Entertainment • 8h ago
‘Access Hollywood’ Canceled Along With ‘Karamo’ and ‘Steve Wilkos’ as NBCU Ends Syndicated Production
**NBCU Shuts Down Syndicated TV Production: What it Means for Nigerian Viewers**
In a significant move, NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media companies, has announced that it will no longer produce first-run syndicated TV programming. This decision affects popular shows like Access Hollywood, Access Live, Karamo, and The Steve Wilkos Show, which have been entertaining audiences for years.
According to Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo & Peacock unscripted for NBCUniversal, the company is shifting its focus to better align with the programming preferences of local TV stations. The decision is largely driven by the fact that local stations are increasingly opting for more local and national news, community-focused programming, as well as select national franchises.
Access Hollywood, which has been on air for nearly 30 years, will continue production through the summer before wrapping up its run. The show's current hosts, Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and Zuri Hall, have been entertaining Nigerian viewers with the latest celebrity news and gossip.
Meanwhile, Karamo, hosted by Queer Eye veteran Karamo Brown, has already completed production, with its new episodes airing through the summer. Steve Wilkos, hosted by the former security guard for Jerry Springer, has also completed production and will continue to air new episodes through the summer.
The decision to shut down syndicated production comes as no surprise, given the changing landscape of television viewing habits. With more Nigerians consuming streaming services and online content, traditional TV programming is losing its appeal.
NBCUniversal's decision to wind down production of its first-run shows does not necessarily mean the end of these programs. The company plans to remain active in the distribution of its existing program library and other off-network titles, ensuring that Nigerian viewers can still enjoy their favorite shows.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Nigerian viewers will have to adapt to new programming options and preferences.