Brutal moment Access Hollywood staff told show was canceled

The team behind “Access Hollywood” was caught off guard by the announcement of the show’s cancellation, which was delivered during an emotional morning call. Even senior producers were blindsided by the abrupt decision, according to information obtained by The Post.

Despite the shocking news, the staff had to maintain their composure and continue preparations for the Sunday night Academy Awards, all while uncertain about their final working days or details regarding their severance, insiders revealed.

“Not the best way to kick off Oscars weekend,” a source confided to The Post, noting that everyone was still expected to work tirelessly on Hollywood’s most glamorous evening.

On Friday, NBCUniversal decided to end “Access Hollywood” after nearly three decades, along with its sister program “Access Live.” The latter team had to broadcast live just hours after being informed of the devastating news, sources confirmed.

In addition to the “Access” shows, “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilkos Show” will also cease production as the media conglomerate exits the first-run syndicated television market.

Staffers speculate that the decision might be linked to Kelly Clarkson’s recent announcement to leave her talk show after this season, but the reasoning remains unclear to employees.

“Our ratings are higher than ‘Extra,’ how are they still around?” one asked.

“Access Hollywood” and “Access Live” will continue filming through the summer before going off the air for good.

Currently hosted by Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans and Zuri Hall, the show first aired in September 1996.

Hosts and correspondents through the years have included Nancy O’Dell, Maria Menounos, Jeff Probst, Pat O’Brien and Billy Bush.


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