MTM Logo PNG
The MTM logo is an image that evokes warm, kind feelings. The central element of the symbol is a live cat, making the emblem recognizable and distinguishing the brand from many other companies. This friendly symbol brings comfort and naturalness, highlighting the studio’s uniqueness. It invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of light, casual entertainment, and relaxation. The emblem evokes associations with pleasant leisure time, promising cozy and fun stories created with heart.
MTM: Brand overview
MTM Enterprises is an independent production company founded in 1969 by actress Mary Tyler Moore and her then-husband, Grant Tinker. The name “MTM” came from Moore’s initials, leveraging her widespread popularity. The couple established the company to gain more creative control over the projects Mary was involved in.
The company’s first major project was The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which debuted on CBS in September 1970. The series became an instant hit, redefining sitcoms by focusing on the life of a self-sufficient working woman. This success allowed the company to quickly expand, initially focusing on sitcoms. Based on characters from the flagship show, spin-offs like Rhoda (1974) and Phyllis (1975) further established the studio as a leading comedy production house.
By the mid-1970s, the company began exploring drama. In 1977, they debuted Lou Grant, their first drama series, a spin-off of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The series combined investigative journalism with drama, earning critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, the studio continued to experiment with different genres, creating hits like WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), Hill Street Blues (1981–1987), and St. Elsewhere (1982–1988). Hill Street Blues, in particular, revolutionized TV dramas with its complex storytelling and more realistic portrayal of police work.
In 1984, Grant Tinker left the company to become chairman and CEO of NBC, leaving Mary Tyler Moore more involved in the company’s operations. However, without Tinker’s television expertise, the studio faced challenges.
Despite this, the production company delivered more successful shows in the mid-to-late 1980s, such as Newhart (1982–1990) and Remington Steele (1982–1987). The company also ventured into miniseries and TV movies.
In 1988, British television company Thames Television acquired the production company for $320 million, aiming to expand its presence in the U.S. Despite the acquisition, later productions did not match the success of earlier shows.
New productions like Duckman (1994–1997) and Evening Shade (1990–1994) were launched during the early 1990s but didn’t achieve the same popularity. After Thames Television lost its UK broadcast monopoly, the studio was sold to International Family Entertainment (IFE), owned by Pat Robertson, in 1993 for $68.5 million. The company continued to produce shows under IFE but with limited success.
1997, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation acquired IFE, including the production company, for $1.9 billion. The studio was folded into 20th Century Fox Television, marking the end of its operations as an independent entity.
Despite its dissolution, the company’s legacy lived on through its extensive catalog of iconic TV series, many of which were made available on DVD and streaming platforms in the 2000s and 2010s, allowing new generations to experience these classic shows.
When Disney acquired 21st Century Fox (formerly News Corporation) in 2018, the company’s library became part of Disney’s vast collection. This opened new opportunities for Disney to distribute its shows across Disney’s various platforms.
Even though the production company will no longer exist as a standalone entity by 2023, its influence on television will endure. Its productions’ innovative storytelling and memorable characters continue to inspire modern TV writers and producers. The company’s legacy is preserved through reruns, remasters, and reissues of its shows, which remain a testament to the lasting impact of this once small, independent production company on the television industry.
Meaning and History
What is MTM?
A powerful television production company named Mary Tyler Moore played a significant role in transforming the sitcom industry in the United States. The company established itself as a creator of smart, character-driven comedies, often addressing relevant social issues with warmth and humor. The programs were known for their witty scripts, strong casts, and focus on urban and working life. A signature element of the company was the logo featuring a meowing kitten, parodying the MGM lion, which became a symbol of high-quality television. In addition to sitcoms, the company produced several critically acclaimed dramas, pushing the boundaries of traditional television storytelling.
1970 – 1977
The company’s first logo was created a year after its founding. A striped ginger cat sits in the center of a circle, designed as a ribbon with stars. This symbol was chosen as a parody of the famous Metro Goldwyn Mayer lion emblem. The heroine is played by a real cat named Mimsie. The choice of this symbol may have also been connected to the company’s founder, Mary Tyler Moore, whose initials (MTM) are placed under the improvised wreath. The bright, multicolored letters of the logo add a sense of lightness and humor, perfectly conveying the brand’s spirit. The emblem is tied to the studio’s first comedy show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which aired on CBS and reflects the relaxed, playful atmosphere of the project.
1977 – 1979
The 1977 MTM logo received an update that gave it a fresh look while retaining the elements that made the studio recognizable. The main focus of the emblem is, of course, the famous cat Mimsie, who had already become a company symbol. In this emblem version, she is depicted in a gold frame, seemingly gazing upward as if mesmerized, creating the impression that she is watching what is happening on screen, highlighting viewer engagement.
In this updated logo, Mimsie no longer makes her usual meowing sound, instead making a calm and curious expression, making her image more serious and focused. This choice symbolizes the company’s shift toward more mature and complex projects, which became essential for its continued success.
The letter “T,” previously green, has taken on a blue hue. This gives the entire composition a more formal and professional appearance, emphasizing the studio’s transition from entertainment programs to a broader range of projects, including serious and prestigious television shows. The red and blue colors create a visual contrast that distinguishes the emblem from other studios of that time.
The phrase “An MTM Enterprises, Inc. Production” is written in a strict and solid font, emphasizing the company’s seriousness and stability.
1979 – 1989
The company underwent internal changes due to a shift in personnel, which led to an update in its brand identity. These changes were reflected in the logo, which adopted a darker tone, evoking the atmosphere of a quiet theater before a film screening. The phrase “Enterprises Inc. Productions” was shortened to “Enterprises Productions,” making the emblem more concise and modern. The font changed to dark orange, giving the logo a warmer and more energetic character, hinting at the company’s creative approach and ambitious new projects.
1989 – 1990
The brand focused on creating program content and expanding its operations by establishing a separate distribution division called MTM Television Distribution. In connection with this, the inscription under the logo was shortened to “Productions Inc.,” reflecting the company’s narrower specialization. The logo’s color palette also changed: ” MTM ” is now orange and blue, highlighting the focus on entertainment shows and giving the emblem a more cheerful and vibrant character.
1982 – 1992
Along with using the main logo, the company implemented an alternative version for certain shows, where the inscription was shortened to a single word — “Productions.” This decision was likely driven by a desire to test viewer reactions and evaluate how the audience would receive a more minimalist design. This experiment may have also highlighted the brand’s flexibility and readiness to adapt to changing television production and distribution trends.
1983 – 1997
The emblem was updated: the window with the kitten was enlarged, and a soft glow from a television screen appeared in the background. This addition reinforces the idea that the cat watches TV, emphasizing the brand’s connection to entertainment. An alternative version of the inscription, “Enterprises Inc.,” was added at the bottom of the logo, giving it a more formal appearance. The letter “T” is highlighted in a rich blue shade, drawing attention to the central part of the composition and giving the logo a sense of freshness and dynamism.
1990 – 1997
After the studio was acquired by the British company TVS Entertainment, the logo underwent significant changes, becoming brighter and more vibrant. The orange ribbon framing the emblem and the detailed fur of the cat animate the image, making it more dynamic and appealing to viewers. These changes visually symbolize a new chapter in the brand’s history. With the support of its new owners, the studio expanded its operations, beginning to produce its programs for syndication, leading to significant revenue growth. An elegant inscription, “A TVS Entertainment Company,” was added at the bottom of the logo, highlighting the brand’s new status as part of a major company.
1993 – 1999
The MTM logo, created after the company transitioned to International Family Entertainment, stands out for its elegance and symbolism. The emblem is gold on a black background, evoking a sense of solidity and exclusivity. This company has made a significant contribution to the world of film and television, having earned viewer recognition over the years.
The central element of the emblem remains the cat, appearing within a golden circle. This refers to the company’s original emblem, where a lion was replaced with a softer and more friendly symbol—a cat. Although the cat, which served as the model, passed away in 1988, its image was preserved as a tribute to the studio’s past and legacy.
The large capital letters “MTM” are rendered in a bold and confident style, symbolizing the brand’s strength. Below them is the inscription “An International Family Entertainment Company,” indicating the new ownership and the company’s focus on family-oriented content. This slogan adds a modern touch to the logo and emphasizes the changes the brand was undergoing.
This visual mark became the last in the company’s history, as MTM ceased to exist in 1998 following multiple sales and ownership changes.
