NBC Sues Ex-Host of ‘Access’ Over New Show

NBC has sued former “Access Hollywood” co-host Pat O’Brien over his new syndicated series, “The Insider.”

O’Brien, a fixture on the NBC-produced “Access” for seven years, will host the rival program that premieres in September on many CBS stations.

A judge denied NBC’s request for a restraining order barring O’Brien from working on “The Insider” before his “Access” contract formally ends next month. NBC immediately filed suit against O’Brien and Paramount Pictures Corp., which is producing “Insider.” The suit alleges blatant violation of O’Brien’s contract.

“He’s not doing anything now that in our view is remotely in violation of his limited obligations to NBC Universal,” said Paramount attorney Patty Glaser. A hearing is set for July 23.

CBS and Paramount are both owned by Viacom Inc.

-- Scott Collins