MTV is rewinding the clock and bringing music videos back—at least for one week. From September 1, the network’s sister channels will run videos around the clock in the lead-up to the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV VMAs) on September 7.
While the flagship MTV continues its endless Ridiculousness reruns, MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic, and Pluto TV’s MTV Biggest Pop will go full retro with 24/7 music video programming. More than 700 clips will rotate across 12 themed categories, including Best of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Most Scandalous Videos, Best Celebrity Cameos, Videos That Go Bump in the Night, and Craziest Videos of All Time.
- Best of the ‘80s and ‘90s
Classic-era MTV. Expect iconic videos from the decades when the channel defined pop culture — think Madonna, Michael Jackson, Nirvana, TLC, Guns N’ Roses, etc.
- Most Scandalous Videos
The controversial ones. Anything that shocked parents, pushed boundaries, or got banned at the time — Britney’s I’m a Slave 4 U, Madonna’s Like a Prayer, or Miley’s Wrecking Ball belong here.
- Best Celebrity Cameos
Music videos where stars outside of music made appearances — actors, athletes, comedians, or even politicians. For example, Eddie Murphy in Michael Jackson’s Remember the Time, or Christopher Walken in Fatboy Slim’s Weapon of Choice.
- Videos That Go Bump in the Night
Horror-inspired or creepy visuals. Think Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Marilyn Manson’s The Beautiful People, or more modern eerie clips from Billie Eilish.
- Craziest Videos of All Time
The wildest and most over-the-top productions. Big budgets, outrageous concepts, or surreal visuals — like OK Go’s treadmill video (Here It Goes Again) or Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance.
Icons on Repeat
Pop royalty dominates the rotation. Britney Spears leads the pack with 21 plays, trailed by Beyoncé (18), Madonna (17), Eminem (15), Michael Jackson (12), and the Backstreet Boys (11). Mariah Carey, *NSYNC, and Justin Timberlake each notch nine appearances.
Tributes and Guest Voices
It won’t just be the videos. Special dedications and artist testimonials will air throughout the week, with contributions from Chappell Roan, Jon Bon Jovi, Olivia Rodrigo, Paris Hilton, Teddy Swims, Doja Cat, Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, and more.
The Main Event – MTV VMAs 2025
It all builds toward the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, airing live Sunday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. Performances will come from Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, Ricky Martin, and others still under wraps.
For one week only, MTV is finally putting the spotlight back on the art form that made it famous.