The syndicated entertainment news show, Hollywood Today Live! has been cancelled. BiteSizeTV owner, Nexstar Media Group, decided to end the low-rated TV series, to concentrate on local programming. The Hollywood Today Live! TV series finale will air on April 28, 2017.
A one-hour news magazine show currently in its second season, Hollywood Today Live! kicked off on Fox-owned television stations in July 2014. Garcelle Beauvais, Ross Mathews, and Tanner Thomason co-host. Amanda Salas serves as red carpet correspondent.
Checkout the Nexstar Media Group press release for more details.
Nexstar Media Group to Align BiteSizeTV Strategy with Organization-Wide Commitment to Local Programming and Content Production
April 7, 2017
“HOLLYWOOD TODAY LIVE!” TO END PRODUCTION
LOS ANGELES, California and IRVING, Texas – Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST) (“Nexstar” or “The Company”) announced today that plans are underway to bring the strategy for BiteSizeTV in alignment with the Company’s organization-wide commitment to local programming and content production. As a result, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. (“Nexstar Broadcasting”) and FOX Television Stations, Inc. (“FOX”) will end Hollywood Today LIVE!, a one-hour, nationally syndicated daily entertainment news and talk variety show produced by BiteSizeTV. The final telecast of Hollywood Today LIVE! will air on April 28, 2017.
Commenting on the announcement, Perry A. Sook, Chairman, President and CEO of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stated, “Nexstar is in the local media business and we remain focused on extending our legacy of local programming and content leadership by supporting the evolving needs and interests of our local viewers, hometown businesses and community organizations that we proudly serve each day. We are now evaluating other opportunities where we can create value from BiteSizeTV to generate positive results. Nexstar looks forward to continuing our relationship with FOX Television Stations and our partners at FOX Television.”
Nexstar obtained BiteSizeTV as part of its acquisition of Media General Inc. earlier this year. Hollywood Today LIVE! began as a pilot program on FOX-owned television stations in July 2014. Following its initial debut, Media General and FOX launched Season 1 of the nationally syndicated show across their respective broadcast platforms in September 2015 and Season 2 began airing in September 2016. FOX Television and Nexstar conducted a thorough analysis of Hollywood Today LIVE! and were unable to find a sufficient audience to support continued national syndication.
About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 170 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 100 markets or approximately 39% of all U.S. television households. Nexstar’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar’s community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. For more information please visit www.nexstar.tv.
What do you think? Do you watch the Hollywood Today Live! TV show? Should it have been cancelled or renewed for season three?
If they had gotten rid of Ross, it may have been able to gain more of an audience. He was too loud, talked over everyone else, acted like he knew everything and was an expert on everything. Often gave incorrect information, he is obnoxious.
Ross was the best part of the show…..sooooo funny. Without Ross the show would be beige.
Omg I cant believe Hollywood Today Live is cancelled..I love this show… I looked forward to seeing it everyday ..it made me laugh and the cast had so much chemistry .. please bring it back.. this was a bad move …should of gone to season three..Im so disappointed..so much talent and variety ..
I miss the show,I hate watching the news,at 4,5,6pm every day. I can’t wait till 5 to watch HLT !!!
Can’t believe Dish Nation renewed and Hollywood Today Live cancelled!! Very disappointing.
i taped some & kept for when i was feeling low
It always made me laugh- they were good friends
I watched this show daily in fact I couldn’t wait for it to come on. Thought you heads had a brain when you hired Ross Matthews he IS one of the best in that market.
I loved the show I watched everyday I think this was a bad move
This breaks my heart to see such a fun show be cancelled. It was a show where everyone got along great and very entertaining . I would like to know what everyone is going to do know that they no longer have a job!!!?? I will miss all of you
I’m so disappointed you cancelled HTL. It was so funny and refreshing. Please bring it back!!!
I’m deeply disappointed in the company who decided to ax this program for something else on TV!
Bring it back you bunch of Yahoo!’s!!! It was funny, diverse and fresh outlook on topics. Come on NBC, ABC, or CBS pick up this show then we can all tell Fox…NOT FOR Y’ALL!!!
Wow, this REALLY SUCKS!!! BOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Realllllly bummed a show with such magically delicious hosts..fun & great chemistry along wth best topics & guests. So natural & real & plenty of great news! They love each other .. like a family that wants you to have a good laugh & fill us in on all the tantalizing news. We Love you!! Please rethink & let them go for season 3… DO IT!!!!!!! Pleassssssse!!!!!!!
Should not have been cancelled. I can’t believe this… so many other programs should go but not this. Bad move.
I was shocked today when I tuned on to my favorite afternoon show to learn it was the last show to be aired. I loved this show and group of hosts. I will miss it very much.
Loved the show! Will miss it greatly. Watched it on my lunch hour. It was a homey and warm show. Like I was sitting right there in the same room. Can’t imagine why it was canceled. Must have to do with money. Usually does. Hope some other network will pick it up and keep it going. Very sad.