MTV was all about the music videos, but then a shift happened. The channel has always been a trendsetter, but now they were shaping pop culture with bold reality series, animated hits, and scripted experiments that help define entire generations. However, MTV didn’t allow every show that found an audience to grow. Over the years, several MTV shows were cancelled just as they started to gain momentum. This left fans frustrated and wondering what could have been. We have compiled five MTV shows that many viewers still believe were cancelled too soon.
1. ‘Finding Carter’
“Finding Carter” happened to be one of MTV’s most emotionally compelling scripted dramas. The show focused on a teenage girl who learns she was abducted as a child. She now must reconnect with her biological family.
The show was able to tackle identity, trauma, and complicated family dynamics with surprising depth.
“Finding Carter” had some strong performances on the small screen, as well as developed a devoted fanbase. Despite that, the show was cancelled after two seasons.
The cancellation left many storylines unresolved. Many fans felt “Finding Carter” had the potential to grow into one of MTV’s most impactful dramas.
2. ‘Faking It’
Despite the name, “Faking It” was a show that took on themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery, but in a way that felt refreshingly honest.
The show followed two best friends who pretended to be a lesbian couple to gain popularity. However, the BFFs discover real feelings that start to complicate the plan.
“Faking It” was praised for its inclusive storytelling. However, after three seasons, MTV cancelled it, which left multiple storylines unresolved. It has to be one of MTV’s most frustratingly abrupt endings.
3. ‘Awkward.’
Yes, “Awkward.” did run for five seasons on MTV. However, many fans would argue it was cut short creatively. The show centered around Jenna Hamilton, whose anonymous letter leads to social chaos at her high school.
“Awkward.” had amazing writing and relatable characters, as it became a defining teen series of the early 2010s. Even after five seasons, fans felt there was still more of the story to tell.
4. ‘Clone High’
“Clone High” originally aired in the early 2000s. It was definitely ahead of its time.
This was an animated comedy that reimagined historical figures as dramatic teenagers. It blended satire with absurd humor.
The show premiered in 2003 in the United States, but became embroiled in controversy regarding its depiction of Gandhi. Shortly after that, MTV cancelled the show.
In 2016, MTV Classic ran the final episodes of the first season to mixed reviews. It gained a cult following, and then in 2020, it was announced that MTV was reviving it. The show got two new seasons before being cancelled again.
5. ‘The Hills: New Beginnings’
“The Hills” was hugely successful on MTV, so a revival of that iconic show has massive expectations. However, reactions to “The Hills: New Beginnings” were mixed.
Many fans loved seeing some familiar faces navigate adulthood, careers, and relationships. However, MTV cancelled it after two seasons.
That cancellation left lingering questions and unfinished arcs for fans. For those fans of the original series, “New Beginnings” felt like it deserved some more time to find its footing.
What shows on MTV do you think were cancelled too soon?
