NBCUniversal Cancels 'Access Hollywood' After Nearly 30 Years

NBCUniversal has announced the cancellation of 'Access Hollywood,' a staple of entertainment news that has been on air since September 1996. The decision, confirmed on March 13, 2023, marks the end of nearly three decades of coverage, with the show set to continue producing episodes through the summer. This cancellation is part of a broader restructuring of NBCUniversal's first-run syndication division, aimed at aligning more closely with local station programming preferences.

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The cancellation of 'Access Hollywood' is indicative of a significant shift in viewer consumption habits. As streaming services and digital platforms proliferate, traditional daytime television has struggled to maintain its audience. The rise of platforms like Netflix and YouTube, which offer a vast array of content, has led to a decline in daytime viewership for shows like 'Access Hollywood.' The show, which has aired nearly 12,000 episodes, once competed with CBS's 'Entertainment Tonight' but has faced increasing challenges in attracting viewers.

NBC Cancels 30-Year Series After Almost 12,000 Episodes & Ends an Era

The cancellation of 'Access Hollywood' is part of a larger trend affecting daytime television. Other notable shows, including 'E! News,' 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' and 'Sherri,' have also been canceled in recent years. Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo and Peacock unscripted for NBCUniversal, acknowledged the contributions of the production teams, stating, “These shows have provided audiences with great talk and entertainment content for many years.” The network's decision reflects a need to adapt to changing viewer preferences, as local stations increasingly favor content that resonates with modern audiences.

Express TribuneNBC Cancels 30-Year Series After Almost 12,000 Episodes & Ends an Era

NBCUniversal's restructuring aims to better align with local station needs while maintaining distribution of its existing program library. Frances Berwick emphasized the company's commitment to evolving with the industry, noting, “The company will remain active in the distribution of our existing program library and other off-network titles, while winding down production of our first-run shows.”

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Critics of the cancellation argue that it signifies the decline of traditional television formats in favor of streaming services. The loss of 'Access Hollywood' and similar shows raises concerns about the future of daytime television, which once thrived with iconic hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. The shift away from these formats has been met with disappointment from long-time fans who valued the show's coverage of celebrity news and pop culture.

NBC Cancels 30-Year Series After Almost 12,000 Episodes & Ends an Era

• “These shows have provided audiences with great talk and entertainment content for many years, and we’re very proud of the teams behind them,” — Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo & Peacock unscripted

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• “The company will remain active in the distribution of our existing program library and other off-network titles, while winding down production of our first-run shows,” — Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo & Peacock unscripted

NBC Cancels 30-Year Series After Almost 12,000 Episodes & Ends an Era

The final episodes of 'Access Hollywood' are expected to air over the summer, providing fans with a last opportunity to engage with their favorite hosts as the show concludes its historic run.

Express Tribune