Entertainment Tonight

Entertainment Tonight. Commonly abbreviated as ET, it is an American first-run syndicated television news program that focuses on celebrity and Hollywood news. Launched in 1981, it is the longest-running entertainment news magazine program in the world and a pioneer of the genre, having established the format for countless imitators. The show is produced and distributed by CBS Media Ventures and airs daily on television stations across the United States and in many international markets.

History

The program was created by veteran television producer Al Masini and premiered on September 14, 1981, with hosts Ron Hendren and Mariette Hartley. It was one of the first television shows dedicated solely to entertainment news, a concept initially met with skepticism by the industry. Under the early leadership of executive producer Jim Bellows, it quickly gained traction by offering behind-the-scenes access to major film sets and Hollywood events. A significant early boost came from extensive coverage of the filming of Steven Spielberg's blockbuster E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it expanded its reach and influence, becoming a staple of syndication and launching the careers of numerous correspondents. Landmark moments in its history include being the first entertainment show to broadcast from the People's Republic of China in 1985 and providing extensive coverage of major events like the Academy Awards and the trials of O. J. Simpson.

Format and segments

The show follows a fast-paced, magazine-style format, typically opening with the day's top celebrity news stories delivered from its studio on the CBS Studio Center lot. A standard episode features a mix of pre-taped field segments, in-studio interviews, and red carpet coverage from major events like the Grammy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. Recurring segments have included "ET on MTV," collaborations with MTV, and investigative features delving into Hollywood history. The program is known for its exclusive first looks at upcoming blockbuster films from studios like Warner Bros. and Walt Disney Studios, as well as interviews with A-list actors such as Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts. Its signature style combines glossy production values with a focus on accessible, personality-driven reporting.

On-air personalities

Over its long history, the program has featured a vast roster of hosts and correspondents who have become synonymous with entertainment journalism. The most enduring anchor was Mary Hart, who co-hosted for 29 years alongside John Tesh and later Bob Goen. Other notable long-serving hosts include Mark Steines and Nancy O'Dell. The current primary hosts are Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner. A hallmark of the show has been its deployment of specialized correspondents, such as ''The Insider'' host Kevin Frazier and CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin early in their careers. Celebrity guests often transition to guest hosting roles, with figures like Leonardo DiCaprio and Taylor Swift occasionally appearing for special interviews.

Reception and impact

It has received mixed critical reception, often praised for its access and industry clout but sometimes criticized for a perceived emphasis on soft news and sensationalism. Despite this, it has been a ratings powerhouse in syndication, consistently winning its time slots and influencing public perception of celebrity culture. The program has won numerous Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Entertainment News Program and has been credited with creating the modern template for entertainment television. Its success directly spawned an entire ecosystem of competing shows, including Access Hollywood and ''Extra'', and paved the way for dedicated cable networks like E!.

Related programming

The brand has expanded into a larger franchise encompassing several spin-off programs and international editions. The most notable direct spin-off is the television news magazine ''The Insider'', which launched in 2004 and was later merged back. Other related programs include the weekend edition Entertainment Tonight Weekend and the Spanish language version ¡Entertainment Tonight!. The franchise also produces numerous annual specials, such as the Academy Awards pre-show and the ET holiday special. Its content is further extended through a robust digital media presence, including a popular YouTube channel and active profiles on Instagram and Twitter.

Category:American television news shows Category:Entertainment news television series Category:Television series by CBS Media Ventures