Long-Running MTV Hit Ends Its 13-Year Run

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After nine seasons, MTV’s reality show *Catfish: The TV Series* has come to an end, the network announced on September 22, 2025.

As a total reality TV junkie, I remember when *Catfish* first hit the screens back in 2012. It started as a documentary in 2010, and the show basically took that idea – exposing the realities behind those online relationships – and ran with it. It was a pretty wild ride, but sadly, the final season wrapped up over the summer of 2024.

Catfish featured people-often called ‘hopefuls’-who contacted Nev Schulman and his co-host because they had doubts about the people they were connecting with online.

As a big fan of the show, what always fascinated me was how the hosts would really dig into these online relationships. They’d often travel to meet the other person, trying to figure out if they were who they said they were, or if it was all a fake – a ‘catfish,’ as they called it. Of course, when the pandemic hit, things changed. Instead of meeting face-to-face, they started doing everything over Zoom, which honestly added a whole new layer to the drama!

The term “catfish” gained popularity after Nev Schulman’s 2010 documentary, which detailed his personal experience being deceived by someone online. In the film, Schulman described “catfish” as people who keep others guessing and are not who they seem to be.

Our opponents challenge us, make us work hard, and keep us on our toes. I’m grateful for that challenge – it prevents us from becoming complacent and stale. We need that competitive pressure to stay sharp.

Catfish became a popular show on MTV and eventually led to two additional series. One of these, *Catfish: Trolls*, featured Charlamagne tha God and ran for three episodes in 2018, focusing on people who harass others online.

The show ‘Ghosted,’ featuring Rachel Lindsay and Travis Mills, explored people attempting to get back in touch with those who had suddenly cut off contact. Meanwhile, MTV teamed up with Wondery in 2020 to create ‘Catfish: The Podcast,’ which delved further into the world of online relationships.

The original documentary was criticized for potentially being inaccurate, but the TV series tried to offer a more balanced view, showing both instances of trickery and genuinely touching moments.

Tom Forman, the executive producer, shared with MTV that the show has unexpectedly led to some genuine romances. They’ve discovered people who are being honest about themselves, and they’re excited to share those stories. The most rewarding part, he said, is seeing couples overcome initial dishonesty and form real connections – both on the show and in their lives.

Catfish has become well-known for examining the complexities of relationships formed online and the difficulties of dating in the digital world. The show has had a significant effect on popular culture, with many viewers watching it for over ten years.

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2025-09-23 13:45