Network further moves back into nostalgic unscripted programming
Carli Velocci | August 17, 2017 @ 10:25 AM
Last Updated: August 17, 2017 @ 10:31 AM
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MTV, with its new focus on bringing back some of its most iconic series, is reviving “MTV Unplugged,” its acoustic concert series, which hasn’t aired regularly since 1999.
The network announced Thursday that the first episode will feature multi-platinum singer and songwriter Shawn Mendes. It’ll air on September 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
“I’m so thrilled and honored to be able to help bring the ‘Unplugged’ series back,” Mendes said in a statement. “It’s a show that truly highlights artistry and brings unique performances to fans that they can’t see anywhere else.”
“Unplugged” ran regularly from 1989 to 1999, spotlighting artists such as Nirvana, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton. Each episode, which ran for about an hour, let popular musicians play their hits with acoustic instruments. It’s also less of a concert and more of a jam session, providing a small space for the artists to play.
Since the ’90s, the show has aired other specials. Some of the most memorable include an emotional 2002 Lauryn Hill episode, an Adam Lambert special in 2010 and a Miley Cyrus special in 2014.
“MTV revolutionized the performance storytelling space when it launched ‘MTV Unplugged’ almost 30 years ago,” said Amani Duncan, senior vice president of music at MTV. “The ‘Unplugged’ Series allows artists to reimagine their songs in an intimate and acoustic medium, giving their fans a new perspectiveon their favorite hits.
The last year has been one of transition for the music and entertainment network. The young adult fantasy series “The Shannara Chronicles” was moved over to Spike, leaving the soon-to-end “Teen Wolf” and “Scream” as the network’s scripted series.
MTV is also going back to its reality roots with “Siesta Key,” which is a modern, revamped version of shows like “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills.”
MTV Movie & TV Awards: 8 Most Outrageous Moments, From Adam Devine's Beast to Millie Bobby Brown (Videos)
Let @ADAMDEVINE and his friends give you their version of Beauty and the Beast at the #MTVAwards, airing right now! pic.twitter.com/OQy3OkbnMv— MTV (@MTV) May 8, 2017
Everybody seemed to have a hand in the "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired opening number for the awards. Host Adam Devine went full beast mode and swung from a chandelier, but he was joined by Hailee Steinfeld, Mike Coulter, Josh Gad and many more as the stage lit up in flames.
Emma Watson took home the first award of the night for her turn as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," but the moment was more about the symbolism behind the first non-gendered acting award. "I think I’m being given this award because of who Belle is and what she represents," she said. "MTV’s move to create a genderless award for acting will mean something different to everyone."
So, so proud of you @milliebbrown ???? | the 2017 #MTVAwards are airing right NOW ???? pic.twitter.com/pnRpzKwcQk— MTV (@MTV) May 8, 2017
It's no surprise that Millie Bobby Brown won the "Best Actor" TV award for her portrayal of Eleven in Netflix's "Stranger Things," but then she took to the stage in tears and thanked the Duffer Brothers for writing "a badass female iconic character that I’ve got the honor to play.”
What happens when Get Out's Sunken Place becomes the Upside Down from Stranger Things? @ADAMDEVINE finds out at the #MTVAwards right now pic.twitter.com/w4NFZ0q1EY— MTV (@MTV) May 8, 2017
Devine found out two things during the awards: that the Sunken Place from "Get Out" is real, and that underneath that darkness is the Upside Down from "Stranger Things."
Noah Cyrus proved something during her performance of "Stay Together"-- not that she's a great performer or singer. Instead, she proved we are incredibly old because we remember when she was a small child as Miley's baby sister. Life is fleeting.
Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen of course took home the award for "Best Duo" for their dynamic chemistry in "Logan," but Keen upstaged her more famous co-star (as she did in the film). She berated Jackman, stealing the microphone and our hearts.
Vin Diesel brought three members of his "family" on stage to accept the "Generation Award." The honor is usually reserved for individuals, but it was given to the "Fast & Furious" franchise this time, allowing Diesel a (Rock-less) moment to honor his departed friend, Paul Walker.
It was the meeting of two Netflix juggernauts. The cast of "13 Reasons Why" presented the first ever "Best Show Award" to sister show "Stranger Things." Before accepting the award, the two casts hugged it out and our hearts melted a bit.
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Millie Bobby Brown and Dafne Keen stole our hearts, and Adam Devine set the stage on fire
Everybody seemed to have a hand in the "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired opening number for the awards. Host Adam Devine went full beast mode and swung from a chandelier, but he was joined by Hailee Steinfeld, Mike Coulter, Josh Gad and many more as the stage lit up in flames.
