In the 2000s, MTV shows were more than required viewing — they were absolute moments that generated catchphrases, memes, and tabloid headlines. They defined the conversation for those of us who longed to throw open our (parents’) front door, and yell, “Welcome to my crib!”
Now that we’re more than a quarter of the way into the 21st century, nostalgia for the aughts are taking over our FYPs. To help stoke your memory – and assist you in planning your next binge-watch – we’ve compiled a list of nine MTV shows that were born of, and totally influenced, the 2000s. All of these shows are awesomesauce, as the kids (now grownups) used to say. And they’re all streaming now on Paramount+.
Think competition chaos (The Challenge), messy housemates (Jersey Shore, natch), emotional docu-reality (16 and Pregnant), aspirational reality drama (The Hills), and over-the-top comedy (Jackass).
So take a 1, 2 Step (or a Dougie, if you prefer) down memory lane with the MTV shows from the 2000s that are still influencing today’s TV landscape, and read the full list.
1. Jersey Shore (2009-2012)
It’s the series that started it all (including the latest addition to the Shore universe, Canada Shore)! In the OG show, eight extremely fun-loving friends cram themselves into a beach house in Seaside Heights, New Jersey (and, as the seasons and series evolve, South Beach, Florida, and Florence, Italy). Dozens of cameras watch their every move as they put the “fun” in dysfunction. If you’re new to Jersey Shore, you’ll love hitting the hot tub and boardwalk with JWow, Pauly D, Ronnie, Sammi Sweetheart, Snooki, The Situation, and Vinny. Get crazy! All six seasons are now streaming.
WATCH NOW: Jersey Shore
2. The Challenge (1998-present)
What began as Road Rules: All Stars and Real World/Road Rules Challenge (a mash-up of contestants from The Real World and Road Rules) has become the bedrock of The Challenge franchise, a reality-competition universe that’s endured for nearly 30 years. The contestants and the challenges themselves vary from season to season, but the excitement is consistent. And, okay, yes, we know, The Challenge premiered in the 20th century, but, one, it premiered in the very late 20th century, and, two, the iconic show is no dinosaur. It just got a bit of jump on the 2000s. That’s what the great ones do, after all: They’re ahead of their time.
More than 400 episodes are now streaming on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: The Challenge
3. Jackass (2000-2001 and 2009)
As if it needs any introduction, but ICYMI, you must binge this TV phenomenon born from the world of skateboarding and gonzo stunts. Created by Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine, and director Spike Jonze, and featuring buddies Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey, Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, and Preston Lacy, Jackass turns non-professional stunts, pranks, pratfalls, and pain into four seasons of hilarity. Also, don’t miss the feature-length movie Jackass Forever; like Jackass, it’s also now streaming on Paramount+.
WATCH NOW: Jackass
The Hills franchise
Watching young, glamorous people making their way in the big city is always engrossing, and the world of The Hills is no exception. Get ready for lots of time spent on Lauren Conrad’s couch – or in the Teen Vogue offices – as Heidi Montag and so many other fan-faves (Justin-Bobby!), discuss the meaning of life in The Hills and The City, two shows that helped define MTV of the 2000s.
4. The Hills (2006-2010)
From its humble beginnings as a spinoff of Laguna Beach, The Hills emerged as one of the hottest shows ever to air on MTV. Initially focusing on burgeoning fashion industry careerist Lauren Conrad and her pals Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge, and Whitney Port, The Hills explores love and friendship amidst the sunshine and neon of the City of Angels. All six iconic seasons are now streaming.
WATCH NOW: The Hills
5. The City (2008-2010)
The fashion industry in the Big Apple takes center stage in this popular spinoff of The Hills. Follow Los Angeles-based Whitney Port as she moves to Manhattan to work for legendary fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg. If you love beautiful New York City socialites, girl bosses, cheating male models, and lots of references to NYC fashion institutions, you’ve come to the right series. Does laidback L.A. girlie Whitney have what it takes to survive a real-life The Devil Wears Prada? Watch and find out! All two seasons are now streaming.
WATCH NOW: The City
Reality shows that keep it real
If you’re looking for your next reality-show obsession, 2000s MTV-style, you’ve come to the right spot. Whether it’s the coming-of-age drama of My Super Sweet 16, or the sweet cribs of, well, Cribs, we’ve got the shows for your binging pleasure!
6. My Super Sweet 16 (2005-2017)
Your 16th birthday is usually a fun time to celebrate the transition from young teen to “now-I-can-drive” teen. But for the wealthy families featured in My Super Sweet 16, it’s not only a huge deal, it’s a huge nightmare. Check out the unhinged, over-the-top celebrations for then-teen stars like Bow Wow, Sean Kingston, Aly & AJ, Chris Brown, Soulja Boy, and Teyana Taylor. All nine seasons of this long-running hit are now streaming.
WATCH NOW: My Super Sweet 16
7. Cribs (2000-2022)
This is where the magic happens. This iconic reality show saw celebrities open their (rather large) doors to share how they were living (also rather large, in most cases). Musicians, athletes, actors, reality stars… everyone was invited to guide cameras on a home tour, complete with a peek inside the fridge. Four select seasons are now streaming.
WATCH NOW: Cribs
16 and Pregnant franchise
Experience the heartache, the hope, the good times and the bad, plus everything else that impacts teen mothers as they navigate life with babies. Check out the seminal MTV 2000s shows 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom OG for your next binge.
8. 16 and Pregnant (2009-2021)
Being a single mom is hard enough, but being a teenage single mom takes it to the next level. Follow the lives of Maci Bookout, Catelynn Lowell, Amber Portwood, and (of course) Farrah Abraham as they navigate both high school and impending motherhood. It’s the show that blew open the doors to a national discussion around teen pregnancy. All six seasons are now streaming.
WATCH NOW: 16 and Pregnant
9. Teen Mom OG (2009-2021)
Originally titled Teen Mom, the first spinoff of 16 and Pregnant continues to chronicle the lives of the show’s new teen mothers. Join Maci Bookout (now McKinney), Catelynn Lowell (now Baltierra), Amber Portwood, and Farrah Abraham as they struggle with their roles as parents, daughters, and romantic partners. All nine seasons are now streaming.
WATCH NOW: Teen Mom OG
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