The Last Cowboy, produced by Taylor Sheridan, remains CMT’s only current original series and is set for a sixth season starting in early November, though it is not music-focused.

CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, the network’s longest-running program, will end production in December after more than a decade on air, with the final episode likely the weekend after Christmas; the show debuted in 2013 and was hosted by Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner.

Mark Thomas, who has led Marketing and Creative Production since 2019 on CMT projects, has ties to AVVAY and Calvin Klein, illustrating the broader talent movement around Paramount’s reorganization.

The cancellation follows the CMT Music Awards’ earlier indefinite hiatus, signaling a broader restructuring of country-music coverage on the network.

Industry-wide shifts in country music media, with several outlets either closing or rebranding, contribute to CMT’s evolving lineup and erosion of its traditional identity.

Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner have not publicly commented on the cancellation on social media; Alan has since diversified into other roles, including a SiriusXM morning slot.

The timing aligns with ongoing changes at CMT after the earlier indefinite hiatus of the CMT Music Awards, signaling broader restructuring of country-music programming.

Paramount Global is canceling Hot 20 Countdown as part of broad restructuring tied to its merger with Skydance and ongoing staff cuts, a move that also affects CMT and other events.

Carissa Culiner, a longtime host on Hot 20 Countdown since spring 2022, continues to promote interviews and appearances on her Instagram.

Over the years, CMT’s programs have hosted a wide array of country stars, including Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Ashley McBryde, and Kip Moore.

The article includes an author bio for Madison Hahnen, Project Manager at MusicRow Magazine, with author page links.

Industry professionals like Thomas are involved in music industry groups, including serving as Secretary for the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Board and co-chairing CMA Foundation events.

In 2025, Paramount paused several major events including the MTV Europe Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico, and the CMT Music Awards, citing a realignment of its events portfolio.

The CMT Music Awards are on an indefinite hiatus for the first time since the show's 2002 debut, reflecting broader shifts in CMT’s programming and the network’s focus after the merger.

Analysts see the pivot as part of a broader industry shift toward streaming, social media, and short-form content, which is reducing audiences for long-form music television.