VH1 to Bring Back 'Pop Up Video'

It's been a long time since VH1 has had a solid reputation with hardcore music geeks. On the rare occasions they still show it, "Behind The Music" went from exploring the trials and tribulations of landmark music acts to exclusively covering musicians whose careers are still on the rise. And even for that, you have to wade through "Basketball Wives," "Mob Wives," "Wedding Wars," and of course - nonstop nostalgia.

While the era of "Best Week Ever" might be over, and the network ran out of decades to love, they still managed to find some room for "The Greatest," a series that is pretty much a video version of the numerous Top 10/25/50 lists that permeate the web. They provide small amounts of insight, but pretty much serve as a way to finish the sentence "hey, do you remember that time..."

Well, VH1 has been around in its current form long enough that it's time to make a show to make you nostalgic about VH1. How's that again? That's right - The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that the network is launching a new version of "Pop Up Video," a show that was huge around the time that music videos were huge but which left the airwaves because, even though they complain that they're not on the air much anymore, people just don't watch music videos that much anymore.

The new version will incorporate the same format - music videos play while fun trivia bits and snarky commentary pop up in little bubbles at the corner of the screen - while making new use of interactive technology.

"I have sat on the sidelines for the last decade and watched as everyone and their brother has ripped off 'Pop Up' in some way or another with the Internet coming out of nowhere and Twitter being hauntingly familiar and all of these devices that are using snarky, pithy text," said series co-creator and executive producer Woody Thompson in a strangely bitter statement.

"Our audience has a particular nostalgia for 'Pop Up Videos,' but they're also seeking more information on multiple platforms," said Jeff Olde, VH1's Executive VP of Original Programming and Production. "They're [using social networking] to create their own pop-ups in a way. So we can hit the nostalgia beat but also have it feel like it's relevant and current."

Well, at least he's honest about capitalizing on people's fond memories.

And if you're still looking for programming devoid of even the slightest hint of artistry, don't worry, VH1 has also renewed "Mob Wives." Both shows will come back this fall.