Best MTV Shows of the 2010s: A Decade of Entertainment

The 2010s were a transformative time for MTV, as the network shifted its focus from reality TV to scripted series. From love triangles to web detectives, the shows of the decade allowed MTV to compete with other networks and produce some of the best series of the decade.

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15. Fear Factor (2017-2018)

In 2017, MTV revived the popular competition show Fear Factor, hosted by Ludacris. The show followed the same format as the original, with teams competing in wild and horrifying stunts and challenges. While it didn’t quite live up to the original’s entertainment value, Fear Factor was still a success and deserves another watch.

14. Floribama Shore (2017-2021)

Floribama Shore, a reality show that follows a group of young adults living together in the Florida Panhandle, is the successor to Jersey Shore. The show’s premise is similar to its predecessor, with a focus on wild nights, arguments, and drama. The show aired for three and a half seasons before being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

13. Good Vibes (2011)

Good Vibes, an animated series created by David Gordon Green, follows two teenage boys who live in New Jersey and love surfing. The show’s humor is raunchy and airheaded, making it a great show to turn off your brain and enjoy for a few episodes. While it only got one season, Good Vibes is a fun and entertaining show that is worth watching.

12. Ex on the Beach (2018-)

Ex on the Beach is a reality dating show based on a British version. The show follows contestants going on extravagant vacations with their partner, only for their ex to show up at some point during the trip. The show is favorable among fans, who love the embarrassment and drama that comes with running into an ex you’ve been trying to avoid.

11. SafeWord (2017)

SafeWord is a game show that premiered in 2017 and was hosted by Terrence J. The show features contestants trying to push their opponents out of their comfort zone by asking them questions about their personal lives. The only way to stop the humiliation is for the team to use their safe word.

10. Ridiculousness (2011-)

Ridiculousness is MTV’s version of America’s Funniest Home Videos, featuring wild and viral videos. Hosted by Rob Dyrdek, the show has been airing for over 10 years and has become one of MTV’s most popular series.

9. Friendzone (2011-2014)

Friendzone is a reality series that features young adults putting their relationships on the line by telling their best friend their secret romantic feelings. For some, it leads to mutual love, while for others, it ends in heartbreak and disappointment.

8. Are You The One? (2014-)

Are You The One? is a reality competition show that spins the dating game on its head. Matchmakers send contestants to compete in various challenges to score group and one-on-one date opportunities in hopes of finding their perfect match.

7. Scream (2015-2019)

Scream: The TV Series is a teen drama/horror show that attempted to bridge the gap between ’90s and 2000s teens and the 2010 teen market. The show follows a group of teens as they are stalked by the Ghostface killer.

6. Catfish: The TV Show (2012-)

Catfish: The TV Show is a reality series based on creator Nev Schulman’s own experience with online catfishing. The show captures the phenomenon of online deception and features Nev and his friend Max Joseph as they help people uncover the truth about their online relationships.

5. Faking It (2014-2016)

Faking It is a teen drama series that follows two best friends who decide to pretend to be lesbians to boost their popularity. While it received criticism for its representation of the LGBTQ+ community, Faking It is still one of MTV’s best-scripted series.

4. Girl Code (2013-2015)

Girl Code is a comedy series that features uncensored conversations about women’s issues. Inspired by Guy Code, women take a comedic approach to discussing everything from dating to roommate etiquette.

3. Awkward (2011-2016)

Awkward is a teen drama series that follows Jenna as she navigates high school after an accident is misunderstood as a suicide attempt. Narrated by her first-person blogs, Jenna tries to navigate her new identity and avoid being defined by the misunderstanding.

2. Finding Carter (2014-2015)

Finding Carter is a teen/family drama series that follows Carter as she discovers she was abducted at age three and must return to her biological parents while trying to protect the woman who raised her from the police.

1. Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Teen Wolf is a teen drama series that modernizes the original 1985 film by following Scott McCall as he becomes a werewolf after being bitten by a mysterious creature.

These shows represent some of the best MTV had to offer in the 2010s, showcasing its ability to create entertaining and engaging content for audiences of all ages.