After an incredible 46 seasons and nearly 1,700 episodes, Rob Dyrdek's viral video commentary show is finally wrapping up its production run on Mtv.
TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Ridiculousness's End
- MTV's "Ridiculousness" is officially canceled after 14 years and 46 seasons of production.
- No new episodes will be produced, but reruns and previously filmed content will continue to air through 2026 on MTV and stream on Paramount+.
- The cancellation is part of a larger strategic shift for MTV, aiming for "refreshed programming" and new voices, and comes amidst reports of host Rob Dyrdek's substantial salary and recent Paramount Skydance layoffs.
Well, folks, it’s true. After gracing our screens for what feels like an eternity, MTV has decided to pull the plug on "Ridiculousness." Yep, Rob Dyrdek, Sterling "Steelo" Brim, and Lauren "Lolo" Wood (and before her, Chanel West Coast) will no longer be producing new episodes of the show that’s been a staple of MTV’s lineup since 2011.
For 14 years, "Ridiculousness" served up a steady diet of viral internet fails, questionable stunts, and hilarious commentary, racking up a staggering 46 seasons and nearly 1,700 episodes. It became the kind of show you'd just leave on in the background, knowing you'd stumble upon a laugh (or a cringe) every few minutes.
Why MTV Decided to Hit the Eject Button
So, why the sudden change for such a long-running, well-known show? It turns out the cancellation is part of a much bigger strategic shift happening at MTV, which is now under the Paramount Skydance umbrella. According to sources close to the network, MTV is looking to "reimagine" itself for the future.
This means pivoting toward "a more curated slate of content that embraces its experimental DNA," exploring "fresh formats, different creative voices, and refreshed programming." Basically, MTV wants to get back to its roots of innovative content, rather than relying so heavily on a single clip show.
The timing also lines up with significant restructuring at Paramount Skydance, which has seen widespread layoffs across the company (reportedly 10% of their roughly 20,000 employees). These kinds of mergers often lead to reevaluating budgets and programming strategies.
Rob Dyrdek's Ride: A Pricey Proposition?
Another major factor that came to light just before the cancellation announcement was host Rob Dyrdek's impressive paycheck. Bloomberg reported that MTV was paying Dyrdek at least $32.5 million per year. This included a $21,000 per-episode executive producer fee and an escalating $61,000 per-episode on-camera fee, plus bonuses. If the show had continued to be renewed, that figure could have climbed to over $45 million annually by 2028-2029.
While Dyrdek undoubtedly earned his keep by essentially carrying the network's linear programming for years, such a hefty price tag likely became harder to justify as Paramount Skydance looked to cut costs and redefine its brand. Interestingly, Dyrdek's production company, Superjacket, also filed for bankruptcy last month, though the exact connection to his MTV earnings isn't fully clear from the reports.
"I created this show because I absolutely and genuinely love viral videos."
— Rob Dyrdek, on why he created 'Ridiculousness'The Show That Ate MTV's Schedule
"Ridiculousness" wasn't just a show on MTV; for many years, it was MTV. The show became famous (or infamous) for dominating the network's schedule, often airing in marathons that took up half or even more of the channel's daily programming. Back in 2020, reports noted it consumed as much as 113 hours out of a 168-hour week!
This ubiquity led some critics to call it a "symbol of the zombie-fication of MTV" and its "lack of original programming." Even with its heavy presence, the show clearly had its fans. Legendary comedian Eddie Murphy recently revealed he watches "Ridiculousness" religiously, proving its broad appeal.
Interestingly, the show's writers also unionized last year with the Writers Guild of America West, a move that Dyrdek reportedly supported. This indicates a strong creative team behind the scenes, despite the show's clip-based format.
Where Can You Still Get Your Dose of Dyrdek?
Don't panic just yet! While no new episodes are being produced, you'll still have plenty of "Ridiculousness" to enjoy. Previously recorded first-run episodes are scheduled to continue airing on MTV into 2026. Beyond that, reruns will remain a fixture on MTV's programming lineup, and select seasons are available for streaming on Paramount+.
So, you can still catch all those classic "nut shots," "face plants," and "wipeouts" for the foreseeable future. Just don't expect any fresh commentary on the latest internet trends from Rob and his crew.
Rob Dyrdek's Long History with MTV
Rob Dyrdek's relationship with MTV stretches far beyond "Ridiculousness." The former professional skateboarder first found reality TV fame on the network with "Rob & Big," which ran from 2006 to 2008, showcasing his life with best friend and bodyguard Christopher "Big Black" Boykin. He followed that up with "Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory" from 2009 to 2015, which also featured Chanel West Coast.
The success of "Ridiculousness" even spawned several clip-show spinoffs like "Amazingness," "Messyness," "Deliciousness," and "Adorableness." While these didn't achieve the same massive staying power as the original, they demonstrated Dyrdek's knack for turning internet content into engaging television.
What's Next for MTV?
With "Ridiculousness" winding down, the big question is: what will MTV do with all that airtime? The network's leadership has stated their intent to return to "different creative voices" and a "refreshed programming" slate. This could mean anything from new reality shows to attempts to re-engage with music-oriented content, or perhaps even entirely new formats.
Only time will tell if MTV can truly "reimagine" itself and reclaim a unique place in a crowded media landscape, or if the departure of its most ubiquitous show will leave a void that's hard to fill.
FAQs About the 'Ridiculousness' Cancellation
Sources:
- cleveland.com
- Variety
- USA TODAY
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Swooon
- reality blurred
- Consequence
- NBC News
- TMZ