MTV cancels Ridiculousness after 14 years amid strategy shift

MTV has canceled Ridiculousness after 14 years on the air, ending one of the network's longest-running series. No new episodes will be produced, but previously completed first-run episodes will continue to air on MTV through 2026, and earlier seasons will remain available in reruns on the channel and in select seasons on the parent company streaming service, company representatives and people familiar with the decision said.

The decision follows a corporate shift after the merger that placed MTV under new ownership and a wider round of companywide layoffs. Network executives are reworking MTV's programming strategy to feature a more curated slate of shows, explore new formats, and bring in different creative voices, according to sources familiar with the plan. Insiders described the move as part of broader cost-cutting and a repositioning of the channel away from the heavy reliance on long-running clip programming.

Ridiculousness debuted on August 29, 2011, and built a consistent audience with its clip-show formula of viral videos, failed stunts and panel commentary. Hosted and created by Rob Dyrdek and later cohosted by Sterling "Steelo" Brim, the series also featured regular...