Few names stand as tall and enduring as “Entertainment Tonight” (ET) in entertainment journalism. For over four decades, ET has been a trailblazer, reshaping how audiences access and engage with celebrity news and pop culture.
This magazine-format journalistic television series has kept us updated on Hollywood happenings, from what’s going on in celebrities’ lives and the wealthy to trending movies and TV shows.
But has their dominance impacted the entertainment industry in any way? This article delves into the legacy, impact, and enduring relevance of Entertainment Tonight to see how it has impacted the entertainment world.
About Entertainment Tonight
Entertainment Tonight made its debut in 1981, ushering in a new era of entertainment reporting. The show was created by Al Masini and hosted by the charismatic duo of Mary Hart and Ron Hendren.
ET quickly became a household name, and its mission was clear: to provide viewers with exclusive access to the glitzy world of Hollywood and beyond.
The Power of Visuals
One of ET’s groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry was its pioneering use of visuals. In an era where print media dominated celebrity reporting, ET managed to get into television, bringing audiences closer to their favorite stars.
The show offered a window into red-carpet events, movie sets, and celebrity interviews. This visual approach revolutionized entertainment journalism, setting a standard many would follow later.
With unparalleled access to A-list celebrities, ET could do in-depth interviews that went beyond the surface. From a candid conversation with Meryl Streep about her latest role to an exclusive chat with Tom Hanks about his career milestones to signing an exclusive agreement to cover the wedding of Mary Kay and Vili Fualaau, the television magazine program had it all.
And then came the digital age, and ET didn’t just adapt; it thrived. Entertainment Tonight, through its website, social media pages, and mobile app, has kept fans updated with real-time news, exclusive videos, and behind-the-scenes content. This has enabled the program to to remain a relevant and accessible source of entertainment news.
Setting the Red Carpet Standard
If one event defines Entertainment Tonight, it’s the red carpet. ET became a fixture at major award shows and premieres, setting the gold standard for red-carpet coverage.
Its hosts, from Mary Hart and Nancy O’Dell to Nischelle Turner and Kevin Frazier, bring glamor and gravitas to every event. Their interviews, fashion critiques, and insider knowledge made ET’s red-carpet coverage a must-watch.
But ET doesn’t just cover Hollywood. It celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Over the years, it has highlighted the achievements of actors, directors, and artists from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, it championed LGBTQ+ representation, women in the industry, and emerging talent. ET’s commitment to inclusivity not only reflected changing societal values but also set an example for the industry as a whole.
Has Entertainment Tonight Impacted Hollywood in Any Way?
Yes. ET has always been in the middle of the Hollywood hype machine. It hypes movie premieres and celebrities, which is basically their job because if these movies fail, ET won’t have anything to talk about.
For instance, it played a major role in the making of the star we know today as Matthew McConaughey and the success of the movie Striptease. ET took weeks discussing every actor in the film, mostly Demi Moore. Some hyped scenes were deemed inappropriate and rumored to be the reason John Tesh left because he was uncomfortable.
Initially the entertainment news outlet also focused on celebrity exposee, as TMZ does, but it changed this approach to remain in good books with Hollywood.
Who Owns Entertainment Tonight
ET is owned by Paramount Streaming and is produced and distributed by CBS Media Ventures throughout the United States. It also airs in Australia on Network 10, the UK, Brazil, and France, among other countries. Unfortunately, curtains closed on ET Canada after 18 seasons.
The Canadian media company Corus Entertainment wrote on its website, “The costs of producing a daily entertainment newsmagazine show in a challenging advertising environment have led to this decision.” The last show was aired on Oct 6, 2023.
Currently, Entertainment Tonight (USA) is co-hosted by Nischelle Turner, Kevin Frazier and Rachel Smith. Its correspondents are Denny Directo and Cassie DiLaura, while Johnson is the Executive Producer. Whitney Wallace and Leslie Kawaguchi are its Co-Executive Producers.
Entertainment Tonight Logo
ET logo is capital, bold, black ET letters with a yellow background. You’ll recognize this logo from their social media platforms, including on Instagram @entertainmenttonight and @etnow on Twitter. You can also take a look the logo since their start in 1981: Entertainment Tonight Logo Evolution.
Conclusion
Entertainment Tonight revolutionized how we consume entertainment news today. It is still a reliable source of breaking entertainment news and among the top syndicated entertainment news magazines globally.
