10 Best MTV Shows To Stream On Paramount+, According To IMDb

When it comes to classic television, MTV made its mark in terms of music, TV series, and even original movies. Specifically, in the early 2000s and the 2010s, MTV ruled television with hit shows like Jersey Shore and The Hills.

With Paramount+ providing fans with a plethora of MTV content, fans are ecstatic to start binging the nostalgic shows they all knew and loved from back in the day. While the network as a whole was insanely popular among the teenage demographic, some series are rated higher than others on IMDb.

10 Teen Mom (2009) – 3.6

Packed full of dramatic storylines, Teen Mom was a show that got everybody talking. In a time when it was more taboo to be a teen mom, the show highlighted the difficult dynamics and struggles that come with caring for a child at a young age.

The show did pretty well among viewers, as being a teen mom looked different for everybody, and fans naturally rooted for their well-being. Due to the moms being young themselves, the naïve drama was captivating to watch and even cringeworthy at times.

9 Next (2005) – 4.0

Among the top MTV shows that have aged poorly is Next, a controversial, yet highly entertaining show. The cheesy yet provocative dating show had five contestants going after the singleton featured in the episode. Those that weren’t on the date with that person would be in the van trading witty (and often cringeworthy) banter with the other contestants.

With the potential for the dater to “next” them, the contestants had to be on their best behaviors, as they would earn more money the longer they lasted. Though controversial, the series was pretty popular and ran for 6 seasons.

8 The Real World (1992) – 5.0

With the show continuing for thirty-three seasons straight, it’s safe to say this reality show remained quite popular over the years. The drama series features seven different strangers every season that have to live in close proximity while trying to find common ground and make things work.

Though the show’s premise is quite simple, it shows what can happen when you live with strangers, with it either going badly or somewhat pleasantly. The reality show received decent ratings on IMDb, perhaps because, as well as the entertainment value, there are plenty of relatable themes like making friends and roommate situations work, no matter people’s differing backgrounds.

7 MTV Cribs (2000) – 5.0

The beloved MTV Cribs gave fans a special behind-the-scenes look into the lives of celebrities by showcasing their own homes. While some viewers may not believe celebrity houses can give much insight into their lives, fans of the fourteen-year-spanning series tend to disagree.

Not only do the stars themselves give tours of their lovely abodes, but many would argue that decor style can tell fans everything they need to know about their favorite celebrity. Viewers thought this intimate look into the stars’ lives offered a unique and captivating perspective. There’s no denying that the show was era-defining and was both a cause and symptom of the celebrity culture that ran rampant in the 2000s.

6 Made (2003) – 5.9

The MTV show Made offered a unique perspective into the lives of regular teens chasing their dreams. Whether the episodes would highlight aspiring singers or even skateboarders, fans loved the show’s ability to be relatable and inspiring.

In each episode, the dreamer is assisted by their very own “Made coach” to help them achieve their top goal and the show encouraged viewers to pursue their own dreams. The series’ IMDb rating is fairly high due to its uplifting nature, and it’s surely spirit-lifting and binge-worthy.

5 Jackass (2000) – 7.3

Filled with crazy stunts and hilarious quotes, the Jackass series on MTV was among the most popular on the channel. With the famous franchise continuing for several years and going on to make several movies, Jackass has gone down in history for its wild format.

Many parents at the time were worried about the show’s influence on their children, anxious it would prompt them to try dangerous things in order to feel like absurd stuntman Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O. However, the wildly popular show was no doubt the start of something new, acting as the foundation for many wild YouTube vloggers to follow in their footsteps. The shows imprint on popular culture makes it worth a watch.

4 True Life (1998) – 7.4

Another MTV show that follows the lives of regular people, True Life highlights common, and even uncommon, struggles humans face. The documentary series takes viewers on a journey through rough periods in people’s lives, whether it be drug addiction or dating struggles.

The show ran for twenty-one years, so it’s no question that this unusual concept caused fans to stay tuned in indefinitely. True Life is perfect for fans who can’t get enough of documentaries that cover serious topics.

3 Daria (1997) – 8.1

Though cartoons are typically viewed as media for children, Daria is one of the best cartoons that’s made for teens. In addition to the show’s extreme meme-able quality, the series showcased the relatable life of a sarcastic teenager and her daily adventures.

MTV had a vast array of media back in the day, from animated series to reality TV to even live musical performances. Daria shook up the game, proving that cartoons don’t always have to be juvenile and they can be highly entertaining, even for older teens.

2 MTV Unplugged (1989) – 8.2

With the show beginning in 1989 and continuing for thirty seasons, Unplugged is by far one of the most popular series to come out of MTV. From classic bands like Nirvana to more modern artists like Lady Gaga, the series welcomed some real legends over the years.

The live acoustic performances gave the artists a chance to showcase their greatest hits in a more stripped down and intimate way. The effect of Unplugged was, and still is, universal, with its ability to host artists and bands from every genre so everyone can enjoy.

1 RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009) – 8.5

Among one of the highest-rated MTV/Vh1 shows of all time, the long-running RuPaul’s Drag Race is a show that has a strong influence on today’s culture. The series details the entertaining and dramatic lives of drag queens as they compete to be the winner of the competition.

The show’s challenges teach the queens to become better performers, ranging from runway walks to singing competitions, to even talent shows. The series includes fourteen seasons, including spin-off shows, which undoubtedly proves the show’s influential nature.

About The Author