NBCUniversal Ends Daytime Talk Shows: Access Hollywood, Steve Wilkos Canceled

Daytime TV Landmark Ends: NBCUniversal Cancels ‘Access Hollywood’ and Other Shows

After nearly three decades on the air, NBCUniversal is ending production of “Access Hollywood” and “Access Live,” along with talk shows “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilkos Show,” marking a significant shift away from first-run syndication as traditional daytime television audiences continue to shrink. The cancellations, confirmed on March 13, 2026, signal a broader industry trend as viewers migrate to streaming services and local news programming.

A Three-Decade Run Comes to a Close

“Access Hollywood,” which premiered on September 9, 1996, initially as a direct competitor to “Entertainment Tonight,” has been a fixture of daytime television for generations. Currently hosted by Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and Zuri Hall, the show delivers entertainment news focused on the music, television, and film industries. The program’s longevity – spanning almost 30 years and accumulating over 11,844 episodes – underscores its impact on the entertainment news landscape. “Access Live” served as a companion program, expanding the brand’s reach. Both programs will cease production this summer, with final episodes airing through September.

Beyond ‘Access’: A Wider Syndication Pullback

The cuts extend beyond the “Access” franchises. “Karamo,” hosted by “Queer Eye” veteran Karamo Brown, and “The Steve Wilkos Show,” a long-running talk show with roots in the “Jerry Springer Show” universe – where host Steve Wilkos previously worked as a security guard – are too being discontinued. “The Steve Wilkos Show” had an impressive 19-season run. These programs have already completed production for the current season and will air reruns through the summer months. This move follows NBC’s earlier announcement that “The Kelly Clarkson Show” will also conclude later this year after seven seasons, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

The Economics of a Changing Landscape

The decision to exit first-run syndication is rooted in the changing economics of television. First-run syndication, where producers sell programs directly to local stations, thrived for decades, enabling shows like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres to reach massive audiences. However, the rise of streaming services has fragmented viewership, making it increasingly difficult to generate the advertising revenue necessary to sustain these programs. As more viewers turn to on-demand content, the audience numbers required to support first-run daytime programming have become unsustainable.

What NBCUniversal Said

Francis Berwick, chairman of Bravo and Peacock unscripted, stated that NBCUniversal will continue to distribute its existing program library and off-network titles, such as “Law & Order.” However, the company is effectively abandoning the practice of launching new series specifically for daytime and pre-primetime slots. Berwick explained that the changes are intended to “better align with the programming preferences of local stations,” signaling a recognition that stations are increasingly prioritizing local content and alternative programming options.

The Future of Daytime: A Shift to Local News

With the decline of syndicated talk shows, many television stations are turning to local news programming to fill the vacated time slots. This trend reflects a growing demand for localized content and a desire among viewers to stay informed about events in their communities. The shift also provides stations with greater control over their programming schedules and revenue streams. The Los Angeles Times reports that many stations are opting for expanded local news coverage as a replacement for syndicated programs.

What Remains Unclear

While the cancellation of these shows is confirmed, details regarding the future of the production staff and potential alternative programming options remain unclear. The long-term impact of this shift on the entertainment news industry is also uncertain. It remains to be seen whether other networks will follow suit and scale back their first-run syndication efforts. The fate of the “Access Hollywood” digital platforms and social media presence has not been publicly addressed.

As noted in a report by The Hollywood Reporter, NBCUniversal’s decision represents a major strategic shift for the company, signaling a decisive move away from a traditional television model and towards a future dominated by streaming and on-demand content.