Billy Bush will conclude his five-season run as host of the entertainment news show “Extra,” he announced in the latest episode of his “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” podcast.

“After an amazing 5 years hosting ‘Extra,’ I’m moving on to continue building out my ‘Hot Mics’ digital platform,” said Bush. “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.,” he also noted.

“It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege to front this show. We were there for each other at this pivotal time in 2019, I’m proud of it. It’s now time to build something of my own,” Bush continued. “I’m forever grateful to the amazing staff at ‘Extra’ and the executives at Warner Bros. for this awesome chapter of my life. I mean every word of that. I have had a tremendous run.”

Renewed for a 32nd season in March, Bush will remain host of the program through the end of the 31st season while a search for a new host begins.

“We are so grateful to Billy for five standout seasons with ‘Extra.’ His dedication, experience and sharp reporting are just a few of the meaningful contributions he made on the show and with audiences alike,” said Lauren Blincoe, SVP Current Programming of Telepictures in a statement released to Deadline. “We thank him for the role he has played in shaping this chapter of ‘Extra’ and we wish him continued success in what’s ahead.”

Produced by Telepictures Productions in association with Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, “Extra” is distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. Theresa Coffino and Jeremy Spiegel are executive producers.

“Billy is the consummate broadcaster, a brilliant interviewer and a force of nature,” said Coffino. “We are grateful for his contributions to ‘Extra,’ we will miss him and we look forward to seeing his next chapter.”

Before joining “Extra” in 2019, Bush previously served as host of “Access Hollywood” and its sister show “Access Daily.” Ironically, Mario Lopez, who hosted “Extra” before Bush, replaced Bush as host of “Access Hollywood” and “Access Daily” in 2019.

Note: The post Billy Bush To Exit ‘Extra’ After Five Seasons, Will “Continue Building Out” ‘Hot Mics’ Podcast appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.

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Setting aside the Billy-Bush of it all.

Did you ever think we'd see the day when it is believable that a host of a nightly syndicated show, after five years, could make more money from podcasting than TV? (reading between the lines).

I mean, that may not be the real reason he is leaving, but it is possible.

Edited May 5May 5 by j swift