How to Watch MTV Live for Free to Catch All of Your Guilty Pleasure Reality Shows

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Remember when MTV actually played music videos? Those days might be long gone, but the network’s reality TV empire has become just as addictive. If you’re trying to keep up with the latest drama on The Challenge or catch the next Jersey Shore family meltdown, you’re probably wondering how to watch MTV without shelling out for an expensive cable package. The good news is there’s a way to watch MTV live for free with the right streaming approach.

How to Watch MTV at a Glance

• Streaming Options: Philo, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV.
• Channel: MTV
• Popular Shows: The Challenge, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ridiculousness
• Live Events: MTV Video Music Awards, various reality show premieres

MTV first launched in 1981 as Music Television, revolutionizing entertainment by bringing music videos into American homes with the iconic phrase “Video Killed the Radio Star.” While the network has evolved a lot from its music video origins, it remains a cultural force through reality programming that captures zeitgeist moments and introduces new stars to mainstream audiences. Current programming includes established franchises like The Challenge, Catfish: The TV Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Teen Mom, alongside newer content that continues to push boundaries in reality television.

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As MTV’s official website says, “MTV brings viewers the best in lifestyle and competition reality shows, plus live events featuring the biggest names in entertainment.” The network’s programming strategy focuses on content that resonates with younger audiences while maintaining the provocative edge that has defined the brand for decades.

Whether you’re a longtime viewer who remembers the music video era or someone discovering MTV’s current reality programming for the first time, you’re in for content that consistently sparks conversations and trends across social media. The even better news? You can watch it all without paying for cable.

How to Watch MTV Live for Free

MTV airs on multiple streaming services that offer free trials, allowing you to access the channel without any upfront costs. Philo stands out as our top recommendation, offering great value at $28 per month with a seven-day free trial, making it perfect for viewers who prioritize entertainment channels over sports networks. DirecTV Stream is our premium option, with a five-day free trial across entertainment packages, featuring monthly plans that start at $84.99 after promotional periods conclude (promotional rates begin at $79.99). Fubo delivers more comprehensive coverage with MTV included in the Pro package ($84.99 per month) and offers a seven-day free trial, providing extensive sports programming for households wanting both entertainment and sports content. Hulu + Live TV offers a shorter but still valuable three-day free trial at $82.99 monthly, bundling Disney Plus and ESPN Plus with live TV access for additional value.

• Best Overall Pick to Watch MTV: Philo
• Best Premium Pick to Watch MTV: DirecTV Stream
• Best Free Trial Pick to Watch MTV: Fubo
• Best Bundle Pick to Watch MTV: Hulu + Live TV

EDITOR’S Choice

Watch MTV with Philo

– Seven-day free trial
– 70+ channels

$0+ Buy Now

Philo offers a seven-day free trial before transitioning to $28 monthly, making it one of the most budget-friendly live TV streaming options available. The service includes over 70 channels, featuring Lifetime along with popular networks like A&E, Discovery, HGTV, and Food Network. Philo also provides unlimited cloud DVR storage, access to over 75,000 on-demand movies and shows, and allows streaming on up to three devices simultaneously, making it an excellent value for anyone wanting to watch MTV without breaking the bank.

PREMIUM PICK

Watch MTV with DirecTV Stream

– Five-day free trial
– Includes local networks and 90+ channels

$0+ Buy Now

DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial and four plans: Entertainment, which comes with 90+ channels and costs $84.99 per month; Choice, which comes with 125+ channels and costs $89.99 per month; Ultimate, which comes with 160+ channels and costs $84.99 per month; and Premier, which comes with 185+ channels and costs $124.99 per month. Viewers can stream MTV on Choice, Ultimate, and Premiere plans. All plans also include local networks where available and unlimited Cloud DVR recording. DirecTV Stream also offers a current deal where users can receive between $30 and $40 off their first month and $5 to $20 off any following months if they subscribe to a 24-month plan.

BEST FREE TRIAL

Watch MTV with Fubo

– Five-day free trial
– Includes local networks and 200+ channels

Buy Now

Fubo offers a five-day free trial and two plans: Pro, which comes with 200+ channels and costs $84.99 per month, and Elite, which comes with 300+ channels and costs $94.99 per month. Viewers can stream MTV on both plans. Fubo also has a current deal where new subscribers can receive $20 off their first month.

BUNDLE PICK

Watch MTV with Hulu + Live TV

– Three-day free trial
– Includes free Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ plans

$81.99+ Buy Now

Hulu + Live TV offers four plans. The cheapest plan, Live TV Only, costs $81.99 per month and comes with access to Hulu’s live TV content. The next cheapest plan costs $1 more at $82.99 per month and comes with Hulu’s live TV content, as well as access to Hulu’s streaming library with ads, Disney+ with ads, and ESPN+ with ads. For Disney+ with no ads, users can subscribe for $87.99 per month. And for Hulu and Disney+ with no ads, the price is $95.99 per month. Viewers can stream MTV on all Hulu + Live TV plans.

What shows are currently on MTV?

MTV offers a large library of content spanning reality TV, competition shows, lifestyle programming, music events, and scripted series. Current and upcoming shows available on the channel include:

• The Challenge (including Vets & New Threats)
• The Challenge: All Stars
• Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
• RuPaul’s Drag Race
• RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked
• Catfish: The TV Show
• Teen Mom: The Next Chapter
• Teen Mom: Family Reunion
• Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
• Ridiculousness
• Caught in the Act: Double Life
• Caught in the Act: Unfaithful
• Help! I’m in a Secret Relationship!
• The Surreal Life
• Couples Therapy
• MTV Cribs
• Siesta Key
• Floribama Shore
• All Star Shore
• Teen Wolf (reruns)
• The Big Bang Theory (syndicated reruns)
• The Chi
• MTV Unplugged
• Fresh Out Playlist
• YO! MTV Raps
• MTV Video Music Awards
• MTV Movie & TV Awards
• Various music specials and documentaries