MTV announces new programs

Staying with the tradition of less music, more entertainment, MTV has approved a new group of scripted and reality series and has renewed three freshman shows, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The network announced Tuesday that it has developed the series "Downtown Girls," "Megadrive," the Ashton Kutcher-produced "American Idiots," the scripted comedy "Hard Times" and a yet to be titled comedy/variety show starring actor/comedian Rob Hoffman.

As for new programs to be renewed, "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" and "Silent Library," have each been picked up for 20 episodes. "Teen Cribs," a spinoff of the network's popular series "MTV Cribs," has been picked up for 40 episodes.

"We're really serious about giving our viewers new and diversified MTV," president of programming Tony DiSanto said.

He called "Hard Times" " 'Superbad' for MTV" and "the right one to relaunch scripted programming for the channel."

The untitled Rob Hoffman show features the "Step Up 2: The Streets" star taking on reality, comedy, sketch and variety. Hoffman is also an executive producer. The show is described as "In Living Color" for the digital age.

"American Idiots" is described as an extreme reality series where "Idiots" reproduce viral videos for cash prizes.

"Downtown Girls" is a reality sitcom that follows the real-life happenings of five twenty-somethings in New York.

"Megadrive" follows Johnny Pemberton, as the dare devil host travels across the country trying to master the most extreme rides on land, sea and air.