“Access Hollywood” is preparing to sign off after nearly three decades on television as NBCUniversal exits the first-run syndication business. The company confirmed it will stop producing new syndicated programming, bringing several daytime shows to an end.
The decision affects “Access Hollywood,” “Access Live,” “Karamo,” and “The Steve Wilkos Show.” “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilkos Show” have already wrapped production, with remaining episodes scheduled to air through the summer. “Access Hollywood” and “Access Live” will continue taping for a few more months before their runs conclude later this year.
NBCUniversal said the shift reflects changes in how local television stations are filling their schedules.
“NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations,” said Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo and Peacock unscripted for NBCUniversal, in a statement. “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. These shows have provided audiences with great talk and entertainment content for many years, and we’re very proud of the teams behind them.”
“Access Hollywood” first premiered in September 1996 and quickly became a staple of entertainment news television. The show built its reputation on celebrity interviews, red carpet coverage, and behind-the-scenes access to Hollywood events. Its current hosting lineup includes Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and Zuri Hall.
“Karamo,” hosted by “Queer Eye” personality Karamo Brown, debuted in 2022 and focused on relationship advice and personal conflict resolution. The Steve Wilkos Show” launched in 2007, with Wilkos leading intense discussions and investigations after previously working as a security guard on “The Jerry Springer Show.”
Both “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilkos Show” are filmed at NBCUniversal’s Stamford Studios in Connecticut. NBCUniversal is expected to vacate the facility later this year as part of the company’s restructuring plans.
The announcement reflects broader changes across the daytime television landscape. Syndicated talk shows have faced growing pressure from rising production costs and shifting viewer habits, while digital platforms and video podcasts now attract many of the celebrity interviews and cultural conversations once dominated by daytime TV.
Although production of new syndicated programs is ending, NBCUniversal will continue distributing its existing program library to television stations and streaming platforms.
