NBCUniversal has decided to end original productions for first-run syndication. This change affects shows like “Access Hollywood,” “Access Hollywood Live,” “Karamo,” and “The Steve Wilkos Show.” The company cited challenges in attracting daytime audiences as streaming and digital platforms have reshaped viewer habits.
“Access Hollywood” began in 1996 to rival CBS’s “Entertainment Tonight” and will continue to air new episodes until September. Shows like “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilkos Show” have already wrapped production, although their final episodes will still air over the summer. Notably, “The Kelly Clarkson Show” is also set to conclude after seven seasons.
In first-run syndication, productions sell their programs directly to local stations, rather than just through one network. This model once thrived with stars like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, but with so many entertainment options today, it’s harder to make the numbers work.
Frances Berwick, head of Bravo and Peacock’s unscripted division, explained that the changes aim to better align with local stations’ programming needs. “These shows have provided great content for many years, and we are proud of the teams behind them,” she noted.
Aside from “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Sherri Shepherd’s show is also ending, leaving a gap in new daytime talk shows. “Live With Kelly and Mark” remains a steady favorite, while the “Drew Barrymore” and “Jennifer Hudson” shows have received renewals.
Frank Cicha, a programming leader at Fox TV Stations, highlighted that the economics of daytime talk shows have shifted dramatically. Viewer numbers just don’t justify the costs anymore.
As for “Access Hollywood,” it is currently hosted by Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and Zuri Hall. The show has evolved significantly since its launch, originally produced by various distributors before settling under NBC.
Historically, when NBC and Universal merged in 2004, it formed NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, a blend of their earlier distribution units. This merger aimed to strengthen the company’s content delivery, yet the current market realities have proven challenging.
In recent years, streaming services have taken the spotlight, drawing viewers away from traditional TV. According to Pew Research, as of 2021, over 60% of Americans reported using at least one streaming service. This shift places significant pressure on traditional broadcasting, highlighting the importance of adapting to audience preferences.
As news of these cancellations spread, it has sparked discussions on social media about the future of daytime TV. Viewers express nostalgia for beloved shows and wonder about what’s next in an ever-changing landscape.
For further insights, check out the Pew Research study on streaming trends.
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