NBC Cancels ‘Access Hollywood’

One of television's longest-running entertainment news shows is coming to an end.

NBCUniversal is officially canceling "Access Hollywood," marking the end of the long-running series after nearly three decades on the air. The decision is part of a larger shift at the company, which is shutting down production of its first-run syndicated programming entirely. Along with "Access Hollywood," NBCUniversal is also ending "Access Live," "Karamo," and "The Steve Wilkos Show."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the move reflects a strategic change as the company steps away from producing new syndicated shows and instead focuses on distributing its existing content library.

Why NBCU Is Ending These Shows

NBCUniversal executives say the decision comes as the television landscape continues to evolve and local stations adjust what types of programs they prioritize.

Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and head of Peacock unscripted at NBCUniversal, said the company is restructuring its syndication business to better match what local stations are now programming.

"NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations," Berwick said in a statement, according to Variety.

The change comes as many stations increasingly favor local news programming, community-focused shows and select national franchises instead of traditional syndicated daytime talk programs.

Industrywide, daytime talk shows have also faced growing pressure from digital platforms. Per Variety, the rise of streaming content, YouTube and video podcasts has created more competition for the types of celebrity interviews and lifestyle topics that once dominated daytime television.

What Happens to 'Access Hollywood' and the Other Shows

"Access Hollywood," which first premiered in September 1996, will continue producing new episodes through September 2026 before officially ending its run. The show is currently hosted by Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans and Zuri Hall.

Meanwhile, two of NBCUniversal's daytime talk shows have already wrapped production. "Karamo," hosted by "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown, and "The Steve Wilkos Show," hosted by former "Jerry Springer Show" security guard Steve Wilkos, have both finished filming new episodes, though previously taped installments will continue airing through the summer.

Both shows are produced at NBCUniversal's Stamford Studios in Stamford, Connecticut, a facility the company is expected to vacate later this year.

The move also comes shortly after NBCUniversal confirmed that "The Kelly Clarkson Show" will end its run later in 2026, signaling a broader shift away from traditional daytime talk formats.

Even as production shuts down, NBCUniversal says it will continue distributing its large catalog of programming, including titles such as "Dateline," "Law & Order," "Chicago P.D.," "Maury," "Jerry Springer," "Steve Wilkos," and "Karamo."

After nearly 30 years covering Hollywood headlines, celebrity interviews and red carpet moments, "Access Hollywood" will soon take its final bow. As Berwick said, the shows "have provided audiences with great talk and entertainment content for many years and we're very proud of the teams behind them."