What Happened to Hot Mics with Billy Bush?
Hot Mics with Billy Bush is a digital talk show and podcast launched by Billy Bush in 2025, following his departure from the syndicated newsmagazine 'Extra'. The platform features Bush's 'unbridled perspective' on sports, politics, entertainment, tech, and pop culture, marking a significant pivot in his career after the 2016 'Access Hollywood' tape controversy. As of August 2026, the show is actively producing new episodes and broadcasting live on platforms like TuneIn Radio and YouTube.
Quick Answer
Hot Mics with Billy Bush is a currently active digital talk show and podcast hosted by Billy Bush. Launched in 2025, the show covers a wide range of topics from sports and politics to entertainment and pop culture, offering Bush's candid commentary. He transitioned to focus on 'Hot Mics' after leaving his role as host of 'Extra' in May 2025, seeking to build his own media brand. The podcast continues to release new episodes as of August 2026, broadcasting live on digital platforms.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Filming of Access Hollywood Tape
Billy Bush, then host of 'Access Hollywood,' was recorded having a lewd conversation with Donald Trump on a hot mic. This tape would later surface and cause significant controversy.
Access Hollywood Tape Leaked
The 2005 'Access Hollywood' tape featuring Billy Bush and Donald Trump was leaked to The Washington Post, causing a national scandal during the presidential election.
Suspended from Today Show
NBC announced Billy Bush's suspension from the 'Today' show, where he had recently become a co-host, pending an internal review of his role in the leaked tape.
Fired from Today Show
After a brief suspension, Billy Bush was officially fired from NBC's 'Today' show due to the controversy surrounding the 'Access Hollywood' tape.
Op-ed in The New York Times
Bush published an op-ed titled 'Yes, Donald Trump, You Said That' in The New York Times, reaffirming the authenticity of the tape and accusing Trump of revisionist history.
Hired as Host of Extra
Telepictures announced that Billy Bush would be the new host of the syndicated newsmagazine 'Extra,' marking his return to television after the 2016 scandal.
Begins Hosting Extra
Billy Bush officially began his tenure as the host of 'Extra' at the start of its 26th season, replacing Mario Lopez.
Launches Hot Mics with Billy Bush Podcast
Billy Bush launched his new podcast and digital platform, 'Hot Mics with Billy Bush,' beginning to build his independent media brand.
Announces Departure from Extra
Bush announced on his 'Hot Mics' podcast that he would be leaving 'Extra' after five seasons to dedicate more time to his growing digital platform.
Derek Hough Replaces Bush on Extra
Derek Hough took over as the new host of 'Extra' for its 32nd season, following Billy Bush's departure.
New 'Hot Mics' Episode Released
An episode of 'Hot Mics with Billy Bush' was released, covering topics like the Amy Griffin case and New York City politics, demonstrating the show's continued activity.
Episode on Hayden Panettiere's Death
Billy Bush released an emotional episode of 'Hot Mics' reacting to the shocking death of actress Hayden Panettiere, whom he knew personally.
Latest 'Hot Mics' Episode Released
A recent episode titled 'Who Killed John O'Keefe--And Will We Ever Know?' was released, featuring an author discussing the case, indicating the podcast's ongoing production.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Billy Bush's 'Hot Mics' platform represents a significant chapter in his career, emerging nearly a decade after the infamous 'Access Hollywood' tape scandal that led to his firing from NBC's 'Today' show in 2016. The controversy, which involved a 2005 recording of a lewd conversation between Bush and Donald Trump, profoundly impacted his public image and professional trajectory.
After a period of hiatus and reflection, Bush made a television comeback in 2019, taking on the role of host for the syndicated entertainment news program 'Extra'. He remained with 'Extra' for five seasons, helping to revitalize the show after its move to Fox.
The key turning point for 'Hot Mics with Billy Bush' occurred in May 2025, when Bush announced his departure from 'Extra'. He cited a desire to focus on building out his new digital platform, 'Hot Mics', which had begun that same year. Bush expressed a renewed hunger and stimulation for this independent venture, aiming to offer an unfiltered and engaging perspective on the American zeitgeist.
'Hot Mics with Billy Bush' is described as a talk show dominating American culture, covering a diverse array of subjects including sports, politics, entertainment, technology, and pop culture. It leverages Bush's extensive experience and a 'rolodex' of A-list stars, politicians, and sports icons. The show is broadcast live on platforms like TuneIn Radio and YouTube, and new podcast episodes are regularly released.
As of August 25, 2026, 'Hot Mics with Billy Bush' is a thriving platform, with recent episodes discussing current events such as legal cases, political developments, and celebrity news. This venture signifies Bush's successful reinvention, moving from traditional network television to a self-owned digital media brand, where he can exercise greater creative control and offer a more 'unbridled' commentary. His estimated net worth, primarily from his extensive career in television and radio, stands at approximately $16 million as of August 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Hot Mics with Billy Bush made different choices?