Why a magazine named Entertainment Weekly stopped printing weekly issues after three decades
In short: Launched in 1990 as a consumer guide for popular culture, Entertainment Weekly carved a unique niche between industry trade journals and celebrity tabloids. Despite its name, the publication eventually abandoned its print roots to survive in a digital-first landscape, proving that even legacy media must adapt to changing audience habits.
Founded by Michael Klingensmith and created by Jeff Jarvis, Entertainment Weekly debuted on February 16, 1990. It was designed to serve a general audience, distinguishing itself from industry-focused trade magazines like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, as well as celebrity-centric publications such as People. The magazine was a commercial success for its owner, Time Inc., which invested $150 million into its development. During its peak, the publication generated $55 million in annual profit, earning the American Society of Magazine Editors' National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 1996 and 2002.
The publication's format was defined by its critical rigor, notably using an academic-style grading system from A to F for reviews rather than traditional star ratings. This approach covered film, television, music, books, and Broadway. Over time, however, the magazine faced significant pressure as celebrity coverage proliferated across digital platforms and print advertising revenue declined. By 2019, the magazine had already reduced its output to a monthly schedule, despite retaining the word 'Weekly' in its title.
The transition to a digital-only model became official on February 9, 2022, with the final print issue released in April 2022. This shift was part of a broader strategy by Meredith, which had acquired Time Inc. for $2.8 billion. While the magazine was still profitable before the switch, the company opted to prioritize 24/7 digital coverage, podcasts, and experiential events. Today, the brand continues to operate as a digital entity, maintaining its legacy name while focusing on the same entertainment news and critical reviews that defined its original mission.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Entertainment Weekly
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