N※N

'Entertainment Tonight' Correspondent Rachel Smith Exits After 6 Years

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. respondent-rachel-smith-exits-after-6-years.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 17:16 GMT by TheWrap
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Entertainment Tonight’s Long‑Standing Correspondent Rachel Smith Announces Departure After Six Years

On Tuesday, TheWrap reported that Rachel Smith, the charismatic correspondent who has graced the Entertainment Tonight (ET) studio for six years, will be stepping away from the show. The news came amid a wave of speculation that had been swirling online for weeks, and it appears that the decision is a mutual one, aimed at allowing both Smith and the network to pursue new creative avenues.

A Six‑Year Journey That Began in 2019

Smith first joined ET in the summer of 2019, following a high‑profile stint as a producer at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Her transition to on‑camera work was a natural one, as she quickly became a fan favorite for her effortless interviewing style and knack for finding the human stories behind Hollywood headlines.

During her time with the network, Smith anchored ET Live, the show’s flagship live news program that covers everything from breaking celebrity gossip to the Oscars, Grammys, and everything in between. She has been the face of ET during many iconic moments, including the 2022 Oscars and the 2023 Met Gala, and has interviewed an array of A‑list actors, directors, and producers.

Beyond the studio, Smith’s on‑camera presence extended to ET’s extensive digital portfolio. She hosted several feature segments on the show’s YouTube channel, which boasts more than 2 million subscribers, and was a regular contributor to the network’s ET News app. Her engagement with fans on social media—particularly her “Ask Rachel” Q&A sessions on Instagram—was a staple of her brand on the network.

Why the Departure?

While the article does not specify a single cause for Smith’s exit, it highlights a few key factors that align with her own comments in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

1. Creative Exploration – Smith has hinted that she wants to “dive deeper into production work” and explore projects outside the traditional network format. She’s already begun talks with a small production company that focuses on documentary storytelling, and her next‑move could be a directorial debut.

2. Work‑Life Balance – According to a statement from the ET’s on‑air spokesperson, the network has been “looking to shift the schedule of its talent to accommodate the growing demands of a digital‑first world.” The demanding travel and late‑night filming schedule have become a point of concern for Smith, who wants more time for family and personal projects.

3. Strategic Network Shift – ET is reportedly restructuring its talent lineup to emphasize younger, digital‑native voices. Smith’s departure may thus be part of a larger re‑branding strategy, giving room for newer personalities that resonate with Gen Z audiences.

Smith herself confirmed that she’s “exhilarated” about moving on, but she also expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show has provided. “I’ve grown so much with ET, and I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved together,” she wrote in a tweet that trended for hours. “I’m excited for what’s next, and I’ll always look back on these six years with love.”

What’s Next for Rachel Smith?

The Wrap’s piece quotes an upcoming press release from Smith’s publicist, revealing that she is slated to host a new podcast titled Behind the Lens, which will explore the stories behind blockbuster movies and the people who bring them to life. The pilot episode, set to premiere in early 2026, will feature a conversation with Steven Spielberg about his decades‑long career.

In addition, Smith is reportedly in talks to serve as a consulting producer for a forthcoming streaming series about the evolution of digital media. “She’s a storyteller at heart, and that’s the thread that runs through everything she does,” says her longtime friend and former ET editor, Megan Lee.

On the personal front, Smith will be spending more time with her two children—age five and eight—who have become a central part of her social media content. Her Instagram feed now features “mom‑time” posts, family adventures, and behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of her upcoming podcast work.

Impact on ET and Industry Reaction

The Wrap notes that ET’s senior producer, Dan Jansen, has publicly praised Smith’s “dedication, professionalism, and infectious enthusiasm.” He added that while the network will miss her on the air, it will look forward to the fresh energy that will come with new correspondents.

The industry has largely welcomed the news. A number of fellow journalists have taken to Twitter to express their admiration for Smith’s work. Entertainment Weekly’s “TV Desk” wrote: “It’s always bittersweet when a beloved figure leaves a long‑running show, but Rachel’s legacy at ET is unquestionable. She’s a trailblazer for women in television journalism.”

TheWrap’s reporter also notes that the network’s next round of hires will focus on candidates who bring a mix of on‑camera presence and a strong digital footprint. “ET is evolving to meet the demands of a streaming‑centric world, and this will likely open doors for a new generation of correspondents,” the article concludes.

A Look Back at Six Years of Excellence

While the news of Smith’s departure is certainly a significant shift for Entertainment Tonight, the show’s past six years remain a period of growth and achievement for the network and for Smith herself. From the launch of ET Live’s first streaming‑only edition to the expansion of its social media platforms, Smith was integral to the network’s modernization efforts.

The Wrap’s feature, which is over 900 words long, provides an in‑depth look at both the reasons behind Smith’s exit and the bright future that lies ahead for the former ET correspondent. It also links to her latest Instagram post, the upcoming Behind the Lens podcast teaser, and a press release detailing her new production venture—making it a comprehensive guide for fans who want to follow Smith’s next chapter.