What was MTV’s first original non-music program, which premiered in 1987?

MTV’s first original non-music program, which premiered in 1987, was “Remote Control.”

The comedy game show was created by Michael Dugan and featured Ken Ober as host, with Colin Quinn and other performers appearing in the cast. Contestants answered questions about music and popular culture while competing in a deliberately eccentric television setting.

“Remote Control” was significant because MTV had originally built its identity almost entirely around music videos. Its success demonstrated that the channel could create original entertainment beyond video rotation and music-news programming.

The program is often confused with “The Real World,” which became MTV’s first major reality television franchise several years later. “Remote Control” belongs to MTV’s late-1980s expansion into scripted comedy, game shows, and personality-driven programming.