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MTV, a major entertainment television channel has long been an influence on the world of popular culture since its initial debut. While known for its music content its programming has expanded over the years. Two series that show a diversity of options are MTV Unplugged and RuPaul's Drag Race.
MTV Unplugged debuted a format showing performances from musicians without electronic instrumentation and was done as a live session. Nirvana’s unplugged performance marked one of the highlights and turned the series into more than it was initially. This was filmed over 30 years ago but continues to impact the platform and has now become something other series must live up to.
Nirvana taped their episode on November 18, 1993 featuring a variety of their original work along with now iconic covers of niche songs by other bands. The show’s longevity is often highlighted with Kurt Cobain’s level of talent for crafting all songs into their style with his signature vocal deliveries and styles. All together it brought a new type of feeling for all who have seen it in the history of this long running TV platform.
MTV Unplugged is shown by the set design, a look designed for what is described as a "live performance at a wake". Cobain's vocals delivered throughout are a mix of both rough elements and an almost sacred tone and was recorded in one continuous session with other band members helping make all instruments create something amazing as it is shown. The show also gives viewers unique experience with every viewing. This aspect is a big reason the program maintains a great amount of importance in modern tv and film.
RuPaul’s Drag Race is currently in it's season 17 with new episodes each Friday . The show focuses on showcasing talented drag queens. The show is broadcast on MTV and streams on other various platforms for all to easily view.
The show involves a talent performance competition that features fashion shows along with other complex and sometimes hilarious challenges and requires all those on the series to adapt to a format that pushes them as entertainers. This competition based program often highlights what happens backstage, "backstage battles, catfights, and secrets".
RuPaul's Drag Race airs on MTV but also can be accessed on streaming through live TV platforms such as Philo, Direct TV, Fubo TV and Hulu Live. Past seasons are all available on Paramount+. Streaming is a core concept for making modern shows popular and also to reach as large of an audience as possible.
Season 17 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” began in 2025 and each new show premiers on Friday at 8PM EST with after shows also being made for all to tune into after the main programming is finished. The format of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” showcases different aspects of the entertainment industry that may be seen elsewhere in modern broadcasting and the new shows are sure to keep that theme intact.
This new series involves 14 queens competing for a title as a “Next Drag Super Star." In episode 1, Katy Perry was a guest judge with more lined up to be revealed. Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley and others serve as reoccurring judges for the series bringing unique perspective on various forms of performance.
"Untucked: RuPaul’s Drag Race," provides the unique backstage look at the emotions of the queens and the competition itself . The series show different aspects of stress and shows where the emotions from these very talented queens take them. There is access through platforms to watch along with promotional streaming options for a small time frame as an incentive.
This segment showcases the behind the scenes tension which elevates the feeling for the main show as they struggle to navigate difficult situations and personal choices within each week. “The drag queens let their emotions out as they crack under the pressure of competing to become ‘America’s Next Drag Superstar.’” said the streaming service of what can be viewed.
"MTV Unplugged" is now noted as iconic and has inspired several generations with the format and type of performance that it delivers and RuPaul’s Drag Race has broken boundaries and has provided space to express different views into society. Both series reflect MTV’s core goal of being an influential channel that provides cultural relevant media. Both programs also continue to bring important conversation and also provide entertainment value.
These shows continue to highlight all types of creative forms for the platform of MTV with hopes that other new types of media can learn from past formats and add new layers as needed. The channel will continue to expand on unique series' that have a cultural impact with viewership.