Entertainment Tonight (ET) has been a staple of the entertainment news genre since its premiere in 1981. Over its 40+ year run, the show has featured several talented female hosts providing viewers with the latest Hollywood news and celebrity interviews. Some of the most recognizable and longest-tenured ET hosts have been women, leading the charge night after night.
Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner Lead the Show Today
Currently, ET is hosted by Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner. They present a nice balance of experienced entertainment journalism and fresh energy around the news desk. Frazier took over as lead anchor in 2011 after serving in a co-anchor role in the years prior. Turner then joined ET in 2014 after establishing herself at rival entertainment shows like Showbiz Tonight. Together, they continue ET’s standard of excellence for insider entertainment news coverage.
Mary Hart Ruled Airwaves for Nearly 30 Years
However, one cannot discuss iconic ET hosts without mentioning the legendary Mary Hart. From 1982 to 2011, Mary Hart reigned as the face of Entertainment Tonight. In the early days especially, her charm, inviting demeanor, striking looks, and melodic voice essentially defined ET’s brand. At the peak of her popularity in the 80s and 90s, she was one of the most ubiquitous and admired women in all of television.
Other Notable ET Hosts
While Frazier, Turner, and Hart may be the most enduring ET hosts, they are far from the only popular female anchors the show has seen. A few other influential women at ET’s news desk deserve recognition. For instance, Dixie Whatley served admirably as Hart’s co-host for over a decade between 1983 and 1991. Whatley brought an award-winning journalistic background to ET and further strengthened its news content.
In more recent years, Thea Andrews and Nancy O’Dell made their impact too. Andrews co-hosted from 2010-2019, earning praise for her quick wit and skilled celebrity interviews. O’Dell similarly worked on ET as the lead anchor beside Frazier between 2011 and 2019. She used her previous hard news experience to elevate ET’s coverage and credibility.
New School Meets Old School
In 2022, Entertainment Tonight continues going strong as the #1 entertainment news program thanks to Frazier and Turner carrying the torch. They represent both the show’s rich history and promising future. It’s the ideal blend of seasoned, renowned hosts like Mary Hart paired with rising talents like Nischelle Turner all working together seamlessly to satisfy viewer’s pop culture cravings. After over four decades on the air, it is still appointment viewing for the latest on movieland happenings.