Billy Bush is stepping away from Extra after five seasons, closing a chapter that began when he took over as host in 2019. Bush announced the move during a livestream of his Hot Mics with Billy Bush podcast, saying it was “time to build something of my own” as he focuses on expanding the Hot Mics digital platform.
What Billy Bush said about leaving Extra
In his on-air remarks, Bush framed the decision as a career pivot rather than a sudden exit. He thanked the team behind the syndicated entertainment news show and described Extra as a “culturally iconic” franchise, noting how often people still shout the show’s name at him in public.
Extra’s executive producers also praised Bush in statements carried by Entertainment Weekly, highlighting his on-camera skill set and contributions to the program during his run.
What happens to Extra next
Bush’s departure came as Extra was preparing for another season. TV Insider noted the show’s renewal and reported that Bush confirmed his exit himself on Hot Mics.
Extra later announced that Derek Hough has been tapped to take over hosting duties for Season 32, with the new season premiering September 8, 2025.
Why Bush is shifting his focus to Hot Mics
Bush has described Hot Mics as the next phase of his work, positioning it as a platform where he can go deeper than a traditional entertainment-news format allows. Coverage of his announcement consistently points to the podcast’s rapid growth as a key reason he decided to prioritise building it out full-time.
A quick look back at his Extra run
Bush joined Extra in 2019 after Mario Lopez exited the role, and he helped steer the show through an era where entertainment news increasingly competes with social platforms, creator media, and direct-to-fan celebrity posting.
