VH1 Classic 120 Minutes
| 120 Minutes | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Alternative |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Production | |
| Running time | 120 Minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | VH1 Classic |
| Original release | August 20, 2004 – Present |
VH1 Classic 120 Minutes (previously The Alternative) is a music video program that airs on the U.S. cable television network VH1 Classic. The show debuted in August 2004 and mainly features videos from alternative, post-punk, punk, and '80s new wave artists.
Summary and format
Most of the videos are from the '80s and early '90s, but occasionally videos from the '70s artists such as The Clash and The Jam and mid-'90's artists such as Pulp and The Presidents of the United States of America are featured. A majority of the included videos feature bands on major labels, as well as a few from independent label artists (such as early R.E.M., Sonic Youth, Hüsker Dü, Camper Van Beethoven, and others).
The show is often compared to the original 120 Minutes, which had essentially the same format, although at the time the videos were mostly brand new, and used to air on MTV. 120 Minutes later evolved into Subterranean on MTV2.
Time slot
The Alternative aired in a two-hour version Sundays at 11 AM (with a repeat at 11 PM) Eastern, with additional one-hour shows at those times on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Beginning the weekend of April 28, 2007, The Alternative was renamed VH1 Classic 120 Minutes in honor of the classic MTV series. The series aired that weekend from 4AM-6AM early Saturday (currently 1AM-3AM) and Sunday evenings (9PM-11PM & 1AM-3AM). Current airings are mostly from 4AM to 6AM, usually on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.