Both series were part of the network’s iconic lineup through the Nineties
Two of MTV’s iconic series are getting revived: TRL and MTV Unplugged. Each series is set to debut to a whole new generation this fall. TRL will premiere on Monday, October 2nd with MTV Unplugged making its debut nearly one month before on Thursday, September 8th.
The daily TRL live show will air from the network’s iconic Times Square studio and become the prime destination for youth culture and a meeting point for millions of fans. Expanded by nearly 200 percent, the 8,700 square-foot multi-functional studio allows for bigger audiences, expansive sets and simultaneous productions including new digital extensions of TRL.
The show will integrate linear, social and digital under the TRL brand and bring teen passion points to life, while continuing to incorporate audience requests. The digital extensions will feature platform-specific, premium content across YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Musical.ly. TRL will feature a cast of five rotating hosts including D.C. Young Fly, Erik Zachary, Amy Pham, Tamara Dhia and Lawrence Jackson.
MTV Unplugged, the network’s groundbreaking Grammy and Emmy award-winning franchise, returns Shawn Mendes. The franchise will feature an eclectic, superstar lineup of global pop culture artists. The trailblazing music series returns with a fresh reinvention that will feature performances from locations across the country that hold special meaning to each artist.
“MTV revolutionized the performance storytelling space when it launched MTV Unplugged almost 30 years ago,” states Amani Duncan, Senior Vice President of Music, MTV. “The Unplugged series allows artists to reimagine their songs in an intimate and acoustic medium, giving their fans a new perspective on their favorite hits. We’re thrilled to have multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes launch this new season.”
“I’m so thrilled and honored to be able to help bring the ‘Unplugged’ series back,” Mendes says. “It’s a show that truly highlights artistry and brings unique performances to fans that they can’t see anywhere else.”
Since its debut in 1989, MTV Unplugged has been a cultural watershed of musical moments, featuring unforgettable performances from artists including Nirvana, Jay-Z, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Miley Cyrus, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Lil Wayne, Adele and Florence + The Machine.
