MTV is bringing TRL back to Australia

Thirteen years after it was axed in Australia, MTV announced that it was bringing back TRL (Total Request Live) to this country in 2019.

But in keeping with the times, TRL Australia’s live performances, celebrity interviews, entertainment news and music videos will be integrated across linear, social and digital platforms as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

The Australian show will be the first international version since TRL returned to MTV in the US in 2017.

Simon Bates, vice president and head of MTV Asia Pacific said, “We want to create a place where music, celebrity, pop culture and superstar content creators collide, and TRL Australia can do that by having something fresh and exciting everywhere fans seek out entertainment.

“After the successful launch of MTV Unplugged in Melbourne last month, it’s obvious there is an appetite for more live music franchises to showcase Australian artists and connect them with their fans.”

Added Bruce Gillmer, global head of music and talent, Viacom and co-brand head, MTV International: “Music remains core to our vision for MTV around the globe.

“We are amplifying music content and supporting incredible acts with global and local events, storytelling vehicles like The Ride, and by giving iconic MTV series a new, local flavour as you’re seeing with the launch of TRL Australia and the many local Unplugged specials we’ve taped around the world this year.”

MTV will introduce TRL to a new generation of Australian fans August 31 – September 2 at VidCon Australia in Melbourne by staging an interactive set for hopeful hosts and content creators.  

They can shoot segments, interview other creatives, MTV producers and hosts, engage with VidCon delegates, and create and post their own original MTV TRL Australia-branded content.

In America where it launched in late 1998 TRL was instrumental in the explosion of boy bands, pop princesses and Disney stars.

These included NSYNC, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson and the Jonas Bros, all who made their debut on the show, guest-hosted it and performed frequently.

MTV’s TRL Australia originally aired from 2004 to 2006 and hosts included Kyle Sandilands, Maz Compton, Jason Dundas, Nathan Sapsford and Lyndsey Rodriguez.  

The first season in 2004 was broadcast live from Sydney Harbour aboard MTV’s first floating television studio, the MTV Cruiser.

It began as a weekend show and then aired live Monday through Friday.

In early 2006, it returned to airing only on Friday evenings.

At the end of that year, it was axed and replaced by The Lair.

Bates added, “VidCon gives us the perfect platform to engage with young creators ahead of the 2019 launch, and, who knows… we may just find the next DC Young Fly, Ruby Rose, Liza Koshy or Kyle Sandilands on the expo floor.”

TRL Australia hosts, premiere date, venue and guests will be announced at a later date.