Story perspectives

NBCUniversal Halts First-Run Syndicated Shows Amid Declining Viewership

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NBCUniversal is ending production of first-run syndicated shows, including Access Hollywood, Karamo, and The Steve Wilkos Show, as local stations prioritize news.
Rising production costs and declining daytime viewership have made the syndication model challenging.
Access Hollywood will continue airing new episodes until late summer or early fall 2026.
Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and head of Peacock unscripted, said the changes align with local programming preferences.

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Story summary

NBCUniversal is ending production of first-run syndicated shows, including Access Hollywood, Karamo, and The Steve Wilkos Show, as local stations prioritize news.
Rising production costs and declining daytime viewership have made the syndication model challenging.
Access Hollywood will continue airing new episodes until late summer or early fall 2026.
Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and head of Peacock unscripted, said the changes align with local programming preferences.