10 MTV Shows from the 2000s You Totally Forgot Existed!

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If you were a child in the 2000s, then MTV was the go-to channel for you after school hours. Music videos may not have been the main draw (who remembers when MTV was all about playing music?), but rather for shows centered around pranks and celebrity culture. It was mindless fun that we couldn’t get enough of.

During this timeframe, MTV has shifted away from numerous series, except for “Jackass” which recently released a new film in 2022, and “MTV Cribs” that was rebooted in 2021. However, many of MTV’s most iconic shows from the 2000s are ones you might have forgotten about, shows that we couldn’t have imagined life without during those years. Here’s a list of ten MTV shows from the 2000s that will instantly remind you, “Oh yeahhhh, I remember that!” upon recognizing their titles.

10
‘Rob & Big’ (2006 – 2008)

As a film enthusiast, allow me to share some thoughts about my absolute best friend, a pal who’s as iconic as the skateboarding world itself. Many might recall this sentiment from Harry Nilsson’s song or MTV’s reality series, Rob & Big. Back in the 2000s, MTV had a soft spot for skateboarders, and Rob Dyrdek was one of the stars that shone brightest.

Rob & Big showcased an unusual yet heartwarming bond between Dyrdek and his close friend, Christopher “Big Black” Boykin – or simply “Big”. It’s a story about friendship that transcends typical boundaries, as one man became not just a bodyguard but a brother figure to another.

This show didn’t have a lot of action, but Big did set a couple of Guinness World Records nonetheless. Despite its short run, spanning just three seasons, Rob Dyrdek found success on MTV with two additional series: “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” and “Ridiculousness”, which some might say bears resemblance to “Tosh.0”. Regrettably, Big passed away in 2017.

9
‘Next’ (2005 – 2008)

In the 2000s, dating apps weren’t around, so if you sought love, your only viable option was participating in MTV’s dating show, Next. On this program, a single participant would engage in blind dates with as many as five other singles, all of whom were confined to the Next bus.

Whenever a contestant felt uninterested in their match, they had the option to display “Next!” as a signal, thus ending the current date and immediately starting a new one. Instead of swiping left, this method seems more straightforward and time-saving, doesn’t it?

8
‘Viva La Bam’ (2003 – 2006)

Have you recalled the MTV show “Jackass”? If so, do you also remember its offshoot series like “Viva La Bam”? This reality program centers around one of the main characters from “Jackass”, Bam Margera, as he skates with friends and plays nasty pranks on his family members who unfortunately are often his victims.

The program catapulted Bam to MTV stardom and lasted an impressive five seasons. Moreover, it led to several other spin-offs that might have slipped your memory, such as “Bam’s Unholy Union,” “Bam’s World Domination,” and “Bam’s Bad Ass Game Show.” Regrettably, Bam appears to have passed the peak of his fame. After his shows concluded, he encountered a series of personal challenges, including battles with alcohol and substances, legal issues, and the tragic demise of his close friend, Ryan Dunn.

7
‘Wildboyz’ (2003 – 2006)

Wildboyz shares a similar concept with Jackass, but it didn’t quite achieve the fame that Viva La Bam did. The series primarily focuses on the adventures of cast members Steve-O and Chris Pontius, as they engage in thrilling stunts and interactions with various wild animals across the globe. Important to note, these men are not trained professionals; instead, they intentionally place themselves in incredibly hazardous conditions, often serving as bait for creatures ranging from sharks to lions. Unfortunately, they sustained injuries multiple times during the series’ run. Wildboyz concluded after four seasons, which might have been a blessing for the safety and well-being of Steve-O and Pontius.

6
‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’ (2003 – 2005)

Way back when I was still walking down the aisle with Jessica Simpson, before we took our seats as hosts on Netflix’s Love Is Blind, I shared the limelight with my then-spouse in our very own reality show – Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. This TV series offered a glimpse into the initial phases of our married life. Back then, we were both eclipsed by more prominent pop acts. The charts belonged to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera instead of Jessica, while the airwaves favored the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC over my boy band, 98 Degrees. Yet, Newlyweds catapulted both of us into household fame.

The show, “Newlyweds,” was often recognized by the comedic portrayal of Simpson as a “dumb blonde,” such as the time she inquired about her meal being chicken or tuna while consuming Chicken of the Sea tuna. The series ran for three seasons before concluding in 2005, which also marked the year Simpson and Lachey chose to divorce. It seems that broadcasting their marriage on television might not have been the wisest choice.

5
‘The Ashlee Simpson Show’ (2004 – 2005)

Jessica Simpson’s hit TV series paved the way for her sister, Ashlee, to secure a reality show titled “The Ashlee Simpson Show“. Unlike Jessica, Ashlee was known for her punk-rock style, characterized by her dark hair and rebellious fashion choices. This show documented the early stages of Ashlee’s musical journey, including the creation of her debut album, “Autobiography“, all the way through to its launch and the events that followed.

The television series “The Ashlee Simpson Show” played a significant role in solidifying Ashlee as a musical artist and boosting the popularity of her debut album, which charted at the top position upon release. Incredibly, this MTV program centered around music – who would have thought?

4
‘Meet the Barkers’ (2005-2006)

Prior to his union with Kourtney Kardashian (when the Kardashians weren’t yet known), Travis Barker, a renowned punk rock figure, was previously married to model Shanna Moakler. Their story was similar to the Kardashians’, but instead of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” they had their own reality series titled “Meet the Barkers,”, which centered around Travis’ marriage and family life.

Beyond Moakler, the program also included their two children, Alabama and Landon. The show, titled “Meet the Barkers,” ran for just two years – a duration mirrored by the Barkers’ marriage itself. Travis opted to file for divorce following the final episode of the series, suggesting perhaps that broadcasting one’s marriage might not be the best idea for its longevity.

3
‘Life of Ryan’ (2007 – 2009)

You might have overlooked or perhaps never heard about this show before. In the 2000s, skateboarding sensation Ryan Sheckler was on the brink of becoming the new Tony Hawk, at least according to MTV. They gave him a reality series, “Life of Ryan,” which chronicled his journey as he balanced his rapidly growing career and personal life.

In the series Life of Ryan , several well-known skateboarders like Jereme Rogers, Bob Burnquist, and Tony Hawk briefly appeared. However, the show itself had a limited run, airing for only three seasons. Luckily, Ryan Sheckler’s skateboarding profession has endured much longer than his television career.

2
‘Parental Control’ (2007 – 2010)

The show ‘Parental Control’ on MTV was quite unusual. In this series, parents would select new dates for their teenage kids, replacing their current partners, just because… well, apparently they found it entertaining.

Ultimately, the teen must decide whether to pursue the relationship suggested by their parents’ preferred match or continue with their existing partner. Over four years, this spectacle, which some might call absurd, foolish, or even fabricated, provided a great deal of entertainment on our screens.

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1
‘Room Raiders’ (2003 – 2009)

If you tuned into MTV in the 2000s, it’s likely you were captivated by Room Raiders – a show you might have forgotten about since its broadcast days. Unlike traditional dating shows, Room Raiders featured three single individuals whose rooms were scrutinized instead of themselves. The raider remained unseen throughout the process.

During the searches, it was common to find amusing and awkward items such as sex toys and undergarments. However, things took a turn for the worse when a blacklight was used to reveal hidden stains, the type you’re familiar with. This made the situation quite messy, in both a figurative and literal sense.

From a van, the three contestants observe and make funny faces at each other as their personal spaces are searched by the suitor. At the close of the program, it’s the suitor who decides which contestant to take out on a date based on what they find in their rooms. However, here comes the twist! After completing their inspections, the three single individuals then turn the tables and search the suitor’s room for exciting discoveries. It was one of those absurd, immature dating shows that only MTV from the 2000s could concoct.

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2025-02-09 02:03