NBCUniversal will stop production on multiple programs later this year.
Per Deadline, the following shows have been cancelled: “Access Hollywood,” “Access Daily” (formerly Access Live), “The Steve Wilkos Show” and “Karamo.” This decision marks the end of the network’s first-run syndication business.
The cancellations are expected to result in layoffs for the shows’ crews and executives within the NBCU first-run division.
In a statement, Frances Berwick, Chairman, Bravo & Peacock Unscripted, who oversees the division, said: “NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations.”
He further noted that NBCUniversal will continue to distribute its library of existing programs and off-network titles. This includes reruns of “The Steve Wilkos Show” and “Karamo,” as well as popular shows like “Dateline,” “Law & Order,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Maury” and “Jerry Springer.”
“Access Hollywood,” which has been a staple of entertainment news for 30 years, and its 2010 offshoot “Access Daily” will stop production at the end of the summer. Whether the “Access” brand will continue in a digital format remains unclear.
Meanwhile, production has already wrapped on the nineteenth season of “The Steve Wilkos Show” and the fourth season of “Karamo.” New episodes of both programs are scheduled to air through the summer.
The network has not announced specific air dates for the final episodes.
Berwick further acknowledged the programs’ contributions, stating, “These shows have provided audiences with great talk and entertainment content for many years, and we’re very proud of the teams behind them.”
Deadline theorized that this decision may be connected to the recent news that “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the company’s most prominent syndicated program, will be ending after seven seasons.
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