is undergoing some more changes as it heads into its 32nd season.
The syndicated entertainment newsmagazine has parted ways with a number of staffers, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. It’s understood that these layoffs were part of an annual assessment of staff structure and production processes that show brass undertake before the start of each season.
It’s also understood that the layoffs were not based on performance. Those impacted are said to be valued team members who have dedicated their time and energy to making the show a success, and the decisions were very difficult ones to make. It’s unclear exactly how many people are affected.
The news comes a few days after it was reported that longtime executive producer Theresa Coffino will be exiting the Daytime Emmy-winning show after 26 years. Jeremy Spiegel will now lead the first-run strip as executive producer and showrunner.
And in May, Billy Bush revealed on his Hot Mics podcast that he was leaving his role as host after five seasons.
“After an amazing five years hosting Extra, I’m moving on to continue building out my Hot Mics digital platform,” Bush said. “We have experienced unprecedented growth in a short period of time here on this show, and I find myself hungrier and more stimulated than at any point in my professional career. Extra is culturally iconic. If I had a dollar for every time someone hollered ‘Extra Extra’ to me in the airport or something, I’d buy Warner Bros.“
Extra, the second-longest-running syndicated entertainment newsmagazine in syndication, is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Telepictures Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution.
The half-hour show earned its 32nd-season renewal from the Fox Television Stations group in March. It’s understood that in addition to a new host and showrunner, Season 32 will be revamped with a new look along with other new viewer experiences.