Bye-Bye, E! News: The Entertainment Staple Ends After 34 Years

• E! News, which was at one time the premier channel for celebrity and entertainment journalism, will be shutting down operations by September 2025. 
• Its cancellation is indicative of the tide turning in global media consumption.

NBCUniversal has confirmed the cancellation of E! News, with its final episode scheduled for September 25, 2025. After 34 years on air, the decision marks the end of one of television’s longest-running entertainment news programmes.

The Beginning of an Era

E! News launched in 1991 as part of the E! Entertainment Has it all, as the channel in the United States for all things entertainment. Soon, it grew to be the source for all Hollywood gossip, celebrity interviews, previews of movies, and red carpet coverage.

By the dawn of the new millennium, E! News had turned into a cultural icon and defined the format for entertainment journalism.

Further complementing its international scope, programmes of E! were televised in a multitude of territories, including Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

A Global Following

E! News helped define celebrity media globally. Personalities like Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic, Jason Kennedy, and Terrence Jenkins became widely known through the show. Ryan Seacrest’s 2006 appointment as a host aligned with a period of high popularity for E! News.

It is widely acknowledged that the red carpet and fashion segments of E! News used to dictate fashion and entertainment industry trends. The social media accounts of this brand remained active and widely followed throughout much of its lifetime, and its websites had millions of followers due to the power of the brand. While actual numbers close to and from such accounts remain inconsistent and generally not public, the brand’s digital influence was strong and asymmetric over much of its lifetime in the 2010s and early 2020s.

Red Carpet Coverage

E! News built a strong identity around its red carpet coverage of major events like the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Met Gala. Segments such as “Fashion Police” and “Live from the Red Carpet” were widely viewed and discussed across digital media platforms.

While some reported figures, such as 2.5 million live viewers for the 2012 Oscars broadcast, have circulated, those numbers are not independently confirmed. Nonetheless, the show’s red carpet specials were seen as essential pre-event viewing.

Declining Influence in the 2010s

The 2010s saw growing pressure from platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and later TikTok. These allowed celebrities to share updates directly with audiences, reducing the gatekeeping role that E! News once played.

Meanwhile, emerging outlets and influencers gained momentum with faster, unfiltered formats that resonated with younger viewers.

Attempts to Modernise

E! News made efforts to pivot digitally. Reports from 2020 indicate the show went on hiatus during the pandemic, and it returned in various digital formats in subsequent years. While NBCUniversal explored short-form video and platform diversification, no comprehensive reformat strategy in 2022 has been publicly confirmed.

Specific claims about engagement declines—such as a 60% drop—are not independently verified, though there is agreement that legacy entertainment brands faced notable challenges adapting to the pace and format of digital content.

The Cancellation

In July 2025, Versant announced the cancellation of E! News, citing shifts in audience preference toward digital platforms. The final episode is confirmed for September 25, 2025.

This is the second major shutdown of the show. E! News was previously taken off the air in 2020 and returned with revised formats. As of mid-2025, this second cancellation appears definitive.

A Brand Shaped by Hosts

The show’s resonance stemmed in part from its hosts. Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest provided stability and recognition in the 2000s. Later, a rotating lineup diminished viewer loyalty.

These transitions likely contributed to the brand’s waning visibility in its final years.

Expansion Followed by Contraction

E! News had a notable international footprint. E! News content was broadcast internationally in regions like Europe, Latin America, and Asia, with some tailored distribution. Over time, particularly by the early 2020s, these regional customisations were scaled back.

There is no confirmed public record identifying 2023 as the year most regional offices or localisation efforts were ended, but financial pressures and audience shifts likely played a role.

Audiences Moved On

Younger audiences now prefer platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels for celebrity content. While precise figures vary, research supports the broader trend: social video is where Gen Z and millennial audiences consume the majority of their pop culture news, displacing legacy formats like scheduled TV.

The polished, scripted nature of E! News fell out of step with the raw, personal style of creator-led media.

Declining Viewership and Ad Revenue

Publicly verified numbers specific to E! News are limited, but the decline in traditional TV ratings and ad revenue is consistent across the industry. E! News, like many similar shows, struggled to maintain its position amid changing consumption habits and advertiser expectations. NBCUniversal and other media conglomerates have gradually shifted focus toward streaming platforms and digital-first models.

Cultural Impact

For over three decades, E! News has helped define the celebrity news cycle. It brought red carpet analysis to mainstream conversation and set precedents for how entertainment was packaged and presented globally.

Its influence can still be seen in newer platforms and brand initiatives—from Netflix’s Tudum to celebrity-focused YouTube channels.

Current Status

As of July 2025, E! News’ digital platforms remain active. New content continues to appear on its YouTube channel and website. There is no confirmation of a redirect to a general NBCUniversal landing page. Instagram updates also appear to have continued into mid-2025.

There has been no announcement of a direct replacement show.

End of an Era

E! News lasted 34 years. It stood as a global standard-bearer in televised celebrity journalism. While its format ultimately couldn’t adapt fast enough, its legacy endures in the media models that followed.

The final broadcast is scheduled for September 25, 2025.