MTV Rewind (Flexasaurus Rex/Paramount)
As of January 2026, the era of 24/7 music television has officially collapsed. Following Paramount’s decision to shut down its remaining music-only channels in the UK and Australia at the end of 2025, a void was left for millions of fans. Enter Flexasaurus Rex, a developer who built MTV Rewind—a browser-based tribute that successfully resurrects the “golden era” of music programming.
48 Hours to Build a Cultural Time Machine
Distraught by the news of the channel shutdowns, Flexasaurus Rex reportedly coded the entire platform in just 48 hours. The result is a massive archive featuring over 33,000 music videos (roughly two months of non-stop playback) organized into 11 distinct channels.
The site doesn’t just play music; it recreates the feeling of channel surfing. Channels include specialized streams for MTV Unplugged, Yo! MTV Raps, 120 Minutes, and Headbangers Ball. There is even a “1st Day” channel that loops the exact programming from MTV’s original 1981 launch, starting with The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.”
A “Tubular” Alternative to Algorithms
Unlike modern streaming platforms that rely on data-heavy algorithms, MTV Rewind functions on a “lean-back” model. Videos play in random order with a simple skip button, and the experience is punctuated by era-appropriate vintage commercials—including nostalgic clips from the “Got Milk?” campaign.
The app’s database is powered by IMVDb (The Internet Music Video Database), with all video content pulled directly from YouTube. Ironically, the same platform that contributed to the death of linear music channels is now the engine keeping this fan-made alternative alive.
The Legal Tightrope
While the site features a “Geocities-style” hit counter and a non-commercial archival disclaimer, it remains an unofficial project. MTV Rewind is not associated with Paramount or MTV, yet it heavily utilizes the network’s branding and name. As the app gains viral traction in early 2026, many fans are holding their breath, hoping Paramount’s legal team sees the project as a harmless tribute rather than a trademark infringement. For now, it remains the only place on the internet where music fans can truly “get their MTV.”
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