MTV — the channel that once ruled music TV — is saying goodbye to some of its most loved music stations. By December 31, 2025, MTV will officially shut down five of its popular music channels: MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live.
This big move marks the end of a legendary chapter in music television. The reason? Times have changed — and so have the ways people watch and listen to music.
MTV Music Channels Shutting Down
In a recent statement, Paramount Global, the parent company of MTV, confirmed that these five channels will stop airing by the end of 2025. These stations were once home to endless music videos, concerts, and throwback hits that shaped pop culture, fashion, and youth entertainment for over 40 years.
After this change, only the main MTV channel will stay on air — but that one mainly shows reality TV programs like Catfish and The Challenge instead of music videos.
The shutdown will start in the UK and Ireland, and later hit Europe, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Austria.
Why Is MTV Closing Its Music Channels?
MTV’s shutdown is happening for three main reasons:
- People watch music differently now.
These days, fans use platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify to discover new songs and artists. That means fewer people are tuning into traditional TV music channels. - Big cost cuts at Paramount.
After Paramount Global merged with Skydance Media in 2025, the company started cutting costs — aiming to save around $500 million worldwide. Shutting down low-viewership channels is part of that plan. - Falling viewership numbers.
MTV’s music channels just don’t pull in the crowds they once did. For example, in July 2025, MTV Music had about 1.3 million viewers, while MTV 90s got around 949,000. Back in the 1990s and 2000s, those numbers were many times higher.
The End of an MTV Era
When MTV first launched in 1981, it was a 24-hour music video channel that changed everything. It introduced the world to stars like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Nirvana, and Britney Spears. Over time, though, MTV began to focus more on reality shows, leaving behind the nonstop music that made it famous.
Now, with these last five music channels going dark, MTV’s original identity as a music channel officially comes to an end.
Former MTV host Simone Angel said she’s heartbroken about the decision:
“I’m really sad, and a little bit in disbelief. MTV was the place where everything came together. It really does break my heart.”
MTV’s Future: Going Digital
Even though the TV channels are closing, MTV isn’t disappearing completely. The brand will keep living online through social media and Paramount+, the company’s streaming platform.
This means MTV will still be part of the digital music world — just in a new way. Instead of TV screens, MTV’s music culture will now live on phones, tablets, and streaming apps where today’s audiences spend most of their time.
In Short:
- MTV is closing five music channels — MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live.
- Shutdown date: December 31, 2025.
- Reason: Changing viewing habits, cost-cutting, and low viewership.
- MTV will focus on: Social media and the Paramount+ streaming platform.
MTV started the music revolution in the 80s — and now, after more than four decades, it’s closing a major chapter in its history.
