NBCUniversal Cancels ‘Access Hollywood’ After Nearly 30 Years on Air

After nearly three decades as a staple of celebrity news and entertainment coverage, Access Hollywood has officially been canceled. The announcement came from NBCUniversal on March 13, 2026, as part of broader changes within the company’s first-run syndication division.

A Long-Running Entertainment Program Comes to an End

First airing in September 1996, Access Hollywood became one of television’s most recognizable entertainment news programs, covering celebrity interviews, red carpet events, film premieres, and pop culture stories. Over the years, it built a loyal audience and remained a familiar presence on local television stations across the United States.

Despite its longevity and popularity, NBCUniversal confirmed that the program will end production after the summer of 2026. The show will continue airing new episodes until then.

Why NBCUniversal Canceled Access Hollywood

According to a statement from Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo and Peacock Unscripted at NBCUniversal, the decision is part of a strategic shift in how the company approaches syndicated programming.

Berwick explained that NBCUniversal is “making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations.” As part of that shift, the company will gradually wind down production of several first-run shows.

NBCUniversal added that while production of these programs is ending, the company will remain active in distributing its existing content library and other off-network titles.

Other Shows Affected

Access Hollywood is not the only program impacted by the restructuring. NBCUniversal also canceled several other syndicated shows, including:

• Access Live

• Karamo

• The Steve Wilkos Show

  
  

The decision reflects ongoing challenges in the traditional television landscape, particularly for daytime talk and entertainment programs. Industry shifts toward streaming platforms and changing viewer habits have forced networks to rethink their programming strategies.

Current Hosts and Future Plans

The current hosts of Access Hollywood include Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and Zuri Hall. As of now, none of the hosts have publicly commented on the cancellation.

They are expected to continue filming the show until production wraps in the summer of 2026.

Part of a Larger Shift in Television

The cancellation also comes during a turbulent period for broadcast television. Several daytime talk shows have recently ended, and even major late-night programs have faced uncertainty. For example, Stephen Colbert is reportedly preparing for the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert later this year, reflecting broader changes across the industry.

While Access Hollywood is preparing for its final chapter, its nearly 30-year run leaves behind a significant legacy in entertainment journalism and celebrity coverage.