An insider says MTV could soon bring the ax down on its signature countdown show because nobody watches it.

“The ratings are at an all-time low, around 300,000 viewers,” says the source. “The show is going to be canceled and rebranded.”

Recent data from Nielsen media peg TRL’s viewership at 393,000, down from almost 600,000 in 2001.

The rotating cast of veejays who present the live show, which launched in 1998, includes Nick Lachey’s galpal Vanessa Minnillo, Damien Fahey and Susie Castillo. Last Thursday, under-performing MTV president Michael Wolf abruptly left his job, although he said the decision to do so was his.

An MTV rep did not comment.

Source

Maui Fever (Premiere’s Wednesday, January 17 @ 10:30PM) is produced by Laguna Beach executive producers Tony DiSanto, Liz Gateley, and Mike Powers. Like MTV’s existing Laguna, 8th & Ocean and The Hills series that the producers also produce for the network, Maui Fever has been shot in a “reality drama” style.

According to MTV, the seven Kaanapali, Maui residents are a close knit group of friends who spend “their days sunning and their nights partying with no rules and no one to answer to.”

“Maui Fever uncovers the real-life drama of a group of friends living and loving in an island paradise,” said DiSanto. “While the guys think they have the upper hand in relationships with the locals and tourists, it’s the girls who seem to really be pulling the strings. The lush location, compelling characters and classic beach movie vibe come together to make Maui Fever a totally unique and compelling viewing experience.”

The seven cast members of Maui Fever are:

Cheyne: She’s all things you’d expect a top pro surfer to be: a party-all-night, funny, outgoing, handsome guy. As the most popular guy in Kaanapali and the son of professional skateboarder Tony Magnuson, will his relationship with girlfriend Rachael survive his attraction to his ex, Anna?

Corbin: With no goals and no girlfriend, Corbin is the kind of guy who can’t take anything or anyone too seriously. Pinned the clown of his social group, Corbin seems to be everyone’s pal in Kaanapali while perpetually cracking jokes.

Chaunte: Notorious for being the center of attention, Chaunte is sure to stir up the drama wherever she goes. She likes to keep her on-and-off boyfriend Anthony in the palm of her hand while she keeps her eyes open for other love interests.

Anna: She’s Chaunte’s partner in crime and roommate. They even work together as hostesses at a restaurant. And like Chaunte, Anna relishes the attention of boys, especially one boy in particular, ex-boyfriend Cheyne. Since Cheyne started dating Rachael, he and Anna have remained close, much to Rachael’s dismay. Cheyne and Anna’s attraction is palpable and it gets the best of them.

Anthony: Quiet and shy, Anthony is hanging on tight to his relationship with Chaunte. While Chaunte insists they remain just friends, Anthony is incapable of making a decision without her, and unable to see her flirty and manipulative ways. How long until Anthony catches on and cuts all ties?

Sean: Sean is what one would call the “Kaanapali player.” Not your normal one-night-stand player, he often dips into the constant flow of tourists to find his love du jour. Will this spontaneous waiter ever settle down?

Jesse: The new guy in town, Jesse has already moved in with best bud Corbin and become part of the in crowd. Still Jesse often feels like an outsider and finds himself breaking the number one rule in Kaanapali: don’t fall for tourists.

How many different shades of gray can YOU spot?

Is it just me, or is her face GINORMOUS.  Seriously, think of all the foundation she has to use to cover that thing!

Okay, so I hate to admit this – but I totally watched the first season of “The Hills” on MTV. I swear I told my friends I didn’t watch it, but I totally did. Ya caught me. I just watched this long preview for the next season of “The Hills” and it looks freakin awesome! No, I am no 18…and yes, I probably have NO life…but who cares. This new season will be drama filled…and ya’ll know I love me some drama.

Check it out,