MTV's End
.png)
Image source: Canva
The end of MTV as we knew it
MTV as we know it is coming to an end. From January 1, 2026, what the channel once stood for will disappear from German television for good: music videos. What once shaped pop culture is now just a memory.
No more music videos on German TV
Starting in the new year, music videos will no longer be part of MTV's programming. This step does not come as a surprise. MTV has been gradually reducing its music content since August 2025. All that remains are formats such as "MTV In The Mix," "MTV 80s," "MTV 90s," "MTV 00s," and "Guess the Year" — a clear indication of where the journey is headed.
One last dose of nostalgia
For everyone who grew up with MTV, there will be one last musical farewell on December 31, 2025. On New Year's Eve, MTV will once again show four MTV Unplugged concerts from the 90s, after which the "Music Television" era will finally come to an end.
From music television to reality television
And what comes next? According to MTV Germany's current programming plans, the channel will primarily feature reality TV formats in the future. These include "Germany Shore," "Teen Mom," and "Ex on the Beach." Music Television is finally becoming Reality Television.
A look back: MTV Germany and its history
MTV Germany launched in 1997 as a regional offshoot of MTV Europe. On March 7, 1997, the station went on air with an initial four-hour German program – as a direct competitor to VIVA. After Viacom took over VIVA, MTV's focus also changed. The focus was increasingly on a younger target group. In 2011, MTV Germany switched to pay TV before returning to free TV in 2017.
What remains
MTV was once the place where music, pop culture, and youth came together. The fact that music videos are now completely disappearing from MTV's linear programming marks not only the end of a channel, but also the end of a chapter in music industry history.
MTV as we know it is coming to an end. From January 1, 2026, what the channel once stood for will disappear from German television for good: music videos. What once shaped pop culture is now just a memory.
No more music videos on German TV
Starting in the new year, music videos will no longer be part of MTV's programming. This step does not come as a surprise. MTV has been gradually reducing its music content since August 2025. All that remains are formats such as "MTV In The Mix," "MTV 80s," "MTV 90s," "MTV 00s," and "Guess the Year" — a clear indication of where the journey is headed.
One last dose of nostalgia
For everyone who grew up with MTV, there will be one last musical farewell on December 31, 2025. On New Year's Eve, MTV will once again show four MTV Unplugged concerts from the 90s, after which the "Music Television" era will finally come to an end.
From music television to reality television
And what comes next? According to MTV Germany's current programming plans, the channel will primarily feature reality TV formats in the future. These include "Germany Shore," "Teen Mom," and "Ex on the Beach." Music Television is finally becoming Reality Television.
A look back: MTV Germany and its history
MTV Germany launched in 1997 as a regional offshoot of MTV Europe. On March 7, 1997, the station went on air with an initial four-hour German program – as a direct competitor to VIVA. After Viacom took over VIVA, MTV's focus also changed. The focus was increasingly on a younger target group. In 2011, MTV Germany switched to pay TV before returning to free TV in 2017.
What remains
MTV was once the place where music, pop culture, and youth came together. The fact that music videos are now completely disappearing from MTV's linear programming marks not only the end of a channel, but also the end of a chapter in music industry history.
