MTV's 'Ridiculousness' Is Canceled After 14 Years

After over a decade of viral video reactions, Rob Dyrdek's long-running clip show is officially ending its production run, though you'll still catch reruns for a while.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the Cancellation

MTV has officially canceled production of new "Ridiculousness" episodes after 14 years and 46 seasons.
No need to panic just yet! Previously filmed episodes will continue to air on MTV through 2026, and reruns will still be available on MTV and Paramount+.
The decision comes amid the recent Paramount-Skydance merger, company-wide layoffs, and MTV's strategic shift to "reimagine" its programming with fresh, diverse voices, coupled with host Rob Dyrdek's hefty multi-million dollar salary.

Well, this is… well, you know. After a truly epic run of 14 years, MTV has officially pulled the plug on "Ridiculousness," the show that basically became the network’s wallpaper. If you've ever turned on MTV, chances are you've seen Rob Dyrdek, Steelo Brim, and a rotating panel of guests reacting to some of the internet's wildest, funniest, and most cringe-worthy viral videos. But now, it’s all coming to an end, at least when it comes to new content.

The End of an Era: Unpacking 14 Years of Viral Video Mayhem

"Ridiculousness" first hit our screens on August 29, 2011, and quickly cemented its place as a cornerstone of MTV's programming. For over a decade, it delivered a steady stream of internet fails, questionable stunts, and celebrity guests cracking up at the absurdity of it all. Rob Dyrdek, the former professional skateboarder and series creator, hosted every episode, bringing his unique blend of commentary and enthusiasm. He was often joined by his trusty co-hosts, Steelo Brim and Lauren "Lolo" Wood. Longtime fan-favorite Chanel West Coast was also a major part of the show from its debut until her departure in March 2023.

"I created this show because I absolutely and genuinely love viral videos." — Rob Dyrdek, reflecting on the show after its 13th anniversary

With 46 seasons under its belt (some sources even say 50 by its final airing in 2026) and more than 1,700 episodes produced, "Ridiculousness" became one of MTV's longest-running series. It even surpassed the episode count of some of the network's classic shows, often dominating the linear broadcast schedule when MTV began to pull back on original and music-oriented content. It was our modern-day "America's Funniest Home Videos," but with a distinctly MTV edge.

Behind the Scenes: Why the Laughter Finally Stopped on Production

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So, why is MTV hitting the brakes on such a staple? The primary reason seems to be a major corporate shake-up. The cancellation comes hot on the heels of the recent Paramount-Skydance merger. Paramount, which owns MTV, CBS, Nickelodeon, and Paramount+ (among others), officially merged with David Ellison’s entertainment group, Skydance, in August.

This massive corporate restructuring has led to thousands of layoffs across the company, reportedly impacting around 10-11% of Paramount's workforce. When companies merge and consolidate, programming often gets reevaluated, and in this case, "Ridiculousness" appears to be a casualty of the new regime's strategic vision.

"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." — Source familiar with the decision, on MTV's future direction

Sources close to the situation indicate that MTV is looking to "reimagine" its future, aiming for a "more curated slate" that embraces its "experimental DNA." This means exploring "fresh formats, different creative voices, and refreshed programming." Essentially, they're looking to give the channel a facelift and move away from the long-running clip show that has been a constant for so many years.

The Not-So-Ridiculous Paycheck: Rob Dyrdek's Lucrative Deal

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Another significant factor behind the cancellation, though not officially stated as the reason, appears to be the impressive financial package Dyrdek commanded. Recent reports from Bloomberg revealed that MTV was paying Dyrdek a staggering $32.5 million per year for his work on the show. This wasn't just a simple host fee; it was a comprehensive deal that included:

An annual run of 336 episodes.
A $21,000-per-episode executive producer fee.
An on-camera fee that started at $61,000 per episode, with the potential to climb to six figures ($101,000) by the end of the agreement.
A $2.5 million bonus every time MTV ordered another block of 168 episodes.
A life insurance cover worth $200 million as part of an agreement between the show's producers and their lenders.

Bloomberg also noted that Dyrdek's salary could have soared to over $45 million per year if the show had been extended through 2028 and 2029. With the new Paramount-Skydance leadership reportedly seeking "cheaper creative voices" amid company-wide layoffs, such a high-paying deal likely became unsustainable for their refreshed programming strategy.

Dyrdek isn't new to MTV success. He's been with the network since 2006, starting with "Rob & Big," and later "Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory." He's a savvy entrepreneur who understood how to leverage his platform, famously saying in 2021 that he built systems to "allow my entire life to be this entire machine," shooting 250 episodes of television a year while maintaining a balanced personal life. His net worth is reportedly around $200 million, thanks in large part to his production deals and business ventures.

What Happens Now for 'Ridiculousness' Fans?

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If you're a devoted fan worried about a sudden disappearance, take a deep breath. While no new original episodes are being produced, the current season (its 46th) will continue to air on MTV through 2026. This means you'll still get to see previously filmed episodes hitting your screens for quite some time.

Beyond that, reruns of past seasons are expected to continue airing on MTV, and select seasons will remain available to stream on Paramount+. So, your favorite viral fails, celebrity guest reactions, and Dyrdek's signature laughs won't vanish overnight.

The Future of MTV: A Curated Slate and Fresh Voices

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The cancellation of "Ridiculousness" signifies a major turning point for MTV. For years, the show was often seen as a constant background hum, filling up huge chunks of the network's daily schedule. Now, the network has a large block of programming time to fill, and they're promising to do so with "fresh formats" and "different creative voices."

It remains to be seen what this "reimagined MTV" will look like, but the shift indicates a deliberate move to revitalize the channel's identity. While some fans on social media platforms like X expressed sadness ("Sad day, great show coming from a great era. Was our modern day Americas funniest home video show," one fan wrote), others felt it was "time" for the show to conclude. Whether this new direction will resonate with viewers is the next big question for the iconic music-turned-reality-TV network.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cancellation

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Is "Ridiculousness" truly canceled?

Yes, MTV has officially canceled the production of new "Ridiculousness" episodes. The current season will be its last for new content.

When will "Ridiculousness" stop airing completely?

New, previously produced episodes from the current season will continue to air on MTV through 2026. After that, reruns of past seasons are expected to continue airing on MTV, and select seasons will remain available on Paramount+.

Where can I still watch old episodes of "Ridiculousness"?

You can still catch reruns of previous seasons on MTV's linear channel. Additionally, select seasons of "Ridiculousness" are available for streaming on Paramount+.

Why was "Ridiculousness" canceled?

The cancellation is primarily a result of the recent Paramount-Skydance merger, which has led to company-wide layoffs and a strategic decision by MTV to "reimagine" its programming. The network aims to explore "fresh formats" and "different creative voices." Reports of host Rob Dyrdek's substantial salary package likely also played a role in the decision to cease production of new content.