Source: Najlah Feanny / Getty
With the emergence of streaming content like YouTube and social media, traditional television still has a place.
One of the most exciting parts of TV culture that’s been missing is the music video countdown, and BET is ready to bring back 106 & Park to restore the feeling.
BET President and CEO Scott Mills recently stopped by The Breakfast Club to discuss the iconic show’s resurgence and how to make it more palatable in the era of social media.
“We understand people love 106 & Park,” Mills said. “The fact that it doesn’t work as a linear television show doesn’t mean it’s over. We can bring 106 & Park back as a podcast. We can bring back 106 & Park back as a digital experience.”
He also expressed that the hype surrounding the show will increase, given that it is approaching its 25th anniversary of debut.
“We are evolving what 106 & Park will look like in 2025 because it does have that very important role,” he explained. “We’ ‘ve got a number of really exciting executions. We’re approaching the 25th anniversary of 106 & Park as well, so there’ll be some things that y’all will really be excited about.”
The show premiered in 2000 with hosts Free and AJ Calloway to discuss hip-hop and countdown the 10 hottest music videos within the culture. The two hosted the show from 2000 to 2005 before it was taken over by Julissa and Rap City Tha Basement’s Big Tigger for just a year. After that, the reigns were turned over to Terrence J and Rocsi until 2012, when a nationwide search was launched to determine who would take over. That’s when Bow Wow took over among a slew of guest hosts, and the show ended with him and Keshia Chante in 2014.
See how social media is reacting to the millennial classic show’s possible return below.
