Music on TV: Friday Night Videos

Friday Night Videos was a popular television show that first aired in 1983 and ran until 2002. The series was a spin-off of NBC's Saturday Night Live and primarily focused on airing popular music videos from various genres. During its heyday, Friday Night Videos became a popular destination for music lovers, offering them a unique opportunity to stay up late and watch their favorite artists' latest music videos  

One of the key factors behind Friday Night Videos' long-lasting appeal was the quality of the music videos showcased on the show. Popular music videos from iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston were regularly featured on the program. Additionally, lesser-known or upcoming artists also had the chance to showcase their music videos, offering viewers a wide range of musical styles and sounds to choose from.

Friday Night Videos also featured some unique and inventive segments throughout its many years on the air. One popular segment, called "Video Jukebox," allowed viewers to request music videos directly from the show by calling in or writing letters. Fans also loved the show's annual "Top 20 Videos of the Year" countdown, which featured the biggest, most popular, and most influential music videos of that specific year.

Another factor that helped to make Friday Night Videos such a hit was its entertaining and relatable hosts, who provided their viewers with fun and engaging insights into the music videos they watched. The early years of the show had hosts like Todd Rundgren and John Sebastian, but in the later years, there were several rotating hosts, including comedian Steve Martin, who added their own personalities and styles to the show.

Friday Night Videos was a beloved cultural phenomenon that helped shape the music industry and the way people consume music videos. The show's incredible influence can still be seen today in modern music platforms like YouTube and Vevo that have taken its legacy forward. It helped to launch the careers of many talented musicians while also providing viewers with hours of entertainment and music discovery. Friday Night Videos will always hold a special place in music history as a groundbreaking and truly iconic television program.

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