MTV Pulls the Plug: 'Ridiculousness' Canceled After 14 Years of Viral Laughs

After a legendary 14-year run, Rob Dyrdek's hit clip show "Ridiculousness" is officially ending its production of new episodes on MTV, shaking up the network's long-standing programming.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the "Ridiculousness" Cancellation

MTV has officially canceled "Ridiculousness" after 14 years and 46 seasons, with no new original episodes to be produced.
Previously filmed episodes will continue to air on MTV through 2026, and past seasons remain available on Paramount+.
The decision comes amid MTV's parent company, Paramount, undergoing a major merger with Skydance and a network-wide push for "fresh formats" and "different creative voices."

The End of a Viral Era: "Ridiculousness" Says Goodbye to New Episodes

Well, this news is, for many, quite "ridiculous." After dominating Mtv's airwaves for over a decade, the network's staple comedy clip series, "Ridiculousness," has been officially canceled. Sources familiar with the decision confirmed on October 31, 2025, that while fans will still see plenty of Rob Dyrdek, Steelo Brim, and Lolo Wood on their screens, no new original episodes will be produced going forward.

Since its premiere on August 29, 2011, "Ridiculousness" became an undeniable juggernaut for MTV. It wasn't just a show; it was a cultural touchstone, especially for a generation that grew up on internet viral videos. The format was simple yet endlessly entertaining: host and creator Rob Dyrdek, along with his dynamic co-hosts, would gather to watch and hilariously dissect some of the internet's most outrageous fails, stunts gone wrong, and general head-scratching moments. It truly was the modern-day answer to "America's Funniest Home Videos," as one fan on X put it.

Over its impressive 14-year run, the show racked up an incredible number of episodes. While exact figures vary slightly across reports, it consistently aired for 46 seasons (some reports suggest it would have hit 50 by the end of its original run in 2026) and delivered over 1,700 episodes of pure, unadulterated internet mayhem. The sheer volume of content meant that reruns of "Ridiculousness" often filled hours of MTV's daily schedule, a testament to its low production cost and high viewership retention.

Behind the Scenes: Why MTV is Pressing Pause on New "Ridiculousness"

So, why call it quits on such a successful, long-running series? The cancellation isn't an isolated event; it's part of a much larger shift happening within MTV's parent company, Paramount. The news comes on the heels of the massive Paramount-Skydance merger, a deal that brought together media giants under the control of David Ellison. This merger has unfortunately led to significant company-wide layoffs, impacting thousands of employees across the newly formed entity. NBC News previously reported cuts amounting to 10% of Paramount's roughly 20,000 employees, with other outlets suggesting around 11% of 18,600 full- and part-time staff.

Against this backdrop of corporate restructuring and cost-cutting, MTV is reportedly looking to "reimagine" its future. One source close to the company stated, "As the company works to reimagine MTV for the future, the channel will feature a more curated slate that embraces its experimental DNA – exploring fresh formats, different creative voices, and refreshed programming." This statement suggests a strategic pivot away from the clip-show format that has dominated the network for years, towards content that might be seen as more innovative or aligned with MTV's original, more experimental roots.

Many industry observers believe the move is a clear effort to cut costs and revitalize a brand that some feel has strayed from its core identity. In a November 2020 MediaPost article, writer Adam Buckman already cited MTV's reliance on "Ridiculousness" reruns as an example of "name-brand cable channels that seem to have abandoned the idea of developing and producing original, attractive content worth paying for." This cancellation marks a significant turning point, signaling MTV's commitment to this "facelift."

Dyrdek's Lucrative Deal: A Look at the Star's "Ridiculous" Earnings

While "Ridiculousness" was undeniably popular, recent reports shed light on the astronomical costs associated with keeping its star, Rob Dyrdek, on board. Just a day before the cancellation announcement, Bloomberg reported that MTV was paying the former professional skateboarder a staggering sum: at least $32.5 million per year. This wasn't just for showing up; it was part of a comprehensive 336-episode-per-year deal, a massive output that kept MTV's programming schedule packed.

Dyrdek's impressive paycheck included several components:

Executive Producer Fee: A cool $21,000 per episode.
On-Camera Fee: Starting at $61,000 per episode, with the potential to climb to six figures ($101,000) by the end of his agreement.
Bonuses: A hefty $2.5 million bonus every time MTV ordered another set of 168 episodes.

Bloomberg also noted that Dyrdek's salary could have soared to over $45 million annually if the show had been picked up for 2028 and 2029. Given MTV's stated goal of embracing "different creative voices," it's not hard to connect the dots: "different" likely also means "cheaper" creative voices, especially in the wake of widespread company layoffs and a major merger.

Beyond his "Ridiculousness" earnings, Dyrdek's overall net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth to be a whopping $200 million. This financial success isn't just from the clip show; it's the culmination of a savvy entrepreneurial journey that began long before viral videos took over the internet.

From Skateboarding Star to TV Mogul: Rob Dyrdek's MTV Journey

Rob Dyrdek's relationship with MTV is a long and storied one, stretching back nearly two decades. Before he was cracking jokes about internet fails, he was a professional skateboarder who successfully transitioned into reality television. His first big hit was "Rob & Big," which premiered in 2006. Dyrdek, always with an eye for opportunity, saw this show as a crucial "platform."

He revealed on the "Trading Secrets" podcast in 2021 that he made an estimated $35,000 per episode on "Rob & Big." When MTV wanted a fourth season, they offered him $125,000 to produce it, or to create a new show. Dyrdek chose the latter, leading to "Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory" in 2009. This move was a game-changer for him, as he insisted on owning the integration rights for the show. "I would only do the show if I owned the integration. There was a little pushback starting to happen, so they gave me my integration," he explained. "Now, I sold deals to Chevy, Microsoft. I sold all my own deals that I wrote episodes around for the television show. I was making millions because I owned the platform."

Two years after "Fantasy Factory" launched, "Ridiculousness" burst onto the scene, further cementing Dyrdek's status as an MTV staple and a television production powerhouse. He famously stated, "I shoot 250 episodes of television a year. I live a perfectly balanced life, where I spend 32 percent of my time sleeping, 32 percent of the time working, and about 30 percent with my family, wife, and friends." This dedication to his craft, combined with his business acumen, built an empire.

"I created this show because I absolutely and genuinely love viral videos."

— Rob Dyrdek, Host and Creator of "Ridiculousness"

The Co-Stars and Celebrity Guests Who Made "Ridiculousness" Shine

While Dyrdek was the face and driving force, a huge part of "Ridiculousness'" charm came from its rotating cast of co-hosts and celebrity guests. Sterling "Steelo" Brim and Lauren "Lolo" Wood were constant fixtures, offering their unique perspectives and infectious laughs. Long-time fans will also remember Chanel West Coast, who brought her distinctive personality and memorable cackle to the red couch from the show's debut until her departure in March 2023, after an incredible 30 seasons.

The show's simple premise made it a magnet for celebrity guests from all walks of entertainment. Over the years, the couch hosted everyone from rock legend Gene Simmons and "Jersey Shore" icon Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, to reality stars like Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, YouTube sensation Jake Paul, hip-hop veteran Juicy J, and comedy greats like Johnny Knoxville, Pauly Shore, and Howie Mandel. These guests added an extra layer of hilarity and unexpected reactions to the already-wild clips.

Fan Reactions: A Mix of Sadness, Shock, and "It Was Time" for the Show

As expected, news of the cancellation sparked a whirlwind of reactions across social media. For many, "Ridiculousness" was more than just background noise; it was a comfort show, a reliable source of laughs, and a nostalgic link to a bygone era of MTV programming. Fans took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts:

"Sad day, great show coming from a great era. Was our modern-day Americas Funniest Home Video show," one fan lamented.
"Its Over dude the World is ending," another dramatically (and humorously) declared.
"This is something that should not be happening. This is a glitch in the matrix type of thing. MTV without Ridiculousness? I don’t think so," a third expressed their disbelief.

However, not everyone was in mourning. Some viewers admitted they were surprised new episodes were still being made at all, often mistaking the constant reruns for the show having ended years ago. "Hold up, it was still goin til now!?!?! I thought that ended ages ago," one person commented on Instagram. Others felt it was simply "time" for the show to conclude, suggesting that its formula, while successful, might have run its course.

The show's undeniable impact also led to several spinoffs, including "Deliciousness" (focused on food fails, 2020-2022), "Adorableness" (cute animal clips, 2021), and "Messyness" (wild party moments, 2021-2022). While these shows also had their moment, none reached the consistent ubiquity of the original "Ridiculousness."

Where You Can Still Get Your Fill of "Ridiculousness" Episodes

For those feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of no new viral video commentary, don't despair entirely! While original production has ceased, MTV isn't pulling the plug on the show's presence just yet. Previously produced first-run episodes from the current and final 46th season will continue to air on MTV through 2026. This means you've still got a good amount of fresh-to-you content to enjoy on cable for the next year or so.

And if you're a streamer, you're in luck! All previous seasons of "Ridiculousness" will continue to air on MTV in reruns, which, let's be honest, has been a significant part of its charm for years. Plus, select seasons are still available to stream on Paramount+, so you can binge-watch your favorite clips and catch up on any you might have missed at your leisure. So, while the "new" era is ending, the "Ridiculousness" legacy will certainly live on for a while.

The Future of MTV: What Does This Mean for Programming?

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The cancellation of "Ridiculousness" is more than just the end of a single show; it's a clear signal of a larger strategic shift for MTV. With Paramount's leadership explicitly stating a desire to "reimagine" the channel, focusing on "fresh formats, different creative voices, and refreshed programming," viewers can expect changes.

This could mean a return to more music-oriented content, a push for more scripted series, or even new reality formats that deviate from the clip-show model. The network is clearly trying to adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape, where streaming services and diverse content offerings are paramount. The departure of "Ridiculousness," a show that defined a significant portion of MTV's recent history, opens up a considerable amount of airtime and budget for this new creative direction. It'll be interesting to see how MTV evolves and what "experimental DNA" truly looks like in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About the "Ridiculousness" Cancellation

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Is "Ridiculousness" completely off the air after this announcement?

No, not entirely! While no new original episodes will be produced after the current 46th season, previously filmed first-run episodes will continue to air on MTV through 2026. Plus, reruns of older seasons will still be broadcast on MTV, and select seasons are available for streaming on Paramount+.

Why was "Ridiculousness" canceled by MTV after such a long run?

The cancellation is part of a larger strategic move by MTV's parent company, Paramount, following its merger with Skydance. MTV aims to "reimagine" its programming with "fresh formats, different creative voices, and refreshed content." Reports also indicate that host Rob Dyrdek's significant annual salary was a factor in cost-cutting efforts as the company seeks "cheaper creative voices."

Who were the main hosts and personalities of "Ridiculousness"?

The show was primarily hosted by its creator, Rob Dyrdek. He was consistently joined by co-hosts Sterling "Steelo" Brim and Lauren "Lolo" Wood. Chanel West Coast was also a prominent co-host for many years, from the show's debut until her departure in March 2023.

Where can I stream old episodes of "Ridiculousness" for binge-watching?

You can stream select seasons of "Ridiculousness" on Paramount+. Keep an eye on MTV's linear schedule for continuous reruns of various episodes as well, as they often air back-to-back throughout the day.