VH1: From Music Biographies to Celebreality?
The Cable Channel has Drastically Reinvented its Programming
Aug 3, 2009
VH1 started out as a video channel like MTV, but for a slightly older crowd. The cable network eventually reduced its video airplay and started airing various music specials that took viewers behind the scenes with legendary artists. The channel even brought artists to the stage for an annual fundraiser to support music education programs in public schools.
Unfortunately, VH1 dove head first into the pool of reality television to attract a younger "hipper" audience placing celebrities in extremely awkward situations whether it's in a house a la Big Brother or in rehab. VH1 is also in the business of making celebrities out of contestants looking for "Love," which follows a very long train of spin-offs after spin-offs.
The Best of Retro Vh1:
Behind the Music - chronicles the lives of various popular and multiplatinum music acts from their humble beginnings to superstardom, and at times - their demise. Notable artists documented included Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, Selena, Milli Vanilli and Aerosmith. Commentaries featured the artists themselves or those that knew them best.
Pop-Up Video - Old and new videos played, but included information pop ups reminiscent of comic books. Each pop up featured facts about the production of the video or related to the artist.
Divas - the concert originally organized to benefit Save the Music Foundation placed divas of the past, present and future together on one stage. From Aretha Franklin to Celine Dion, Divas bought out the best for one night. VH1 recently announced a new Divas in September after a four year absence. Divas 2009 scheduled line-up includes Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus and Leona Lewis.
Present VH1:
I Love... series - The best series that has come out of the rebranding of VH1 in the new millennium. The show features comedians commenting on the entertainment, trends and events of the past decades. These shows include I Love the 80's, I Love the 90's, Best Week Ever, and Black to the Future.
Flava of Love - Flava, the clock wearing rapper from Public Enemy, sparked the countless and endless programs devoted to "celebrities" looking for love. Flava looks for love by conducting a dating game of woman fighting for his heart all while living in one house. Drama ensued in every episode and sparked 2 more seasons. Popular spin-offs included I Love New York, Rock of Love with Bret Michaels, Real Chance of Love, and currently, Megan Wants a Millionaire.
Celebrity Fit Club - The show took aspects of NBC's The Biggest Loser and applied it to celebrities desperate to shed off pounds with supervision and in a healthy way. Past contestants have included Biz Markie, Daniel Baldwin, Gary Busey, Carnie Wilson and Dustin Diamond.
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