E! News Cancelled After 34 Years: A Shift to Digital for the Iconic Entertainment Brand
After more than three decades as a cornerstone of celebrity journalism, E! News, the beloved nightly entertainment program, has been cancelled as a linear television show. The final episode is slated to air on September 25, 2025, marking the end of an era for the series that has chronicled Hollywood’s biggest moments since its debut in 1991. The cancellation was announced to staff on July 24, 2025, as part of a broader strategic pivot by E! and its new parent company, Versant, formed following NBCUniversal’s corporate restructuring. While the TV broadcast is coming to an end, the E! News brand will live on through its robust digital and social media platforms, which boast an impressive 87 million followers.
A Legacy of Entertainment Journalism
Launched on September 1, 1991, E! News (originally E! News Daily and later E! News Live) quickly became a go-to source for celebrity news, red carpet coverage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the entertainment industry. Over its 34-year run, the show evolved from a daily news segment to a cultural touchstone, covering everything from Hollywood premieres to high-profile scandals. Its signature blend of glamour, gossip, and insider access made it a staple for fans of pop culture.
The program faced a previous cancellation in August 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production and led to significant layoffs across E!’s news division. At the time, sister programs like Pop of the Morning, In the Room, and The Daily Pop were also axed. However, E! News made a triumphant return in November 2022 as a late-night broadcast, hosted by Keltie Knight and Justin Sylvester, airing Monday through Thursday at 11:30 p.m. ET. The revival leaned into its legacy while adapting to a changing media landscape, but the show’s linear TV run has now reached its conclusion.
Why the Cancellation?
The decision to end E! News on television stems from a strategic realignment by E! and Versant, which was established as part of NBCUniversal’s recent corporate overhaul. Versant, now overseeing E!’s operations, is prioritizing digital platforms to meet audiences where they are increasingly consuming content: online and on social media. With E! News commanding a massive digital footprint—87 million followers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X—the shift reflects broader industry trends toward streaming and social media engagement.
Sources close to the network indicate that the cancellation is not a reflection of the show’s performance but rather a response to the evolving media landscape. “The decision was made to focus resources on digital expansion,” an insider shared, noting that E! News’s online presence will remain a priority. The brand’s digital platforms are expected to continue delivering celebrity news, interviews, and exclusive content, maintaining its relevance in a post-linear TV era.
What Happens Next for E! News?
While the TV show is ending, E! News will not disappear entirely. The brand’s digital and social media channels will remain active, providing fans with the same celebrity-driven content they’ve come to expect. E! has also confirmed that its iconic red carpet coverage, a hallmark of the brand, will continue for major events like the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes. These specials will air on both traditional TV and digital platforms, ensuring that E! News retains its front-row seat at Hollywood’s biggest nights.
The fate of the E! News team remains less certain. Staff were informed of the cancellation during a meeting on July 24, 2025, and some correspondents may transition to roles within Versant’s digital division. However, specifics about staffing changes have not been publicly disclosed. Hosts Keltie Knight and Justin Sylvester, who have been praised for their chemistry and fresh approach, have not commented publicly on their next steps.
E!’s Broader Programming Strategy
As E! News exits the linear TV space, E! is doubling down on other original programming to fill its schedule. The network will continue to air fan-favorite shows like Botched, which has spawned a new spinoff, Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind, set to premiere in early 2026. Additionally, E! is developing new series, including Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane, a reality show following fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons, slated for a spring 2026 debut. These programs aim to maintain E!’s reputation as a destination for lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment content.
The cancellation also aligns with broader changes at E!, which has been navigating a competitive landscape dominated by streaming giants and social media platforms. By focusing on digital growth, E! aims to stay relevant in an era where audiences are increasingly fragmented across multiple platforms.
The End of an Era, but Not the Brand
The cancellation of E! News as a TV show marks the end of a significant chapter in entertainment journalism. For 34 years, the program brought viewers closer to their favorite stars, from exclusive interviews to behind-the-scenes scoops. Its departure from linear TV reflects the challenges facing traditional media in an age of digital disruption. Yet, with its massive online following and continued red carpet presence, E! News is poised to remain a key player in celebrity culture.
As fans prepare to say goodbye to the nightly broadcast, they can take solace in knowing that E! News will continue to deliver the latest in Hollywood news—just a click away on their screens. The final episode on September 25, 2025, will undoubtedly be a nostalgic farewell to a show that defined an era of entertainment television.
