The primarily acoustic format was inspired by a series of highly-publicised benefit performances in the late 70s and early 80s organised by the UK branch of Amnesty International, including Pete Townshend's appearance at The Secret Policeman's Ball in 1979 and other acts in the 1982 sequel The Secret Policeman's Other Ball, with compilation albums released from both events.

MTV revealed Unplugged's return as part of corporate media presentation in New York that announced additions to the network's 2016 lineup with a renewed focus on music after years of reality-based programming.