Comprehensive guide to major cable channels beginning with the letter V
Active Networks
Major Networks
Years History
Parent Companies
Launch Date: January 1, 1985
Owner: Paramount Skydance (MTV Entertainment Group)
Genre: Music, Reality Television, Pop Culture
History: VH1 launched on January 1, 1985, originally owned by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment. The network was conceived to build upon MTV's success by targeting a slightly older demographic with a focus on the lighter, softer side of popular music. Viacom acquired MTV Networks (including VH1) from Warner Communications in 1985-1986. The network gained popularity in the 1990s with original programs such as Pop-Up Video, Behind the Music, and the I Love... series.
Programming Evolution: In the 2000s, VH1 shifted from music videos to pop culture and nostalgia-based reality programming. The network launched the highly successful Love & Hip Hop franchise in 2011, which became its longest-running program. Other popular shows include RuPaul's Drag Race and various celebrity-focused reality series.
Current Status: VH1 moved to the BET Media Group in 2022 before returning to MTV Entertainment Group in 2025. As of December 2023, VH1 reaches approximately 67.5 million American households.
Website: www.vh1.com
Launch Date: February 29, 2016 (as Viceland); rebranded December 2, 2019
Owner: A&E Networks (joint venture with Vice Media)
Genre: Documentary, News, Investigative Journalism
History: A&E Networks acquired a 10% stake in Vice Media for $250 million in August 2014. On February 29, 2016, Vice launched Viceland by replacing H2 (History International) on most cable providers, reaching approximately 70 million U.S. households. Film director Spike Jonze oversaw the network's creative direction, focusing on lifestyle-oriented documentaries and reality series aimed at millennials.
Rebranding: Amid low ratings, Vice retooled the channel in 2019 to focus on news and documentary programming. The network quietly rebranded to Vice TV on December 2, 2019, without formal publicity, merging operations with Vice News division.
Programming: Vice TV features original documentary series including Dark Side of the Ring (the network's highest-rated and longest-running show), Dark Side of the Cage, and Dark Side of Football. In 2024-2025, the network emphasized Vice Sports programming with documentary miniseries and acquired sports-related content.
Financial Struggles: The channel averaged only 45,000 primetime viewers in the 18-49 demographic during its first summer, ranking as the 97th most-watched U.S. cable channel. Vice Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15, 2023, though Vice TV operations continued under the A&E Networks joint venture structure.
Website: www.vice.com
Launch Date: June 17, 2002 (as Discovery HD Theater); October 4, 2011 (as Velocity); November 23, 2018 (as MotorTrend)
Owner: Motor Trend Group (Hearst Communications subsidiary, acquired from Warner Bros. Discovery in December 2024)
Genre: Automotive, Motorsports
Evolution: The network launched in 2002 as Discovery HD Theater, the first 24/7 HD basic cable network in the U.S. It rebranded to HD Theater in 2007, then to Velocity on October 4, 2011, shifting focus to upscale lifestyle and automotive content targeting affluent viewers interested in luxury cars, travel, and real estate.
Motor Trend Transition: In 2017, Discovery Communications formed a joint venture with The Enthusiast Network (TEN), taking a majority stake to create a leading automotive media company. In April 2018, TEN was renamed Motor Trend Group, and Velocity rebranded to Motor Trend Network on November 23, 2018, leveraging the 70-year awareness of the Motor Trend magazine brand.
Programming: Popular shows include Wheeler Dealers, Bitchin' Rides, Roadkill, Hot Rod Garage, Garage Squad, Barrett-Jackson auctions, and Graveyard Carz. The network primarily broadcasts automotive-themed programming and motorsports events.
Streaming: MotorTrend+ streaming service shut down in March 2024, with content migrating to Discovery+ and Max. MotorTrend FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming) TV launched in October 2022, available on multiple platforms including Amazon Freevee, Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel.
Current Status: As of November 2023, MotorTrend reaches approximately 65 million pay television households (down from 74 million in 2017). In December 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery sold Motor Trend Group to Hearst Communications.
Website: www.motortrend.com
Launch Date: March 5, 2007
Owner: V-me Media, Inc. (majority owner: Eligio Cedeño; LPM is largest stakeholder)
Genre: Spanish-Language Family, Educational, Lifestyle
History: V-me (Spanish pronunciation [ˈbeme], a pun on "veme" meaning "watch me" or "see me") launched as a Hispanic-Latino American Spanish-language network on March 5, 2007. Originally a public-private partnership between WNET (New Jersey public television) and the Baeza Group, Syncom Funds, and Grupo PRISA from Spain.
Ownership Change: In April 2013, Venezuelan investors Eduardo Hauser, Juan José Rendón, and Eligio Cedeño acquired a controlling stake. By 2014, Eligio Cedeño became CEO and majority owner, transitioning V-me to a fully private model funded through investor contributions and advertising revenues.
Programming: V-me airs drama, music, current affairs, food, lifestyle, nature, and educational preschool content. The 24-hour service delivers original productions, exclusive premieres, and popular public television programs from PBS and American Public Television, adapted for American Latinos.
Vme Kids: Launched September 1, 2010, as the first U.S. channel providing uninterrupted educational programming exclusively in Spanish for Hispanic and Latino children. Features shows like Plaza Sesamo (Sesame Street), El Mundo De Rosie, Super Dino, and Escuela De Rugidos. Programming integrates STEM education with Hispanic cultural values.
Distribution: V-me is available in approximately 15.5 million households through DIRECTV, Spectrum, and AT&T U-verse, covering approximately 80% of the U.S. Hispanic market.
Website: www.vmetv.com
Launch Date: 1998 (as VH1 Smooth); 1999 (as VH1 Classic Rock/VH1 Classic); August 1, 2016 (as MTV Classic)
Owner: Paramount Media Networks
Genre: Classic Music Videos, Retro Programming
History: Originally launched in 1998 as VH1 Smooth featuring adult contemporary and smooth jazz. Relaunched in 1999 as VH1 Classic Rock (later VH1 Classic) with emphasis on classic rock music videos from the 1960s-1990s, concert footage, and original programming.
Rebranding: On August 1, 2016, coinciding with MTV's 35th anniversary, VH1 Classic rebranded as MTV Classic. The new channel focuses on "an eclectic mix of fan-favorite MTV series and music programming drawn from its rich history, with a special focus on the 1990s and early 2000s." The debut hour replicated the first hour of MTV's original programming.
Programming: Features vintage music videos, notable episodes of MTV Unplugged and Storytellers, and reruns of past MTV original series including Beavis and Butt-Head, Clone High, and Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.
Notable Achievement: From January 28 to February 15, 2015, VH1 Classic aired a 19-day marathon of Saturday Night Live, breaking the record for the longest continuous marathon in television history.
Current Status: By the end of 2016, MTV Classic became one of the least-watched English-language channels, averaging only 30-35,000 viewers in primetime. As of December 2019, MTV Classic reaches approximately 39 million pay television households.
Launch Date: July 31, 1995 (as OLN); September 25, 2006 (as Versus); January 1, 2012 (as NBC Sports Network); Shutdown: December 31, 2021
Owner: NBCUniversal (Comcast)
Genre: Sports
History: Originally launched as Outdoor Life Network (OLN) on July 31, 1995, featuring hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure shows. The network gained prominence with extensive Tour de France coverage.
Transition to Versus: In August 2005, OLN acquired NHL pay television rights in a three-year deal worth nearly $200 million after ESPN declined to renew. The network rebranded as Versus on September 25, 2006, representing the common element of competition. Versus added boxing, World Extreme Cagefighting, and World Combat League programming.
NBC Sports Network Era: In 2011, Comcast acquired majority stake in NBCUniversal and merged its sports channels with NBC Sports. Versus rebranded as NBC Sports Network on January 1, 2012. The network began identifying itself as NBCSN by the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Shutdown and Revival: NBCSN closed on December 31, 2021, with sports properties moving to Peacock, USA Network, and other NBCUniversal networks. On November 17, 2025, a second incarnation of NBCSN launched as a linear television outlet for NBC Sports following the spin-off of NBCUniversal's other cable networks.
Historical Significance: Versus represented a major attempt to create an ESPN competitor, successfully acquiring NHL, IndyCar, and combat sports rights during its run.
Key Networks: VH1, MTV Classic, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CMT, Paramount Network, Showtime
Established through the merger of Viacom and CBS Corporation on December 4, 2019. Renamed Paramount Global on February 16, 2022. Skydance merger completed August 7, 2025.
Key Networks: Vice TV (joint venture with Vice Media), A&E, History Channel, Lifetime, FYI
Joint venture between Hearst Communications and The Walt Disney Company. Acquired 10% stake in Vice Media in 2014 for $250 million, leading to Viceland/Vice TV launch in 2016.
Key Networks: MotorTrend TV, MotorTrend FAST channels
Acquired Motor Trend Group from Warner Bros. Discovery in December 2024. Hearst Magazines operates Motor Trend as a subsidiary, continuing automotive programming and digital expansion.
Last updated on November 27, 2025