Since 2003, we've been traveling back through time to rediscover and preserve the history of the legendary MTV U.S. series, 120 Minutes, which played alternative music videos with VJs, guests, and live performances, as well as its official successor, Subterranean on MTV2.

Music videos still exist, of course, but it's just not the same. We want to remember some of MTV's better moments, so we’ve assembled an incredible archive of playlists, videos, and interviews.

January 2009

We've uploaded 17 more classic episodes and added links to watch all 5,000+ music videos in the archive! It's awesome. Plus, we further lament MTV, and we've spotted Jim Shearer on VH1.

Full Story  |  Comments  |  Previous Blog Updates

Playlists & Videos

With your help, we've built a massive archive of playlists and videos, spanning the 21-year history of MTV's 120 Minutes on MTV and Subterranean on MTV2. Browse through 582 episodes from both series.

Interviews

In an exclusive interview, former MTV VJ Jim Shearer chatted with Dave Kendall and Matt Pinfield about the great legacy they left behind. Plus, we asked Jim some questions of our own.

History & Overview

MTV's legendary alternative music video series, 120 Minutes, premiered in 1986 and remained on the air until 2003, when Subterranean on MTV2 took its place. Read the entire history here.

Let's face it, you can't live on nostalgia alone. It's great fun to look back through time at the videos from 120 Minutes, but if you feel like some present-day alternative music, visit these web sites.

A.V. Club: Analysis, reviews, articles. HITS Daily Double: Top album charts. Idolator: Snarky music news daily. Indie Ear: Jim Shearer's blog at IFC. Late Night TV: Live performances. MTV Music: 10,000+ music videos. mtvU: Streaming live videos all day. Pandora: Custom streaming music.

Pitchfork: Indie-minded reviews, news. Playlist Archives: More great shows. Stereogum: New stuff and downloads. Subterranean blog: MTV staff posts. VH1 Classic: OK, admittedly nostalgia. WOXY.com: Live 24/7 music w/ DJs. YES.com: What's on the FM airwaves. YouTube: Home of every video ever.