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What is MTV Unplugged about?

MTV's acclaimed music series showcases today's top artists and rising stars in the industry performing acoustic versions of their songs.

MTV Unplugged

Name: MTV Unplugged
Genre: Documentary
Released: 1989-11-26
Rating: 6.8

TV Show TV-PG 1989 1h/ep 6.8 /10 Returning

A MTV Original

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Streaming availability last verified: January 26, 2026

About MTV Unplugged

MTV Unplugged takes popular rock, pop, and alternative acts out of big arenas and into small studio rooms to perform pared-down, acoustic versions of their material. Each episode strips songs back to their essentials, spotlighting vocals, melody, and musicianship rather than production gloss. With a live, often close-up audience, artists rework familiar hits and experiment with arrangements, sometimes revealing new emotional shades or unexpected textures in well-known tracks. The series keeps things immediate and informal, focusing on performance and interaction rather than spectacle, so viewers get a different way to experience songs they already know.

The show premiered on MTV in 1989, produced by the network as a recurring music series. Episodes were recorded in intimate studio settings with small live audiences and simple production values, emphasizing sound quality and acoustic instrumentation over flashy visuals.

The series itself didn't collect a long list of major television awards, though its episodes frequently generated acclaimed live releases and boosted artists' profiles. Several Unplugged recordings became important parts of performers' catalogs, earning industry recognition tied to those albums rather than to the show as a trophy magnet.

Unplugged helped change how audiences and musicians thought about live performance on TV. Memorable acoustic sets by artists such as Eric Clapton and Nirvana turned into cultural touchstones, inspiring imitators and influencing radio formats, unplugged tours, and stripped-down live sessions across media. The show's aesthetic, a focus on raw sound and close-up intimacy, became a recognizable part of 1990s music culture.

Critics tended to praise the moments when the format revealed something new about a song, while noting uneven results depending on the artist and material. With a vote average of 6.8/10 from viewers, the series is seen as an important platform for artists who wanted to showcase songwriting and vocal nuance, celebrating musicianship and reinterpretation more than glossy production.

Details

Release Date: November 26, 1989
Episode Length: 1h
Rating: TV-PG
User Ratings: 12 votes
Type: TV Series
Seasons: 35
Episodes: 172
Network: MTV, YouTube, Palladia, MTV Live
Status: Returning Series
Genres: Documentary
Country: United States
Studio: MTV Networks +2 more
External Links: View on IMDB

Seasons (35 seasons, 172 episodes)

Season 1

19 episodes - 1989

Season 2

7 episodes - 1991

Season 3

10 episodes - 1992

Season 4

13 episodes - 1993

Season 5

10 episodes - 1994

Season 6

10 episodes - 1995

Season 7

8 episodes - 1996

Season 8

9 episodes - 1997

Season 9

2 episodes - 1998

Season 10

5 episodes - 1999

Season 11

2 episodes - 2000

Season 12

7 episodes - 2001

Season 13

3 episodes - 2002

Season 14

1 episodes - 2005

Season 15

0 episodes

Season 16

1 episodes - 2005

Season 17

1 episodes - 2006

Season 18

4 episodes - 2007

Season 19

2 episodes - 2008

Season 20

7 episodes - 2009

Season 21

18 episodes - 2010

Season 22

12 episodes - 2012

Season 23

3 episodes - 2012

Season 24

1 episodes - 2013

Season 25

5 episodes - 2014

Season 26

1 episodes

Season 27

0 episodes

Season 28

4 episodes

Season 29

0 episodes

Season 30

1 episodes - 2019

At Home

1 episodes - 2020

Season 32

3 episodes - 2021

Season 33

1 episodes - 2022

Season 34

1 episodes - 2023

S35

Season 35

0 episodes

Frequently Asked Questions

MTV Unplugged is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

MTV Unplugged has 35 seasons with a total of 172 episodes.

With a rating of 6.8/10 from 12 viewers, MTV Unplugged is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

MTV Unplugged was released on November 26, 1989.

MTV Unplugged is a Documentary series.

Yes, MTV Unplugged is listed as a returning series and has 34 seasons and 174 episodes, so it remains an active show. New episodes and tapings can appear intermittently depending on the network and artist availability.

Yes, the series specifically showcases artists performing acoustic versions of their songs, emphasizing stripped-down arrangements rather than full electric productions. Performers often reinterpret their material to fit the unplugged format.

"Unplugged" refers to acoustic, stripped-down performances where artists play without their usual electric setups. The format is designed to highlight vocals and song arrangements in a more intimate setting.

MTV Unplugged is listed as NR, meaning it hasn't been officially rated. Content varies by performer and song, so some episodes may include mature lyrics or themes; parental discretion is advised.