MTV (Canada) - Programming

Programming

Further information: List of programs broadcast by MTV (Canada)

The Canadian version of MTV carries most of the reality television series that currently dominate the schedule of its U.S. counterpart. However, music-based programming is notably absent from the channel. It has been widely speculated that MTV in Canada does not show music programming because of MuchMusic, however that is not the case. Because the broadcasting licence issued for talktv did not allow for any music programming, MTV in Canada can not show music based programs. Because of this, the MTV logo used by MTV in Canada never included the tagline "Music Television", unlike other MTV-branded channels around the world (however, MTV in the United States would phase out the tagline by 2010, as it too would also begin focusing less on music-related programming). However, since mid-2007, MuchMusic and its affiliated channels including MuchMore have been under the same ownership as MTV in Canada, following CTVglobemedia's acquisition of CHUM Limited, meaning the former rival networks are now sister channels.

Before the re-launch, The Globe and Mail reported that the network would "... be quite different from what most people associate with the original American MTV, which has increasingly moved away from music videos toward reality shows and other original programming," placing a heavy emphasis on "talk and lifestyle shows". In a recent Canadian Press report, it was stated that while there could not be a Canadian version of the music-oriented Total Request Live, other spin off programs were not out of the question. Canadian versions of MTV Cribs, Diary and Making the Video have already been produced.

Leading up to the launch, CTV aired MTV Unplugged: Alicia Keys in early October 2005, and MTV's New Year of Music on New Year's Eve 2005.

On February 20, 2006, CTV announced that the Masonic Temple in Toronto - previously home to talktv and Open Mike with Mike Bullard - would be the new home for MTV Canada and its new flagship show, MTV Live. This would be essentially a revival of the live-and-interactive talk show format introduced by the chatroom, with new hosts, the addition of a studio audience, field reports, and live performances.

On June 27, 2006 MTV Canada aired Making the Video for the first time (Ashlee Simpson's "Invisible"), but only showed a short clip of the video. Viewers were told to watch the rest of the video on the MTV website. Recently, episodes of Making the Video have included the full music video.

Nearly all of the MTV US reality, documentary and lifestyle programs air on MTV Canada, although often several weeks after their initial airing in the US. Some programs have aired day, date and time with MTV US, mostly special presentations such as the MTV Movie Awards. However, seasons 3 and 3.5 of The Hills were shown in simulcast with MTV US. The Canadian-created Hills Aftershow became available to American viewers at this time.

Since its launch, MTV Canada has aired the annual MTV Movie Awards as a simulcast with MTV US. However, the MTV Video Music Awards do not air on MTV because of the high level of music content. The ceremony aired on CTV, the parent company of MTV in Canada in 2006 and 2007, but returned to MuchMusic in 2008, which aired them until the MTV relaunch.