NBCUniversal is shutting down production of its remaining first-run syndicated television shows, ending several long-running daytime programs and signaling a major shift in the company’s distribution strategy.
Among the shows canceled are the daytime talk show “Karamo,” the long-running entertainment news program “Access Hollywood,” and “The Steve Wilkos Show.” The company confirmed the decision as part of a broader move away from producing original syndicated programming.
The change affects some of the most recognizable titles in NBCUniversal’s daytime lineup. Episodes already produced will continue airing through the summer before the programs end their runs later this year.
NBCUniversal executives said the decision reflects changes in the television marketplace and the needs of local stations that air syndicated content.
In a statement, Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and Peacock Unscripted for NBCUniversal, said the company is shifting its priorities.
“NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations,” Berwick said. “The company will remain active in the distribution of our existing program library and other off-network titles, while winding down production of our first-run shows.”
End of an Era for Daytime Syndication
The cancellations mark the end of an era for NBCUniversal’s syndicated programming unit, which for decades supplied talk shows and entertainment news programs to local television stations across the United States.
“Access Hollywood,” which debuted in 1996, became one of the longest-running entertainment news programs on television. The show featured celebrity interviews, red-carpet coverage and industry news during its nearly 30-year run.
The program is currently hosted by Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans and Zuri Hall. Production will continue through summer 2026 before the show signs off.
The daytime talk show “Karamo,” hosted by “Queer Eye” personality Karamo Brown, will also end after four seasons. The series premiered in September 2022 and aired in syndication nationwide.
“The Steve Wilkos Show,” a spin-off of “The Jerry Springer Show,” will conclude after a 19-season run. The show launched in 2007 and built a loyal audience with its confrontational talk-show format.
Industry analysts say the cancellations highlight broader shifts in the television business. Viewers are increasingly turning to streaming platforms and digital video outlets rather than traditional daytime television.
Strategy Shift Across NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal’s move follows other recent changes across its television operations. The company has already wound down several long-running programs in recent years, including the pop-culture news show “E! News,” which ended in 2025 after more than three decades.
Additional daytime programs across the television landscape have also faced uncertainty as networks reassess costs and viewing habits. Syndicated talk shows once dominated daytime television, but audience fragmentation has made the format more difficult to sustain.
Despite the cancellations, NBCUniversal said it will remain active in distributing existing content and off-network programming to local stations.
“These shows have provided audiences with great talk and entertainment content for many years,” Berwick said. “We’re very proud of the teams behind them.”