By Natalie Briggs ‘21
Chive Editor
“MTV Spring Break” first debuted as a raunchy, provocative showcase of 20-somethings participating in wet T-shirt contests and drinking games. Perhaps originally it seemed like a good idea, filming young adults acting stupid and intoxicated on a beach in otherwise boring Daytona Beach, Florida. MTV’s coverage of spring break has become equally famous as it has infamous, and perhaps it could explain the interesting concentration of sexual offenders residing in Eastern Florida—that and Disney World. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, more than 3,500 registered sex offenders live in the two counties in which these attractions are located. (For comparison, in Lake County, Illinois, there are approximately 400 registered sex offenders.)
Either way, MTV’s coverage has attracted people to beaches in Florida and the Caribbean for years. In fact, those who appeared in the first episode—when they were 20-somethings—are in their mid-50s. Yep, that’s right. The first episode aired in 1986. So, those teenagers who drunkenly flashed cameras are now probably the favorite drunk aunt of the family, or that family friend who is suspiciously fond of puka shell necklaces.
In its heyday, the late Notorious B.I.G. and the Spice Girls performed. By the early 2000s, it was Paris Hilton and Destiny’s Child (who appeared in matching denim-based beach outfits, because denim is clearly the most comfortable beach attire) who drew crowds.
In true MTV fashion, the coverage was dedicated to the idolization of barely legal women in bikini tops and white men with bleached, NSYNC-inspired hair and cargo shorts. But today, ratings have dropped now that the Music Television station is dedicated to reruns of reality shows and that children no longer need access to cable to see music videos… there’s been little viewership. According to inside sources at MTV, their “two largest demographics are pre-teens too involved in Jersey Shore culture, and people who left the TV on so their dog wouldn’t get lonely while they’re at work.”
Decreases in popularity have not deterred MTV, however. Though the show has been technically off the air since its failed relocation to MTVU in 2014, for the past five years MTV is spending its dwindling funds sending camera crews and hosts to Florida every year.
“I can tell you exactly why we’re doing it,” one “Spring Break” producer said. “It’s a free vacation. We just set up a camera and film, I don’t know, seagulls or something. We just leave it there while we play games and drink. I’m not sure how we’re still getting away with it. No one from upstairs has had any complaints. Maybe they’re selling the footage to Hollister, for those big TVs they have there.”
The ‘Spring Break’ crew, now nearing retirement age, are expected in Cancun, Mexico, in late March.
Natalie Briggs can be reached at briggsn@mx.lakeforest.edu.
