VH1 Bringing Back Behind the Music
We always hear about the show, even now,” Olde said. “It’s amazing how much affection viewers have for it.”
In focus groups, VH1 found that “BTM” is so deeply associated with the channel, some viewers assumed the series never left the air. The show’s storytelling model of the meteoric rise, tragic fall and sober rebirth of an artist was so distinctive that “The Simpsons” devoted a 2000 episode to parodying the show. There was also a short-lived spin-off, “Behind the Music 2,” that looked at the careers of younger favorites.
VH1 will update the show’s format for 2009, but not too much. Jim Forbes is back as the show’s narrator, though the new episodes will add more current footage to anchor the story in the present day, just as the New Kids special intercut with a live event.
“I’m leery about changing certain elements,” Olde said. “I think the audience will be mad if we mess with it too much.”
I’ve seen just about every BTM ever, and I welcome its return.
Now if they would just bring back “Pop Up Video” my life would be complete.
