As one of the most influential networks ever introduced, MTV has had its share of ups and downs. The network has changed its format significantly over the last three decades, gradually moving away from a focus on music videos to a more celebrity and reality-focused approach. Here's a look at a few of the most significant moments from MTV's history.
Aug. 1, 1981 -- MTV Launches
-- There's never been a more well-known station launch in history. MTV started with doctored video of astronauts landing on the moon before playing "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles.
1984 -- The First Video Music Awards --
Madonna made big headlines when she performed "Like a Virgin" at the first MTV VMAs. In the process, she brought a tremendous amount of attention to the show, and over the last several decades the VMAs have gained a reputation as an important and often controversial event.
1985 -- VH1 Launches -- MTV was popular enough that a sister channel, VH1, was introduced. It would be the first of dozens of channels related to MTV, and eventually became focused more on classic rock and pop music, while MTV continued to target young, hip music fans. In the last few years, VH1 has followed in MTV's footsteps by introducing variety shows like "Celebrity Rehab."
1991 -- Animation Hits MTV --
"Liquid Television," MTV's first animated show, was introduced this year. Animated shows were eventually a significant portion of MTV's programming, with several major hits including "Daria," "Celebrity Deathmatch" and "Beavis and Butt-head."
1992 -- Reality Sets In --
MTV aired " The Real World," one of the first competitive reality shows. Its success led to dozens of spinoffs and imitators, including the almost equally-popular "Road Rules."
1998 -- Total Request Live! Debuts --
TRL was actually two shows merged together, but in the late 1990s, it was one of the few TV shows on MTV that actually played videos. It ran until 2008 and featured hosts introducing the most popular music videos of the day. Carson Daly was probably TRL's most popular host, although he eventually left to pursue a late night career.
2002 -- More Reality Shows --
With shows like " The Osbournes, " MTV was gradually moving away from videos in the 2000s. However, their reality programming was especially popular, and in the latter half of the decade, the station began to experiment with scripted reality shows like "The Hills."
2010 -- MTV Drops "Music Television" --
Although MTV had largely moved away from music-driven content in the 2000s, it officially dropped the words "music television " from its logo in 2010. "Music television" is no longer part of the station's official brand.
Share your favorite moments from MTV's history below.
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