Tag Archives: Total Request Live

VH1 Rock Docs Presents The TRL Decade

VH1 will give viewers a chance to relive all the excitement of the screaming fans, unforgettable moments and music-loving Times Square takeover that was mandatory daily viewing for so many with VH1 Rock Docs Presents: “The TRL Decade,” premiering Thursday, December 15  on VH1.

“The TRL Decade” takes a fun and provocative look at the iconic MTV video countdown show, “Total Request Live,” which aired for 10 years (1998-2008). Beginning as a programming experiment, TRL became a cultural phenomenon, serving as a catalyst for the pop music explosion of the late 1990’s and launching the careers of new artists including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and many others. With a track record of dramatically impacting record sales, TRL soon became the “must” stop on every artist’s press tour, routinely shutting down Times Square with visits ranging from Michael Jackson to Jay-Z to *N’SYNC to Korn.

While the fun was plentiful, there were serious moments as well. The Backstreet Boys memorably chose the platform to announce bandmate AJ McLean’s decision to enter rehab. In an era pre-dating Twitter and Facebook, TRL also became an important forum for both artists and viewers alike to call-in and be heard after the events of 9/11.

This hour-long special features extensive clips and interviews with creators, fans and artists who appeared on the show, including Good Charlotte , Kid Rock , *N’SYNC , Mandy Moore , Nas , Pete Wentz , Korn , Method Man , Lil Jon and others. Former MTV VJ’s Carson Daly, Damien Fahey, Hilarie Burton, Vanessa Minnillo and La La Anthony also give in-depth interviews and share uncensored moments from the show.