106 & Park' to End 14-Year Run in December

It’s the end of an era for BET and music video countdown shows. After premiering on Sept. 11, 2000, 106 & Park will air its final episode on Dec. 19.

BET’s flagship show will continue to air specials throughout the year, including the annual New Year’s Eve 106 & PARTY. But its days as a daily countdown show is over; 106 & Park will continue on BET’s digital platform in 2015.

“I’m not trying to minimize it; this is a very big change,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials, in a statement. “We thank all the people who have worked on the show over the years; the talented hosts, the hard-working staff, production crews, and all the incredible guests we’ve had. Most of all, we’d like to humbly thank the “livest audience”, both in studio and at home, who fueled this landmark TV show from the very beginning.  Meet you in the digital domain.”

106 & Park will be remembered by many current twentysomethings as the urban alternative to MTV’s TRL (which ended in 2008 but returned for one special earlier this year). TRL aired weekdays at 5, but many others were ready to welcome AJ and Free to their living rooms an hour after.

106 & Park went through many hosts and featured many instantly memorable moments, including Bow Wow’s kiss with Tyra Banks, the rise of Blind Fury and Michelle Obama’s visit. But it was becoming painfully clear that 106 & Park‘s days were winding down as that August Alsina incident and the Beyhive attack on Karrueche Tran became some of their only notable recent headlines.

Despite the struggles, it’s bittersweet that this marks the last of a BET generation that saw Rap City and BET: Uncut.