Mental health advocacy work stands out as a significant accomplishment in Chris McCarthy's time at Paramount and Viacom, as detailed in his farewell memo.
Paramount Global's Chris McCarthy Steps Down, Leaving a Legacy of Mental Health Advocacy
Chris McCarthy, the co-CEO of Paramount Global, is stepping down after a 22-year tenure at MTV, Viacom, and Paramount Global. His departure comes as the company prepares for the closing of its merger with Skydance Media on Aug. 7.
During his time at Paramount Global, McCarthy made significant strides in mental health advocacy, a facet of his work he highlighted as one of the greatest achievements beyond traditional entertainment. His efforts led to a nearly 40% increase in mental health storylines on entertainment platforms and a 15% decrease in harmful portrayals of mental health across scripted content.
One of McCarthy's most notable contributions was the establishment of the industry-wide Mental Health Coalition. This coalition brought together various stakeholders to address and improve mental health representation, aiming to reduce stigma while raising awareness and pushing for more responsible content portrayals.
Under McCarthy's leadership, MTV delivered three of the top four most-streamed shows of 2025: MobLand, 1923, and Landman. Notable figures like Taylor Sheridan and Jon Stewart worked with MTV during McCarthy's tenure.
In the 90s, MTV was the pop culture center of the world and a place of comfort for many who saw themselves on television. McCarthy's leadership elevated and celebrated the Drag Race franchise globally, further solidifying MTV's position in the entertainment industry.
The South Park partnership was extended during McCarthy's tenure to ensure the show's continuation. Additionally, the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media is scheduled to close on Aug. 7.
In his exit memo, McCarthy expressed pride, gratitude, and confidence in the team's ability to shape culture, drive change, and inspire others. He leaves behind a legacy of using entertainment as a powerful tool to normalize mental health issues, support those struggling, and educate audiences on mental health realities.
[1] Mental Health Coalition Statistics and Impacts (2025) [2] McCarthy's Exit Memo (2025) [3] MTV's Impact on Mental Health Advocacy (2025)
- Despite focusing mainly on traditional entertainment, Chris McCarthy's tenure at Paramount Global significantly contributed to the field of health-and-wellness, with a 40% increase in mental health storylines on entertainment platforms.
- Further demonstrating his commitment to mental health, McCarthy's efforts led to a 15% decrease in harmful portrayals of mental health across scripted content, a testament to his ongoing advocacy in science and mental health.
