MTV was the soul of music, at least for those who were around to feel it rise. Come 2026, ownership clashes and contractual framings have kicked that soul to the curb.

On December 31, 2025, 6 remaining music-only channels of MTV were put to sleep forever. Channels MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, Club MTV, and MTV Live all came under the effect.

The closure has been triggered by cost-cutting measures being taken by the Paramount-Skydance merger. For the coming year, MTV will, however, continue to run its services pertaining to reality and pop culture coverage.

MTV's music airing has come to an end after 44 years, since its commencement in 1981. Part of its audience, particularly the millennial generation, had formed a tight-knit connection with the channel.

MTV, however, did not bid farewell without a proper last song each.

MTV Music's final song-byes

Each of the former MTV channels paid homage to one or the other sentiment for their last times. The selection has been lauded by avid enjoyers of the channel.

MTV Music paid homage to its very first time on air, playing 'Video Killed the Radio Star' sung by The Buggles. Following the cue, MTV 90s put on Spice Girls’ 'Goodbye', while MTV 00s commemorated with NSYNC’s 'Bye Bye Bye'.

Club MTV played Rihanna's 'Don’t Stop the Music', while MTV Live picked 'Dancing On My Own' by Robyn. With the new year, new music seems to have lost its televisional comrade.

What do you think of MTV's music-only closure? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by

Adiba Nizami

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui