MTV bids adieu to 'TRL'

Cici Mon, Dec 8, 2008 at 09:12 AM EST

Hey man, I'm not that old. At 25 years old, I think it's safe for me to say, I'm not suffeling towards that Social Security office yet! So I wanna know, why do I suddenly feel like an 80 year old woman when I flip on my tv to the channel guide and see the shows listed on MTV? I grew up on MTV. Hey, I have 2 older sisters. The VMA's were an institution in my house. The whole family watched it. I remember sneaking downstairs to watch Alternative Nation and 120 Minutes late at night. Seeing bands like Silverchair host, and VJ's like Kennedy give you the scoop. I remember watching Nirvana and Pearl Jam and LL Cool Jay on unplugged with my sister, and being truly inspired. I remember seeing Blur's video for Girls and Boys and thinking this is the greatest thing ever. What happened to the Spring Break specials with actual performances? What happpend to VJ's that lasted more than a week. What happend to music that catered to all tastes? What happend to music on Music Television?

ljk Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

well this new generation of youth is darker than the 90's period which was more wholesome, especially relating to messages in songs these days. SO LETS WELCOME FNMTV.

fenn Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 12:03 PM EST

I only watched it when BSB was on, miss those days! Nowadays TRL was not having any connections with fans at all. Maybe only a few times when artist with audience who were real fans came in like Jonas Brothers. The rest is just people wants to get on TV.

funkiifresh Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 08:57 PM EST

I really thought trl was one of those shows that will last forever. Even though i started driftinq away from trl when i started school again i really loved that show. I was a new comer to trl. I left BET when they changed AJ and Free to whoever it is now. And now they cancel my show. I'm so mad. i can't say i don't love those reallity shows but i think they should cut back or put them in mtv2 because now i don't know where to go to see my new musiq videos. i sure hope its only for a while as they say i really do. But how this country is gooinq and everything i don't know. Soo as for now R.I.P. TotalRequestLive.I'll miss you.

funkiifresh Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

I really thought trl was one of those shows that will last forever. Even though i started driftinq away from trl when i started school again i really loved that show. I was a new comer to trl. I left BET when they changed AJ and Free to them dumbasses. And now they cancel my show. I'm so mad. i can't say i love those reallity shows but i think they should cut back or put them in mtv2 because now i don't know where to go to see my new musiq videos. i sure its only for a while i really do. But how this country is gooinq and everything i don't know. Soo as for now R.I.P. TotalRequestLive.I'll miss you.

Fredster Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

This is a sign of the times.. Budget cuts and lay offs.. It is something we all will have to get used to.. MTV sucks now i went from watching it non stop to not even knowing what channel mtv was on .. but all things must come to an end.. peace out trl mad love

Shamrock Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:57 PM EST

I want my Pop-Up videos from VH1.
From what I see here and read, everybody hates Mtv, but someone must be watching these horrendous shows for them to still be airing.

Shamrock Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:52 PM EST

Didn't even know TRL was still on the air.

Quinn Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:42 PM EST

Who is the president of MTV? Who is in charge of programming? Can we seriously get them both fired, please? MTV has killed the music video. It is not the Internet's fault. I guarantee, as soon as they start airing music videos and specials about artists again, ratings will spike - especially at the VMAs.

Gigi Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

I HATE the fact that they pulled the plug on trl...and I blame it not only on the people in charge but all of this reality show nonsense. MTV will never be the same...they should just change it to RTV once and for all cuz they're giving mtv a slow and painful death. Mtv's gonna lose ratings after this, you'll see. It just wouldn't make sense to bring it back after such a finale..meaning, they won't. LOSERS!! They've made a huge mistake.

TC Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST

If they are taking this show off to actually devote more time to showing videos again - GREAT! If they are replacing it with more distracting non-video reality crap - more of the same that has what Justin Timberlake had articulated during a VMA once as "MTV needs to show more music videos again!"

I can understand the younger generation growing up with TRL feeling they will miss it, but they DON'T know what people like me who grew up with the original solid concept of MTV - only showing music videos.

MTV clearly has lost its way and when crap like TRL, The Real World, Road Rules, The Hills, etc started clogging up its time slots - people like me drifted away from it because it wasn't a place to go check out the latest videos anymore.

MTV has about three networks now? MTV, MTV2, and Palladia (MTVHD)? I'm perfectly fine with them making everyone happy by showing just videos on MTV, their reality crap on MTV2, and their HD channel showing concerts.

Kevin Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 10:16 PM EST

The end of TRL doesn't surprise me one bit, the show lost it's touch years ago...and even more so after Carson Daly left, sure he's a tool..but he's what made the show work.

The best years of TRL happened from its debut up until 1999...after that it just lost it's touch.

I beg you mtv..BRING BACK MTV LIVE...yes the show from 1997 where you actually cared about interviewing artists, premiering/showing videos in full and giving us news. Vintage MTV needs to make a comeback, no more of this reality-TV based garbage.

Kelly Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 09:27 PM EST

p.s. I'm glad TRL stayed on long enough to see the New Kids On The Block reunite! NKOTB 4-ever :)

Kelly Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 09:26 PM EST

I'll miss TRL. I miss the old TRL. I stopped watching soon after Carson left, and not even half of each video was played. One piece of advice to Mtv (even though everybody's been saying it lately)--we want more music!! There's enough reality shows on every other channel. Gimme more Music TeleVision!! thanks. Goodbye TRL! hope to see you again soon!

blah Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 09:10 PM EST

ok this sucks why the heck do u guys wanna pull the plug on it...i hope u guys know mtv sucks without trl cuz as of now im not gonna watch it no more!! all these reality shows suck for real...come on like the paris hilton one finding a new bff it makes her look desperate cant she find her own friends! ugh!!!! u guys better come back and not take a long brake!!!!!

brat Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 09:03 PM EST

ok wat the hell u guys suck for taking away trl i watched all the time! :( u guys better be just taking a break!!!

Heather <3's Carson Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 04:32 PM EST

i always hoped when i have kids they'd be able to watch TRL and i could share my experiences with it! but after Carson left the show, it was never the same.. if they'd actually play the full length videos, it might have stuck around more. if only MTV would show MORE music videos instead of reruns of the reality shows, then they'd probably have more fans of the network. thank god for those extra channels on Comcast and Satellite!

Jarian Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

I will really really really going to miss TRL I grew up watching it and sometimes I miss it but still though I never got a chance to be on TRL but I hope MTV will bring it back soon, if it does I want to be on there. As for now see you later TRL.

Britt Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 06:31 PM EST

I stopped watching TRL when carson left. Now for I agree I like the hills but its too many reality shows.. seriously I mean who agrees when I say if they're gon' put something on MTV they should put Daria or Beavis and Butthead back on at least right?

Michael Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST

ok so i live in Canada and we only get like MTV Canada (which SUCKS) its al like retarded and like MTV2 and like the only reason i watched mtv2 was for TRL and now i dont even get to watch that ... GRR so yeha i'm In Love with MuchMusic.. its amazing .. you americans really need to see Video On Trial ... its hilarious... and atlease on MuchOnDemand they show like the Full videos not like 20 seconds of the video.. like WTF god stupid mtv. and Pete Wentzz is a tool

Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 03:30 PM EST

TRL was the best when carson was around..now mtv wants to cut off everything that has to do with music..enough hills and fuckin paris hilton...i want my OLD MTV!!!

ava leigh Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 06:55 AM EST

Did you know that the amazing reggae singer Ava Leighs single mad about the boy is now available on I tunes and your local H.M.V

laila Sat, Sep 20, 2008 at 08:37 PM EST

i loved trl in the 90s but after that it sucked esp after carson left . i think it should have ended after he left . but it is the end of an era for mtv . and i agree that mtv should just admit that it is reality tv only not anything else. vh1 plays more music than them and thats why i like vh1 more.

AK Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

I loved "TRL" growing up, but the absolute moment it went downhill wasn't when Carson Daly left or even when videos only had to spend 40 days on the countdown to retire. The moment "TRL" died was when it changed from a voting format to whatever the hell it is now (does anyone understand it?!).

Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:28 AM EST

So, why doesn't MTV (an abbreviation for Music Television) play music anymore? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the network?

Sean Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 01:24 AM EST

It is interesting to me that Canada runs a music video channel (besides MTV Canada) called Muchmusic that ,while playing some reality crap, manages to produce several mini concerts, a countdown show, a new videos show, and an in studio drop in center for whoever is playing in Toronto that day. How does a country like Canada afford/manage to do something that MTV in New York City cannot?! I don't mean this to be rude. I seriously do not understand how the tax and advertising dollars of 20 million people provides us with more options than Americans get with 10 times the population. I would write to MTV and tell them what you want until they give it to you. In the meantime, check out "Muchmusic" or the VH1ish "MuchMoreMusic" online or satellite sometime.

Tim Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 01:10 AM EST

I don't think anybody truly expects MTV to be able to maintain a business by playing music videos 24/7. We are all smart enough to know that much of the novelty/sheen has worn off the format. I believe what many of us are saying is that "music is forever" and there are enough shows scattered across MTV's network(S) that they are more than capable of a credible attempt at music television. Fill MTVs schedule (as others have suggested too) with Dance Crew, FNMTV, MTV News, Making The Band, Top Band,and MTV Live. Add a weekly countdown show and the occasional concert/unplugged and specials or re-runs of non-MTV music shows (SYTYCD). Move all non-music reality programs (The Hills,Sweet 16, Real World, Next, RW/RR Challenges, Jackass) to M2/MTV2. No extra expenses, just networks retooled to meet consumer desire and maintain nature of network name (Music Television).

PN Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:55 PM EST

Tell me this... Why is MTV ending TRL just 2 months after New Kids on the Block released their new album (first in 14 years), The Block on Sept 2nd? They preceded Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and all the other boy bands that exploded in 1998, 1999 and 2000.All the Lou Pearlman-founded groups and copycats! They could have done a full hour of New Kids on TRL! And there are young people and teens that like the long running group, even their older songs like Hangin' Tough and the new music. It's the same kind of pandemonium that Backstreet and NSYNC had a decade after New Kids. The group is still young appearance wise and can sure move as good on stage as 18 to 20 years ago! TRL missed out on a golden chance to have an influential pop group on their show.

Preston Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:39 PM EST

I thought that Total Request Live had a good 10-year run! I noticed that the show went south a little bit, not seeing a lot of the marquee stars appearing on it. I believe the show lost its momentum when Carson Daly left. And there weren't a lot of videos spending 50+ days at No. 1, like NSYNC's 54-day streak with Bye Bye Bye in 2000. They stayed only one or 2 days at No.1 now. But MTV's mind seems to be on reality shows like the Hills and they want to pump their millions of dollars on Spencer Pratt/Lauren Conrad pap. Showing music videos 24 hours a day doesn't mean anything to them anymore. On the positive, TRL exposed me to a lot of up and coming pop artists and other genres that appeared on it. I liked that they got Janet Jackson on there to perform Feedback this year! But in this current era of downloading, text messaging, Blackberrys and Ipods, I don't think that TRL reached that audience. Much credit to the staff and hosts of TRL for lasting 10 years!!!!!

Ugly Jenny Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:10 PM EST

I was actually requested a video on TRL back in the day when it was actually kind of decent when they would play a majority of the music videos, not some 30 second clip interrupted by screaming fans giving shoutouts to their peeps back home! It was Mandy Moore "Candy" (don't judge it was either Christina Aguilera or Korn and they were both already taken. Here are some thing(s) that I'll miss:
1. The epic pop music video battle of Backstreet vs. Nsync (there were catfights and friendships broke because of this!)
2. When as the 2 stated boy bands would come visit TRL and literally shut down all of Times Square.
3. .....?????

t3hdow Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:55 PM EST

To LuisPJ:
It's not that those stations aren't criticized. It's just that more people are repulsed over how much MTV changed. You could argue that ESPN has some BS programming, CNN's gotten a little too entertainment oriented and Cartoon Network playing non-animated shows and movies, but none of them deviated away near as much as MTV or did it nearly as bad. It's not that those stations haven't received complaints, but when the majority of former viewers are revolting, there's a problem.
There's also A&E. Nickelodeon and Disney Channel too, since they used to air great, intelligent kids programming compared to the dribble that's on today (though I like Degrassi on the N). G4 too (formally TechTV), which is now a carbon copy of Spike TV. The list can go on.
MTV's no exception. The consensus just speaks louder on its degradation.

Bamabunny Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:39 PM EST

Look, I don't have a problem with MTV no longer showing music videos. Just let the transition complete itself already! End the VMAs or let some other channel take it over, and STOP calling yourselves MTV! The "M" stood for "Music," remember? Dang, air what you want, but call yourselves "YoungTV" or "NetGenTV, or something!"

J,V, Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:46 PM EST

I agree with both sides. Yes, I agree that a channel has to evolve and yes MTV used to be so much better. However those of you talking smack about those who miss the old days... It sucks that all your generation's lineage is drunken frat kids and sluts. We had Pedro. He was an activist and a mentor. What personality on MTV now inspires the way he did? What's that? No one? OK. Nuff said. You can't call it evolving if you've moved backwards.

BJohnson Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:01 PM EST

1. TRL was still on the air?
Yeah but it's a shell of its former life. After Carson left, it was pretty much toast, burnt toast.
2. Does this mean Internet officially killed the video star? No, Mtv killed Mtv. Just call it TV now, because I hardly see music on it.
3. Is Pete Wentz the new Carson Daly?
No he SUCKS! My respect for him dropped after he knocked up that Simpson chick and had to have that shotgun wedding. He tries way to hard on the show, he looks scared to death.
4. When will MTV quit pretending to care about music and fully commit to being a reality-TV channel? I thought they already did.
5. What's an FNMTV, and is it anything like an OMFG? See my answer at #3. I'll say it again gladly though, HE SUCKS!

ohyeah Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 08:27 PM EST

I forgot that Carson Daly didn't used to be thin as a rail. That picture looks like a totally different person.

Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 07:27 PM EST

MTV in general blows

LK Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 06:53 PM EST

FNMTV blows..its not the second gen of TRL because it is TRL...also the 3 hour block of FNMTV they play on saturday mornings sucks completely cause it shows the same 5 videos for those 3 hours and they never play the video from start to finish - same as TRL...also Pete Wentz is a tool - and can MTV please stop sucking, the only things worth watching on there are documentary/reality shows (Made, True Life) which arent music related

LuisPJ Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 06:43 PM EST

ESPN, The Weather Channel and even animal planet have change in order to get more viewers and yet it MTV that get the harsh arguments then say CNN or Cartoon Network(when they started playing live-action programing)

I also laugh of people talking about the good ol days of MTV like White Southerns during the Civil rights era...Shows and network change to adapt to the new audience and viewers. Not my fault that Media comapny cartier to the next generation instead of current and even old generation.

raven Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 06:02 PM EST

I remember when I first watched TRL. I was 10, and I watched it hoping to see the music video for my favorite song at the time. They showed me 30 seconds of "Genie in a Bottle" (which at the time I loved and knew all the dance moves to. Again, I was 10.) and then went back to Carson Daly talking about some crap I couldn't have cared less about. I have despised that show ever since. MTV is an awful channel now that tries to hard to be trendy and plays nothing but reality tv garbage. If you want a channel that actually has shows about music, watch Fuse instead.

Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 05:47 PM EST

I used to rush home from 8th grade to watch TRL the first year it was on. I remember loving all the NSync and Britney videos. I loved Carson and thought he was such a great host. I took a trip to NYC in 2000 and rushed to MTV studios just to see where TRL was filmed. Stood in the medium and watched them tape Sarah Jessica Parker when she was hosting the VMA's or movie awards that year. I miss music videos. I haven't actually watched one in a couple of years becasue they just aren't that monumental anymore. Why can't they make awesome videos like MJ used to make?

t3hdow Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

Also, to Reality Check:
We don't demand that MTV should be a 24/7 music station. Just play a fair amount of music, SOMETIME in the day. They should model it after BET. They don't play music all day either, but if you want to be up to date with the current rap/R&B videos, you can catch Rap City at 4 EST, 106 & Park at 6 EST or the midnight showings of mostly R&B music around midnight; along with a few other bits of the day. If you're going to call yourself a music channel, it's probably a good idea to play it at decent times of the day. Yes, it's true myspace and youtube changed the facet of music, but that doesn't mean you should slack completely. Four to six hours should suffice. Besides, you'll always have the other 18 hours to replay the latest episode of Real World, Super Sweet 16 or Tila Tequila.

t3hdow Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

I realized something when i ate lunch. The MTV for universities (MTVU) is easily the best spin off of the station. Without that, I would've never realized Serj Tankian had a solo CD released or gotten a glimpse into more obscure bands/artists. That's what MTV needs to become, not the crap it's now.
To morgan:
True Life is my sole exception. The better episodes of True Life are actually pretty cool and informative snippets of people who live vastly different lifestyles. There are the occasional clunkers like 'I'm a Staten Island Girl' but for every one of those, there's 'I have aspereger's syndrome', 'I'm dead broke', 'I'm a volunteer firefighter' or 'I work in the adult film industry.' There's even a couple grounded nods at gaming culture without taking pot shots at the more obsessive fan base. That's the best part about True Life: no matter what segment it describes, the show never mocks the people they interview. If only it's aired more often...

RealityCheck Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 04:13 PM EST

Ok, I see a lot of people here talking about the "glory days" of MTV and how they used to actually play music videos. A lot of people ranting and raving about how MTV has just totally gone haywire by getting rid of its last time test "music" show. Heres the thing, you realize that all of you are in a minority right? MTV is a business, and if it really made sense for them financially to play music videos, then they would play music videos but it doesn't. Kids these days have grown up in an internet age where you don't have to sneak out of school to catch the world premier of a duran duran video. Now you can just go download the new Lil' Wayne song at any given moment. MTV is just like any other network that evolves over time. If they kept a format running nothing but music videos and video shows, I seriously doubt we would have an MTV today.

Twentysomethingguy Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 04:06 PM EST

Sad that a channel like MTV has fallen so far... think about the fact that the MTV show "Unplugged" has several spots on anyone's "Top Live Discs" list. Clapton Unplugged... Jay-Z... Nirvana. Now artists of that Caliber won't even do the awards shows let alone a regular broadcast.

And as to the decline of Western Civilization: Are you trying to say that diminishing the attention span of pre-pubescent kids to a point where they can't read a book without abusing Ritalin or Adderal when (and if) they get to college is BAD for American Society? How could that be?

LL Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

I remember rehearsing my call-in vote for "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith. It was back when it was just Total Request (emphasis on the RE - like Total Recall) and like others have mentioned - just Carson and a TV in a dark room. Does TRL as it is now still "retire" videos? I remember when BSB and NSync would make special appearances just to get a plaque saying their videos had played for 60 days in a row or something.

Raven_Moon Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:49 PM EST

MTV is awful. They should change their name to Garbage Reality Television. They don't care about music, so why pretend? As for TRL, I didn't know it was on still. Honestly, though, I never cared for it anyway. I want to see & hear the videos, not watch graphics cover them up & listen to teens screaming. RIP.

guscave Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

I can't even remember the last time I sat down to watch a show on MTV. Aren't the initials supposed to stand for "Music Television"? So where the music?

TRL was "ok" when it started, but even by that time shows like "Real World" & "Road Rules" had taken over what little music they were playing.

Morgan Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

I thought MTV was pretty cool when it first started, got progressively worse in the 90's and then has actually been responsible for a partial decline on western civilization. Im not joking either, all these shitty sweet 16 shows and teenagers trying to screw as many people as possible so they can get attention. It's pathetic and I think that the producers have a special place in hell when they croak. Seriously...can anyone name one positive show on that entire network? I dont watch so there might be, who knows

eric1981 Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

Congratulations MTV for becoming exactly the opposite of everything you were when you were created in 1981. Back then it was about the music and against the establishment. Now you no longer air music and you are the establishment. It's ironic that Beavis and Butthead is like Masterpiece Theatre compared to the garbage you call programming today.

urmumsfrend Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

MTV is so not cool. When it started to make these reality tv shows thats when they jumped the shark. MTV should just go back to the old days but I know they won't. It should be like IMF, which doesn't air anymore, by showing music videos domestic and foreign 24/7.

Jason Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

Agree with you Tony, Im Starting to Watch BET more than MTV, and sometimes FUSE, MTV should Change its name or somthing cuz theres nothing to live up to anymore.

Sharlin Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 03:00 PM EST

I remember the early good old days of TRL. When there was no audience and it was just Carson and the occational sub by Dave Holms. It was great. I always made it a point to vote for any NSYNC video and when it was #1, I was happy for a little 13 year old. 10 years later... It should have ended 6 years ago, along with the entire channel. At least Vh-1 realizes its not a music channel anymore, when will MTV do the same?

Tony Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

After TRL, MTV is Officialy Dead, They Re Cutting off Their Only Show that plays music. And Who cares about FNMTV They never play the Full Videos. Nevr thought i would say this but, Im gonna stick to BET and 106 % Park Now. Better than watching another 10 hours of THe Hills and Real WOrld

David Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:53 PM EST

1. TRL was still on the air?
I think MTV had a bit of a Terri-Schiavo-like relationship with TRL. They had been kicking around the idea of pulling the plug for the past 2 years (literally), but the frat boys that run the network couldn't bring themselves to part with their beloved once-flagship show.
2. Does this mean Internet officially killed the video star?
MTV killed the video star. Ironic, isn't it?
3. Is Pete Wentz the new Carson Daly?
Pete Wentz is a pathetic, sorry excuse for a host of ANYTHING. He should stick to doing cameos in music videos and looking pensive in his black eyeliner. And yes, Pete, it's still about the eyeliner.
4. When will MTV quit pretending to care about music and fully commit to being a reality-TV channel?
They'll always pretend. It's fun to reminisce.
5. What's an FNMTV, and is it anything like an OMFG?
It's more like "Crap. MTV is no longer the mecca of coolness it once was, so no talented people want to work there anymore." ROFL!

fc Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:50 PM EST

so you mean to tell me Music Television will no longer air music on television?

Over50 Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Like Rolling Stone Mag... MTV - ain't what it used to be. But then again, I think music vid's have gotten old & tired boring..

time for some re-invention

Albert Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Whats going to happen in Times Square now? No artists from the windows?

chuck buick Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

who cares. MTV sucks. Everyone that watches MTV sucks, brainwashed droids.

Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:31 PM EST

Dear Canada--
I'd give my left lung to have MuchMusic back on my cable package.
Yours truly,
Americans who border the Great Lakes who used to get Much.
PS: give my regards to Rick the Temp :(

McKinley Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

Mia, you are absolutely right about the VMAs. In the beginning, it was an important awards show. Well, okay I would not say “important” but for pop cultural ABSOUTELY! It is a known fact, the actors know beforehand if they won MTV Movie Awards. Then there is a HUGE possibility the artist nominated for the VMAs would know if they have won or not. I would not be surprised if the executives of MTV tipped off Brittney she was going to win Video of the Year. Sure Kanye West has his annual meltdown about not winning an award, but again I would not be surprised that is all an act. I mean come on, MTV does not PLAY VIDEOS so why would Kanye expect “respect” from a channel that doesn’t exactly play his videos except on MTV2? That is Kanye’s shtick, the anger, no one respects me, I am the best rapper act. Every time he rants & raves before or after an awards show, he gets press & I’m sure MTV is on the act. Of course, this is me w/my conspiracy theories but I think I am right.

Aimee Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

I remember the days of TRL with Carson in a room and Hanson was number one every night with "Weird". Then, who knows what happened.

I'd like to see MTV back with their yearly videos from A-Z. If they're not willing to play music videos anymore, the least that they could do is THAT during the Christmas/New Year season.

PS. I also miss getting MuchMusic down in the States. That was the only way I was able to watch videos.

Mia Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

Jeff, how about this? I remember watching MTV when it first came on the air. I remember my friend lived 5mins from high school & during lunch, we would sneak out of school, go to her house & watch World Premire Music Videos of Duran Duran, David Bowie, Madonna, Prince, & of course Michael Jackson's Thriller. I remember when the 5 original VJs left & Kurt Loder started. Downtown Julie Brown, Adam Curry, YO MTV RAPS! Remote Control. If I was flipping the channel, I would sit down to watch MTV. I remember being in the gym watching all of these teeny boopers screaming for NSync & BSB because they debuted their new video. I am surprised MTV still airs the VMA, I mean seriously, that is like the Oscars celebrating movies without the studios releasing 1 single movie for the entire year. I don't bother watching the VMAs(I read online to see who had won),it is a joke. Brittney embarrasses herself last year & in 2008 she wins Video of the Yr. Sounds like a setup to me.

Sean Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:11 PM EST

Here is a proposal for MTV that makes so much sense, I still don't understand why MTV just hasn't done this on their own. MTV operates several channels that "dabble" in music related programming while showing unrelated reality or sketch comedy programs to fill their schedules. I propose that MTV move all of it's music related programs (including reality/competition shows like Dance Crew and Making The Band) to flagship MTV. They move all non-music shows (The Hills and their 46 dating shows like Next) to M2/MTV2. No one loses the shows they watch and love and MTV retains it's image as a music innovator, instead of continuing down the path of becoming an industry joke.
P.S MTV- Hire the producers of Fashion Rocks 5 to put together the next Video Music Awards, also.

MTVisDead Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

In the early 80's, MTV became a pop-culture milestone that led cultural influence (movie soundtrack sales, Miami Vice and tv shows using/selling music on each episode). Then came The Real World. It's success led MTV to copy it's formula endlessly. What if the strangers lived in a traveling motor home? What if they lived if foreign countries? What if they were friends in Beverly Hills? What if they worked for a celebrity? MTV has gone so far off the track, that they are now completely changing their legacy in pop-culture from innovator to reality show re-hasher. I have no issue with Dance Crew or Making the Band because they at least follow the music template, but where are the videos, biographies, concerts,and other music related programs that once made MTV a force to be reckoned with? The last nail in MTVs coffin may have been delivered last week when CBS's Fashion Rocks gave us the event music show that MTV's VMAs used to be. Music is forever, too bad it's channel isn't. MTV is dead.

Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 01:50 PM EST

Dear Americans,

Please see Much Music or Much More Music in Canada for actual Music Videos.

Love Canada

OzzieAlThor Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

I remember when TRL actually showed the whole video every time. Those first 2 years were awesome. Then there were tons of guests and that ate into the time available.

dma69 Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

1. TRL was still on the air?
My sentiments exactly.

2. Does this mean Internet officially killed the video star?
No, but definitely Reality TV killed the Video Star.

3. Is Pete Wentz the new Carson Daly?
I thought Pete Wentz was the new Ryan Seacrest, who was the new Carson Daly.

4. When will MTV quit pretending to care about music and fully commit to being a reality-TV channel?
Yeah, how can they still call themselves Music Television with crap like The Hills?

5. What's an FNMTV, and is it anything like an OMFG? (Apparently, the young-uns love the FNMTV; check it out here.)

More like YAWN.

Rebekah Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

Though MTV probably deserves the bad rap it's been getting lately, I am sad to see TRL go. Yes, sometimes it was was awful, but at times, it was truly a great part of modern music history. Damien Fahey was my favorite host, and it will be sad not to see his face on air anymore.

Krista Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

I was actually on TRL once, about five years ago. I was on a class trip to NYC and a casting director stopped our group in Time Square and asked if we wanted to be on TV. None of us watched it anymore so we were kind of shocked and devastated to find that Carson didn't host it anymore. And then confused, as we were frantically calling our friends at home, asking them to tape it we found out that it wouldn't actually be airing for another week. But I did get to meet Hilary Burton and it was during the first season when I actually watched it. All in all it was a very interesting experience.

lynx765 Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

I left TRL when they incorporated less videos and shifted hosts every 4 weeks. Also the web camera thing. and for your info...FNMTV FKNSX!!! they premiere a new vid, and then play that video out all week...DALY THEN would def beat pete wentz now!

Nick Robertson Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

I think I just read that TRL helped some appreciate music, which is kind of disgusting. If anything, this show promoted blandness and strip-mall sexuality which lead to bands like N' Sync selling 2.1 million copies of an album in a week. It is televised junk food like this that lead to many great bands of the 90's not being found until the internet age.

Anne Marie Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

Wow - this post and meeting our new fall interns really made me feel old today. I was in high school when TRL premiered, I definitely flipped it on every day after school. Back then we couldn't go to YouTube to see our favorite artists' new videos. Coupling the lack of availability on the internet with the fact that MTV RARELY SHOWS VIDEOS, TRL was the show to watch! Also, I agree with other comments -- I wasn't really a pop fan, but the type of music on TRL was really varied back in day. I have no idea if this is still the case because I haven't watched since college.

Lisa Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

Yipee! Who cares if TRL is gone? MTV, "music television", yeah right!?!? I grew up watching it when it actually played music. Thank God for FUSE, I have music to watch!

Jeanne Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

I too remember when it was two seperate shows: Mtv Live at 6 and Total Request at 9. I was devoted TRL watcher at the beginning but once I graduated high school I movied on and haven't watched it since. Damn I feel old.

Catty Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

I'm kinda sad that they are ending TRL. Dont they show it at 12pm though in the afternoon, so how can kids watch it. I have to DVR it, but I still watch it. I admit I will miss Damien, he was funny, and see the great mix of videos they played. Does this mean there will be no MTV New Years Party thing?!?!

Lauren Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

As soon as I read this I thought "Yay! One less reason for annoying tourists to overcrowd the streets of Times Square." But that's just the bitter New Yorker in me talking. I look back fondly on the BSB/Nsync wars of '99-'01.

Jeff Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

What is ironic is that many here that state they miss the ~ 2000 MTV, TRL, etc.... and the music on MTV... back in 2000, many of us missed the ~1990 MTV, back when the had videos. And in 1990, ...

And very few probably pick up on the "internet killed the video star" irony either.

justPLayin Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

I never really liked Carson Daly, he never seemed that interesting to me.. kinda like watching someone from the local news try to host a talk show. eh but TRL was due for a "break..." it was predictable and pretty lame; I used to hate it when they would play a song you were waiting for but then cut to commercial 12 seconds later :/ MTV had a habit for things like that.

FNMTV is pretty cool, very lively and interesting to watch. Good luck to those guys.

marie Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

I remeber when it was a half hour show at 930 at night. Only 5 videos, and Carson was sitting next to a TV monitor.

mscisluv Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

Sarah & I have really similar memories of TRL! No kidding, but I can actually remember the very first time, in 1999, that I watched an episode of TRL. Suddenly, music that I liked could cross many genres - rock, rap, pop, and more. In the same day, you could see Britney Spears, Marilyn Manson, and Eminem, all with great music videos. I thought Carson Daley was so cool and collected (now he's kind of a jerk) - but he's still way more down to earth and knowledgeable about music than Ryan Seacrest. TRL helped me gain a new appreciation for music and for the music video medium. It really does suck that it's gone so far downhill.

t3hdow Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST

I didn't know TRL was still on, so this has little effect on me. It's not like MTV plays that many videos nowadays anyway (unless it's very early in the morning), so it's kind of a moot point that the internet killed it.
I highly doubt BET's 106 and Park was the reason TRL fell off, since it borrowed TRL's concept to begin with. 106 did do a better job with the videos, since they played the majority of the songs before panning away, save the 30 second intro or outro. Also, BET, unlike MTV, isn't obligated to play music at all, yet they air it far more than MTV does now, despite the 'music' part of their name.
I agree that the network should be named the 24 hour reality TV channel, because that's all it is.

Snarf Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

FNMTV? WTF? Although I liked what those scamps over at Defamer did with Gossip Girl's OMFG (On Meth Feeling Good)

Janelle Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM EST

It's the end of an era. TRL leaving makes me feel old, but I'm glad that when it was so well done, and Carson was the host, there were some great moments.

For those wondering, this has nothing to do with the success of "106 & Park". The premise of that show is based largely on TRL, so eventually it too will run its course.

I'm gonna miss TRL, but I hope if and when it comes back, it is bigger and better than ever. LONG LIVE TRL!!! : )

crabbie Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

That show was still on?

traci Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

I grew up on TRL, literally, my friends and I used to head into the city (from Brooklyn and Staten Island, not NJ!) after high school to hang outside. We developed a relationship with those who were responsible for bringing people into the audience, announcing songs and just general camera shouting. I'm only 26, but wow, TRL going off air just makes me feel so old!

Wes Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

Of course TRL is ending, it involves music.

Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST

I remember back when it was just Total Request and it was Carson Daly sitting alone in a dark room. They counted down about 3 videos, 2 of which tended to be "Southampton" and "My Heart Will Go On" form "Titanic". Doesn't get much better than that.

Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

Do you think 106 & Park had something to do with this? Or is TRL responsible for its own obscurity?

Meghan Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

Aw, and I also miss pre-manorexic Carson Daly.

Meghan Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM EST

My family took a vacation to NYC when I was 15, and on the first day we were there my sister and I stood outside the window at TRL. Carson Daly and Busta Rhymes waved at us - it was pretty awesome.

I had no idea TRL still existed. I used to watch it every afternoon during the summer and remember when "I Want it That Way" was #1 every day.

brandi Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

Carson would beat Ryan to a pulp and hopefully spit on him afterwards. Ryan sucks.

Rob Grizzly Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:54 AM EST

Judging by his cameo in Knocked Up, I'd say Seacrest beats up Daily- looks like the dude's got a mean streak deep inside! (though it would still be a girly slap fight, so this all isn't saying much)

I've always hated TRL, from the moment it debuted, so I'm glad they're finally pulling the plug.
I'm not surprised at all by this. The show just had too much music, which nowadays, is counter programming to what MTV normally airs.

Yes, internet killed the video star.

Elizabeth Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:54 AM EST

I used to vote every day for about 20 minutes for the BSB during my internship during the peak of TRL. Ah, "Everybody" - that was the video!!

Yes, I agree that MTV is so far away from videos, but I don't think its the internet's fault. I don't think videos are as necessary as they used to be.

Cheezbloc21 Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

Jeez and crackers, of course MTV is booting TRL ten years for that channel is like a lifetime. I can honestley say in its day TRL was great. It kept you informed and you got to see the music videos of some of the amazing artists over the years. The sad thing is now music videos will never be shown on that dern channel so whats the point for an artist to make one now???

Alfredo Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST

I remember TRL during its heyday. I also remember its predecessors. There was MTV Live and later on at night they would give Total Request with Carson Daly in a dark room by himself. Oh how I miss my TRL from back in the day - you know 1999 - when Britney was still a "virgin" I want the MTV back

Kurt Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

The traditional trend of MTV over the past 20 years. The last bit of music that MTV actually had (even if in 1 minute increments). I remember when Music Television actually had music, but that is no more. I didn't care much for TRL; there's no love lost there, but it's still a sad fact that the last remaining music on Music Television is gone. The suits at MTV should consider changing the channel's name now.

Mark Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

I remember the heyday of Total Request Live. It was great at the begining and was something you had to watch everyday after school. But then they got away from the point of TRL and just threw in a 15 second clip of a video or shoved the video in a small box in the corner so Jessica from Philadelphia can scream "OMG I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO MY BOO JACOB, MY FRIEND EMILY, KRYSTAL AND OMG :SCREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM:"

Yeah that's when I lost interest.

Los Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

Yeah, there's something I'll miss: Watching 10 seconds of a video I'm trying to enjoy (that is, if the artist is actually good) while some preteen is sitting on the corner of the screen screaming "WOOOOOOO!!!" right up until the camera cuts away to whatever VJ was hired that week. While there's no denying its impact on pop culture, TRL was clearly the beginning of the end for MTV, and the news of its cancellation has given me a noticeable pep in my step. Good riddance. Long live music.

Beth Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

Even though it was still called TRL for the last couple of years, it hasn't been that since Carson Daly left. He was TRL. Carson was the only VJ that could interview the likes of Britney Spears and Eminem with any kind of ease because Carson was a music fan and knew the artists as well as the fans. He was replaced with former beauty queens who may have looked good on TV and could read a teleprompter but they knew nothing about music and that is what killed TRL. It lost it's heart when Carson left and so in my opinion it was over years ago.

Sarah Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

Not only do I remember TRL back in it's heyday, I remember TRL BEFORE it's heyday--back when it was just Carson Daly, a camera, no studio audience at all, and 10 music videos. It's a shame really, that it's become what it is. TRL was the show I watched, at one time, to learn new songs across genre lines. I mean, I initially watched the show for things like the Backstreet Boys, but I never EVER would have found songs I like in Limp Bizkit or Eminem without TRL's influence. I remember how exciting it was to premiere a new video, how artists made TRL as important as Leno, and how many of those damn "vote NKOTB onto TRL" fwds I got. Without TRL we have no Carson Daly, no Jesse Camp... no Mariah Carey breakdown. I'm not sad to see THIS incarnation of TRL go, but the teenager inside of me misses the 2001-era TRL, and the 2001-era MTV for that matter.