Access Hollywood
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| Access Hollywood | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Access Hollywood |
| Genre | Entertainment news |
| Creator | Jim Van Messel |
| Narrated | Scott Evans (2021–present) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Num seasons | 28 |
| Network | NBC (syndicated) |
| First aired | September 9, 1996 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
Access Hollywood. It is a nationally syndicated American entertainment news magazine program that debuted in 1996. The show is produced by NBCUniversal and focuses on coverage of celebrity news, Hollywood film premieres, popular television series, and major events in the entertainment industry. It has become a staple of entertainment journalism, known for its red carpet coverage and interviews with prominent figures from film, television, and music.
History
The program was created by veteran producer Jim Van Messel and launched on September 9, 1996, as a competitor to the established Entertainment Tonight. Initially co-hosted by Giselle Fernández and Pat O'Brien, it was part of a wave of entertainment news shows in the mid-1990s. The show quickly carved a niche with its fast-paced format and emphasis on breaking celebrity news. Over the years, it has been produced at various facilities, including Universal Studios Hollywood and 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. A companion program, Access Hollywood Live, launched in 2010 as a daytime talk show but was later canceled. The flagship program has remained a consistent presence in syndication, distributed by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios.
Format and segments
The typical episode features a mix of pre-taped packages and studio-based segments, often hosted from a set overlooking the Universal Studios backlot. A core component is its extensive red carpet coverage at major events like the Academy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and premieres for blockbuster films from studios like Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. Regular segments include celebrity interviews, behind-the-scenes features on television shows airing on networks like NBC and ABC, and fashion critiques. The show also frequently incorporates social media trends and viral moments from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and has special episodes dedicated to events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games.
Notable hosts and contributors
The program has featured a rotating roster of hosts and correspondents throughout its long run. Early anchors included Giselle Fernández, Pat O'Brien, and Nancy O'Dell. Billy Bush served as a prominent host from 2004 until 2016. Other notable personalities who have held hosting duties include Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and Mario Lopez. Frequent correspondents and contributors have ranged from entertainment journalists like Sibley Scoles to personalities such as Tony Potts and Liz Hernandez. The show has also featured regular commentary from figures like fashion expert Steven Cojocaru.
Impact and cultural influence
It is considered one of the defining programs in the realm of televised entertainment news, influencing the style and tone of later shows. Its saturation coverage of celebrity culture and high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival has helped shape public perception of Hollywood. The program's interviews and exclusives are often picked up by other media outlets, including *People* magazine and TMZ. Its "Weekend Warrior" segment and similar features have played a role in promoting box office performance for films. The show's format and reach have made it a key promotional stop for actors, musicians, and studios aiming to reach a broad audience.
Controversies and criticism
The program has faced several controversies, most notably in 2016 when then-host Billy Bush was featured in the Access Hollywood tape, a 2005 recording with Donald Trump that contained lewd comments. This led to Bush's departure from NBC and the show. Like many entertainment news outlets, it has also been criticized for focusing excessively on sensational celebrity gossip at the expense of substantive journalism, and for its role in perpetuating celebrity culture. Some critics have accused it of being overly promotional towards projects from its parent company, NBCUniversal, such as films from Universal Pictures or shows on Bravo.
Category:American television series Category:Entertainment news television series Category:1996 American television series debuts