‘Daria,’ ‘The Real World’ Reboots On Tap for New MTV Studios Unit

MTV will look to develop reboots of classic series such as Daria and The Real World as well as new original shows as part of its new MTV Studios unit, the network said Thursday.

The studio will develop content for partners across SVOD and linear platforms, with a focus on MTV classic series franchises and spin-offs, according to the network. The studio’s initial slate will include a reimagined version of animated series Daria dubbed Daria & Jodie; sci-fi series Aeon Flux; reality series The Real World, and unscripted series Made.

“MTV has the biggest collection of hit youth franchises that spans more than three decades of content and over 200 titles, part of which have fueled our resurgence,” said Chris McCarthy, President of MTV in a statement. “With MTV Studios, we are for the first time ever opening up this vault beyond our own platforms to reimagine the franchises with new partners.”

In addition, the studio will develop original series, including The Valley, which follows a group of young friends growing up in the Valley town of Nogales, Arizona, which sits on the US/Mexico border; and Straight Up Ghosted, which follows young people trying to reconnect with lost friends, lovers and family members and confront them about why they have been ghosted, according to network officials. 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.