After more than three decades of red carpets, celebrity scoops and Hollywood glamour, E! News is officially drawing the curtain. The long-running entertainment show will air its final episode on 25 September, closing a major chapter in celebrity broadcasting history.
The decision marks the end of a format that once defined entertainment journalism, with the network choosing to pivot entirely towards digital content in response to changing viewer habits.
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A familiar favourite for South African viewers
Since its debut in 1991, E! News has been a staple for South Africans who craved behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of A-listers. From Oscars red carpets to exclusive celebrity interviews, the show was synonymous with glossy, fast-paced entertainment coverage.
Over the years, it survived network changes, format revamps, and even a temporary cancellation in 2020. But unlike previous threats to its future, this latest announcement confirms the end of the show in its current form.
According to insiders, staff were informed on 24 July, just before a rerun was broadcast. The mood was sombre, marked by quiet acceptance rather than panic. “It felt different this time,” a source close to production shared.
From red carpets to reels: the digital shift
The end of E! News reflects a broader industry trend, as viewers increasingly turn to smartphones and social media for their celebrity fix. Linear television, once the go-to platform for entertainment news, has struggled to keep pace with the immediacy and reach of digital media.
One production member noted, “E! News set the bar for glamour and showbiz reporting, but the world scrolls now rather than tunes in.”
The network did attempt a revival in 2022 with a late-night edition hosted by Adrienne Bailon-Houghton and Justin Sylvester. Despite the return of familiar faces, the format couldn’t capture the engagement levels needed to survive in a digital-first world.
A digital powerhouse behind the scenes
While the show is ending, E! as a brand remains a dominant force online. As of mid-2025, the network reported over seven billion video views and 87 million followers across its platforms. These staggering numbers point to a clear shift in where audiences are consuming content.
“Our digital arm is thriving,” an E! spokesperson confirmed. “But traditional TV viewing simply isn’t what it used to be.”
Flagship reality series like Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind and Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane will continue, along with awards season specials and red carpet coverage through Live from E!.
Some members of the E! News team may find opportunities within Versant, NBCUniversal’s digital branch, though final decisions have yet to be made.
A legacy of celebrity journalism
From its earliest days with host Dagny Hultgreen to its peak with Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic, E! News helped define the modern celebrity news format. It became known for breaking headline-making stories, creating viral moments, and delivering pop culture with personality.
Its popularity extended far beyond US borders, with viewers in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town tuning in for daily doses of Hollywood updates.
A final goodbye to a TV icon
As audiences around the world move towards short-form content and on-demand viewing, traditional entertainment news programmes have found it increasingly difficult to stay relevant. The final E! News broadcast will mark not just the end of a show, but the end of an era.
Though it leaves television screens behind, E! News departs with a legacy of glitz, influence, and unforgettable pop culture moments. Fans may no longer need to tune in, but they will always remember where they first saw the stars shine.
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Featured Image: Instagram | @enews
