NBCUniversal is ending its production of first-run syndicated programming, a strategic shift that has led to the cancellation of several long-running and newer shows. The decision, confirmed by the company, marks the conclusion of the entertainment news program "Access Hollywood" and its daytime counterpart "Access Hollywood Live."
The move also terminates the syndicated talk shows "Karamo" and "The Steve Wilkos Show." These cancellations are part of a broader company strategy to reallocate resources away from the traditional syndication model, which has faced significant economic and viewership challenges in recent years.
First-run syndication involves producing shows specifically for sale to individual television stations across the country, rather than for a single network. This model, once a staple of daytime and fringe programming, has been under pressure from changing viewer habits and the rise of streaming services.
NBCUniversal stated that the affected shows will cease original production. The company will continue to focus on its owned broadcast and cable networks, as well as its streaming platform Peacock, for future content development and distribution.
