MTV’s upcoming sci-fi series The Shannara Chronicles is a larger-than-life, battle-filled, elf and sorcerer tale with sweeping landscapes and intense costumes. The show doesn’t look like it belongs on MTV. And that’s largely the point.

The network’s adaptation of Terry Brooks’ novel is the latest project from MTV that represents a larger aim to lure back its teen viewers. The show, set to debut in January, takes advantage of success stories on MTV like Teen Wolf, which is heading more toward teen genre fare and away from reality hits of yesteryear like Jersey Shore.

Part of MTV’s problem is that its target audience is the most likely to be a part of the dreaded cord-cutting generation. Live TV is not a popular theme for MTV viewers, so getting a hit on the network (or any network, for that matter) is harder than ever.

MTV’s new leaders Doug Herzog and Susanne Daniels are putting their faith in investing in a few, big scripted series to which the audience can relate.

“I want to do original, unique shows that reflect what the brand stands for,” said Daniels, adding that the show’s themes are relevant to MTV’s audience, which makes it a perfect fit, regardless of genre.

According to MTV, the network plans to keep reality hits like Teen Mom while slowly focusing more on new scripted fare like Scream and Shannara Chronicles that will keep audiences coming back every week – or on DVR, or on mobile phones, etc.

Read more at Billboard.

Brief Take: This is certainly not the first time MTV has worked to reinvent itself to follow its audience. As its teen audience drives new habits in TV viewing, MTV has to keep up and try to stay ahead of the curve - in many ways, moreso than other TV brands.

[Image courtesy of MTV]

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