R.I.P. MTV – here Are 44 Of The Best Moments From Your

As MTV (1981-2025) prepares to sign off, its legacy lives in moments that reshaped music, youth culture, reality TV, and live television forever. From shocking performances to era-defining shows, here are 44 of the best moments in MTV history.

  1. MTV launches by airing “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.
  2. Michael Jackson premieres the groundbreaking “Thriller” video.
  3. Madonna performs “Like a Virgin” at the first MTV Video Music Awards.
  4. Prince delivers a raw, provocative “Gett Off” performance.
  5. Nirvana records its haunting MTV Unplugged session.
  6. Pedro Zamora brings HIV and AIDS activism to The Real World: San Francisco.
  7. Bill Clinton answers the “boxers or briefs” question on Rock the Vote.
  8. Total Request Live debuts and turns fan voting into daily ritual.
  9. Britney Spears performs with a live python at the VMAs.
  10. Madonna and Britney Spears kiss onstage at the VMAs.
  11. Christina Aguilera joins the VMA kiss moment.
  12. Rage Against the Machine storms the VMAs stage in protest.
  13. Lil’ Kim shocks the VMAs with her purple shell outfit.
  14. Diana Ross grabs Lil’ Kim onstage while presenting an award.
  15. Jackass premieres and redefines stunt comedy.
  16. The Osbournes launches celebrity reality television.
  17. Punk’d debuts with Justin Timberlake breaking down in tears.
  18. MTV Cribs turns celebrity homes into pop culture obsession.
  19. Mariah Carey gives an unforgettable Cribs tour.
  20. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams recreate their kiss at the Movie Awards.
  21. My Super Sweet Sixteen showcases excess and teen drama.
  22. Jersey Shore premieres and dominates pop culture.
  23. Snooki gets punched at a bar on Jersey Shore.
  24. Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift at the VMAs.
  25. Lady Gaga wears a raw meat dress to the VMAs.
  26. The Hills airs its dramatic final episode.
  27. Beyonce reveals her pregnancy during a VMAs performance.
  28. Unplugged revives stripped-down performances across genres.
  29. Yo! MTV Raps brings hip-hop into the mainstream.
  30. MTV Spring Break becomes a cultural phenomenon.
  31. MTV News covers music with journalistic credibility.
  32. Kurt Loder becomes a trusted music news voice.
  33. Daria spins off from Beavis and Butt-Head.
  34. Beavis and Butt-Head satirize music video culture.
  35. Real World introduces reality TV confessionals.
  36. Catfish expands digital dating stories to television.
  37. Miley Cyrus twerks with Robin Thicke at the VMAs.
  38. Nicki Minaj calls out Miley Cyrus live onstage.
  39. TRL hosts turn artists into everyday celebrities.
  40. MTV Movie Awards blur the line between film and fandom.
  41. Headbangers Ball gives metal a national platform.
  42. MTV Europe helps globalize pop and rock music.
  43. MTV makes music videos an art form.
  44. MTV turns youth culture into the main event.