Millennials Must Rewind
Before Netflix binges, MTV was the kingdom of reality television. And these shows? They were the reason some of us couldn't look away. Were any of the following ones part of your daily TV schedule?
The Osbournes (2002–2005)
This was a reality TV series that gave us an intimate look at the domestic life of heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, his wife Sharon, and their children Kelly and Jack. It brought us to the struggles and triumphs of this family.
MTV Networks, The Osbournes (2002–2005)
The Osbournes (2002–2005) (Cont.)
Notably, it covered serious topics like Sharon's battle with cancer and even Ozzy's recovery from an ATV accident. What’s interesting is that the opening theme for The Osbournes was a jazz-swing rendition of Ozzy's classic song "Crazy Train," performed by Lewis Lamedica.
The Osbournes (2002–2005) (Cont.)
The Osbournes won a well-deserving Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program in 2002. It was also seen as MTV's highest-rated program, with its finale episode that was out on March 21, 2005, peaking at over 7.2 million viewers.
MTV Networks, The Osbournes (2002–2005)
Next (2005–2008)
Next was all about a contestant going on blind dates with up to five other singles, called "the daters," who were stuck in a bus they called the "Next Bus”. The cool part was that the contestants could end any date whenever they wanted by just shouting "next”.
Next (2005–2008) (Cont.)
Created by Jacqui Pitman, each episode of the show had a single contestant who would meet each dater one by one, deciding whether to continue the date or move on. Interestingly, the contestants also earned money for every minute spent on a date.
Punk'd (2003–2007)
Ashton Kutcher started and hosted this fun show where he would prank celebrities, putting them in funny and wild situations that everyone enjoyed. These pranks involved elaborate setups, fake police interventions, staged accidents, and unexpected confrontations.
Ashton Kutcher vs. Zoe Saldana, Serena Williams & Zach Braff | Punk'd by MTV Vault
Punk'd (2003–2007) (Cont.)
Throughout its run, Punk'd displayed many high-profile guests. However, one of the most memorable pranks during the first season was with Justin Timberlake. He was led to believe that his house was being raided by government agents over unpaid taxes.
Ashton Kutcher vs. Zoe Saldana, Serena Williams & Zach Braff | Punk'd by MTV Vault
Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (2004–2006)
The key cast members of this series were Lauren Conrad (LC), Kristin Cavallari, Stephen Colletti, Talan Torriero, Lo Bosworth, Morgan Olsen, and Trey Phillips. In the very first season, you find the love triangle between LC, Kristin, and Stephen.
Best of Lauren Conrad & Stephen Colletti | Laguna Beach by MTV Reality
Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (2004–2006) (Cont.)
It was mainly focused on the lives of high school students in the affluent community of Laguna Beach, California. These students deal with personal growth, evolving friendship dynamics, love, and other social events. The series was created by Liz Gateley.
Best of Lauren Conrad & Stephen Colletti | Laguna Beach by MTV Reality
Jersey Shore (2009–2012)
So, eight housemates who spend their summers at a beach residence in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, are the subject of this show. It consists of 6 seasons with a total of 71 episodes. It also introduced catchphrases like "GTL" (Gym, Tan, Laundry).
'Peace Out Seaside!' Official Throwback Clip | Jersey Shore | MTV by Jersey Shore 0 31
Jersey Shore (2009–2012) (Cont.)
A couple of spin-offs, such as Snooki & JWoww and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, emerged later on. The show’s cast included Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Jenni "JWoww" Farley, Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio, and Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino.
MTV, Jersey Shore (TV Series 2009–2012)
Cribs (2000–2009)
The show debuted on August 10, 2000, with each episode showing a different celebrity giving a guided tour of their home. The audience witnessed their favorite possessions and extravagant/modest lifestyles. This concept was developed by Nina L. Díaz.
Steve-O, Johnny Knoxville, Chris Pontius, Bam Margera & Ryan Dunn | MTV Cribs by MTV Vault
Cribs (2000–2009) (Cont.)
One of the episodes featured Mariah Carey's 11,000-square-foot triplex penthouse in Tribeca, New York City. It was designed in an Art Deco style by decorator Mario Buatta. Apparently, Carey changed six outfits during the filming of this episode.
Steve-O, Johnny Knoxville, Chris Pontius, Bam Margera & Ryan Dunn | MTV Cribs by MTV Vault
Rich Girls (2003)
Here is another MTV reality television series that aired only for one season, from October 28 to December 30, 2003. The show centered around fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger's daughter Ally Hilfiger and her best friend Jaime Gleicher, daughter of Leo Gleicher.
MTV Rich Girls Episode 8 | The Trouble With Greece by Let's Go Back
Rich Girls (2003) (Cont.)
It documented their crazy experiences as they finished their last semester of high school, graduated, and spent the summer together. Much of the action took place in luxurious locales such as New York City, London, the Hamptons, and Nantucket.
MTV Rich Girls Episode 8 | The Trouble With Greece by Let's Go Back
The Ashlee Simpson Show (2004–2005)
This is about Ashlee Simpson, the younger sister of pop star Jessica Simpson, as she tackles her singing career, as well as the recording of her debut album, Autobiography. One noteworthy episode of season 1 was "Ashlee Moves Onward and Upward”.
The Ashlee Simpson Show - S01E04
The Ashlee Simpson Show (2004–2005) (Cont.)
Ashlee's attempts to become a pop-rock musician were documented in The Ashlee Simpson Show, which included the writing of her hit song "Pieces of Me”. Viewers also got a glimpse into her personal relationships and her romantic involvement with Ryan Cabrera.
The Ashlee Simpson Show - S01E04
Room Raiders (2003–2009)
This was a reality dating show of three contestants whose bedrooms were inspected by a single "raider”. The raider would judge potential dates based on the contents and cleanliness of their rooms without meeting them. Personal photographs also were removed for anonymity.
MTV's Room Raiders by YuffieBunny
Room Raiders (2003–2009) (Cont.)
Zac Efron made an interesting appearance on Room Raiders in 2005. He participated as a contestant looking for love, while the show's format made him judge potential dates based on the contents of their bedrooms. Sara Nichols was its series producer.
MTV's Room Raiders by YuffieBunny
Making The Band (2000–2009)
The show’s first iteration began on March 24, 2000, and the series continued in various forms until 2009. Each iteration followed aspiring musicians as they competed for a chance to form a band. This was overseen by Sean "Diddy" Combs in later seasons.
Making The Band 2: Season 2 Episode 13 Season Finale (Full Episode) by iLLmixtapes
Making The Band (2000–2009) (Cont.)
In fact, Making the Band helped launch successful groups like O-Town, Da Band, Danity Kane, Day26, and Donnie Klang. Ken Mok, Mary-Ellis Bunim, and Jonathan Murray were the main people behind the production. Basically, you would get an inside look at the music industry.
Making The Band 2: Season 2 Episode 13 Season Finale (Full Episode) by iLLmixtapes
Newlyweds: Nick And Jessica (2003–2005)
Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica aimed to bring us a relatable version of celebrity life, showcasing mundane activities alongside their glamorous lifestyle. So, cooking attempts, home improvement projects, and humorous domestic disputes occurred.
Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica - Episode 101 by Jonathan Najera
Newlyweds: Nick And Jessica (2003–2005) (Cont.)
Of course, as the title suggests, the show was focused on the lives of pop stars Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. In one of the episodes, we see a humorous argument arising between them when Jessica reveals that she spent around $1,400 on new sheets.
Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica - Episode 101 by Jonathan Najera
Fear (2000–2002)
Also known as MTV's Fear, this is an American paranormal reality television series. It premiered on September 21, 2000, and was created by Martin Kunert and Eric Manes, who were inspired by the 1973 horror film The Legend of Hell House.
MTv's FEAR, Ep. 01 West Virginia Pen (Sept. 2000) by OLD SCHOOL VIDEO GAME AND TOY COMMERCIALS
Fear (2000–2002) (Cont.)
Television's paranormal reality genre is said to have been influenced by Fear, which was ranked 6th in Entertainment Weekly's list of "15 Taboo-Breaking TV Moments”. So, the show followed a group of contestants who were taken to allegedly haunted locations.
MTv's FEAR, Ep. 01 West Virginia Pen (Sept. 2000) by OLD SCHOOL VIDEO GAME AND TOY COMMERCIALS
Fear (2000–2002) (Cont.)
Here, they were tasked with completing a series of dares over two nights. Note that the contestants were blindfolded and led to a "safe house" before being sent out to explore the haunted site. $5,000 was awarded to those who completed the challenges.
MTv's FEAR, Ep. 01 West Virginia Pen (Sept. 2000) by OLD SCHOOL VIDEO GAME AND TOY COMMERCIALS
Parental Control (2006–2010)
The primary emphasis of this was on parents who didn't like their child's present partner. While the parents and present spouse watched from a different room, they chose two possible new dates for their child to go on with these people.
"Bye Bye Loser" Melinda & Steven | Parental Control by MTV Vault
Parental Control (2006–2010) (Cont.)
Parental Control was produced by MTV Networks and Bunim/Murray Productions, known for creating other reality series like The Real World and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. In 2017, MTV had reportedly announced plans to revive the show.
"Bye Bye Loser" Melinda & Steven | Parental Control by MTV Vault
The Hills (2006–2010)
Premiered on May 31, 2006, this series was developed as a spin-off of Laguna Beach. Its key contestants were Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, Heidi Montag, Whitney Port, and Spencer Pratt. Some reviews described it as being "obviously scripted”.
The Hills (2006–2010)
MTV was also criticized for straying from its original music-focused programming. Still, The Hills came up with a revival titled The Hills: New Beginnings, which aired from 2019 to 2021. Each episode began with a voiceover from one of the main characters.
The FIRST & LAST 5 Minutes of The Hills | MTV by MTV Reality
Taking The Stage (2009)
What’s memorable about Taking the Stage is its opening theme song, "Whatever It Takes" by Leona Lewis. On IMDb, this reality show has a rating of 7.5/10, indicating a generally favorable reception. However, it was canceled in May 2010 due to low ratings.
MTV Taking the Stage by uberbold
Taking The Stage (2009) (Cont.)
The show was mainly about five high school kids at the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio. It revolved around their journeys as they worked toward careers in the arts, dealing with their personal lives and relationships.
MTV Taking the Stage by uberbold
Pimp My Ride (2004–2009)
The series was produced by MTV and created by Eli Holzman and Danielle Gervais. The host, rapper Xzibit, introduced the car owners and guided viewers through the transformation process. On IMDb, it possesses a rating of 7.3 out of 10.
Pimp My Ride's Best-Looking Transformations | Pimp My Ride by MTV UK
Pimp My Ride (2004–2009) (Cont.)
So, here, rundown vehicles were altered into customized cars with elaborate modifications. Each episode brought in a car owner struggling with their old vehicle, which was then taken to West Coast Customs for a completely crazy makeover.
Pimp My Ride's Best-Looking Transformations | Pimp My Ride by MTV UK
Life Of Ryan (2007–2009)
Several professional skateboarders and celebrities, including Tony Hawk, Lil' Jon, and Paula Abdul, made guest appearances on this show. Its main cast was inclusive of the Shecklers: Ryan, Shane, Kane, Gretchen, and Randall "Randy”.
Life of Ryan Season 3 Trailer by Ryan Sheckler
Life Of Ryan (2007–2009) (Cont.)
Friends and fellow skateboarders such as Steve Astephen, Casey Feitler, and Tony Panici were the supporting characters. The show was mainly focused on professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler’s career and personal life as a teenager.
Life of Ryan Season 3 Trailer by Ryan Sheckler
Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen & Dave (2004)
As per reports, MTV approached Electra and Navarro to create this series after they previously starred in Carmen and Dave: An MTV Love Story. This show aired in 2004 and displayed their courtship. The preparations for their unconventional wedding are shown.
'Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen and Dave - Ceremony by TheGlitter94
Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen & Dave (2004) (Cont.)
It begins with episode 1, titled "The Proposal”. In this episode, Dave proposes to Carmen and sets the stage for their wedding preparations. The two got hooked on November 22, 2003. However, they announced their separation in July 2006.
'Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen and Dave - Ceremony by TheGlitter94
Sorority Life (2002–2003)
As a group of female college students made the commitment to join a sorority, the show recorded their journey. During rush week and initiation, it brought to light the difficulties, disputes, and experiences that the pledges encountered.
MTV Sorority Life Meet the Pledges Pt. 1 by Let's Go Back
Sorority Life (2002–2003) (Cont.)
One of the prominent contestants was Jordan Ehrlich, known for her strong personality. Then came Candace, the party girl with a loud personality. Amanda, who initially joined the sorority with Jordan, and Mara, who ultimately decided not to join the sorority.
MTV Sorority Life Meet the Pledges Pt. 1 by Let's Go Back
Meet The Barkers (2005–2006)
Premiered on April 6, 2005, this series followed the everyday lives of Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler as they managed their careers and family life. Their two children, Landon Asher Barker and Alabama Luella Barker, were also included.
Meet The Barkers Episode 1 HD (3-3) by cupcakemga
Meet The Barkers (2005–2006) (Cont.)
Apart from them, the show also introduced Moakler's daughter, Atiana, from her former relationship with boxer Oscar De La Hoya. The theme was composed by Peter Perret, while its music was picked up from Blink-182. There were 2 seasons in all.
Meet The Barkers Episode 1 HD (3-3) by cupcakemga
Surf Girls (2003)
Holding an IMDb rating of 8.5/10, this series featured 14 teenage female surfers between the ages of 18 and 24 who competed in a format similar to Survivor. The ultimate prize was a wildcard entrance into the Roxy Pro, a world tour function in Fiji.
SURF GIRLS 2003 PREVIEW W/ DONNAS by SURFSTYLEY4
Surf Girls (2003) (Cont.)
Here, competitors competed in different surfing tasks in breathtaking places throughout the world. Specific contestants like Mary Osborne, who was a co-winner, gained recognition through their participation. The debut episode was filmed in Australia.
