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.


Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!


You May Also Like

At least 1 dead, several injured after van rams into crowd at pride festival

Van Rams Pride Festival Crowd, Killing 1 and Injuring Several

German officials canceled a major Pride festival on Saturday after a white…
D4vd Murder Case: Phone Had Graphic Teen Photos, Abortion Texts - Internewscast Journal

D4vd Murder Case: Phone Had Graphic Teen Photos, Abortion Texts

LOS ANGELES — Disturbing testimony resumed Friday in the preliminary hearing for…
Austin Franco Says He’ll Return to Cornell After Antisemitic Dig - Internewscast Journal

Austin Franco Says He’ll Return to Cornell After Antisemitic Dig

A Cornell University student who drew widespread backlash after refusing an interview…
Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia Added to UNESCO World Heritage List - Internewscast Journal

Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

The Okefenokee Swamp, one of the planet’s most expansive freshwater wetland systems,…
Media Melts Down Over White House Correspondents’ Dinner Revamp - Internewscast Journal

Media Melts Down Over White House Correspondents’ Dinner Revamp

The rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner returned Friday night with President…
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green Demands Lieutenant’s Resignation After Corruption Indictment - Internewscast Journal

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green Demands Lieutenant’s Resignation After Corruption Indictment

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, a Democrat, has been indicted by a…
Fourth Firefighter Dies From Western Colorado Blaze Injuries - Internewscast Journal

Fourth Firefighter Dies From Western Colorado Blaze Injuries

A fourth firefighter has died from injuries suffered when a rapidly advancing…
1919 Chicago Race Riot Victims Honored With Historical Markers, Including Site of Eugene Williams’ Killing - Internewscast Journal

1919 Chicago Race Riot Victims Honored With Historical Markers, Including Site of Eugene Williams’ Killing

CHICAGO () — Dozens of cyclists rode through Chicago on Saturday in…
Nonprofit-Backed Activists Target $4B Pennsylvania Data Center - Internewscast Journal

Nonprofit-Backed Activists Target $4B Pennsylvania Data Center

A nationwide fight over AI data centers is intensifying in Pennsylvania, where…
Pamela Smart Seeks New Trial, Claims Jurors Were Misled in Teen Lover’s Murder of Husband - Internewscast Journal

Pamela Smart Seeks New Trial, Claims Jurors Were Misled in Teen Lover’s Murder of Husband

Pamela Smart, the New Hampshire woman at the center of one of…
Inside the Pardon Lobby Cashing In on Trump’s Clemency Power - Internewscast Journal

Inside the Pardon Lobby Cashing In on Trump’s Clemency Power

WASHINGTON — As former California congressional candidate Omar Navarro began quietly sounding…
Hermosa Beach Homeowner Says Airbnb Guest Refused to Leave After Reservation Ended - Internewscast Journal

Hermosa Beach Homeowner Says Airbnb Guest Refused to Leave After Reservation Ended

HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. — A Hermosa Beach homeowner says an Airbnb stay…