the company.

Conclusion

The claim that MTV was shutting down all its channels in late 2025 was partially true but misleading. While some international channels did shut down, the U.S. channels continued to operate, albeit with a different focus than in the past. The shift in programming reflects the changing landscape of television and media consumption.

(Screenshot via mtv.co.uk)