MTV Ditches Rich-Kid Shows for Do-Good Obama Era

MTV is hoping to boost its sagging ratings by revamping itself in the image of the do-good Obama Era, reports the New York Times. In a new reality show, The Buried Life, four buddies road trip across the US, checking off the 100 things they hope to do before they die—with a good Samaritan twist: Deserving locals get help with their own wishes too.

The deepening financial crisis has forced MTV to rethink its offerings, which reflect the decadence of a bygone era. Other forthcoming shows include TI’s Road to Redemption, in which the rapper helps troubled youth, and a show about a performing arts school headlined by Nick Lachey. In the past, "humor was more cynical, the idea of community seemed earnest and not cool,” noted one exec. “It’s the opposite now.”

(More MTV stories.)