Format
The show's format, unchanged since its debut, began with a 15-minute daily recap of soap opera serials aired that day, with the last 45 minutes being a talk/variety-type show. In the latter portion of the show, subjects could vary from show to show. In one show, a famous TV, movie, or newsmaking celebrity may make an appearance as a special guest (usually discussing their latest work, etc.), while the very next day could focus on a guest who has survived against all odds.
The show originated from Studio C of KOMO-TV's old building until it was demolished to make way for Fisher Plaza in 2000.
On June 10, 2008 KOMO-TV announced that Northwest Afternoon was cancelled because of increased competition against first-run syndicated fare from Dr. Phil on KING-TV, Rachael Ray on KIRO-TV, and Maury on KCPQ. These shows had made inroads into Northwest Afternoon's once-comfortable ratings, making it difficult for station management to continue producing the show. The stunning announcement came after the series won a local Emmy. A 24-year retrospective send-off was aired on September 4, 2008, with the last show airing on September 5. The show was replaced by The Doctors, a syndicated show that premiered on September 8, 2008.
The cancellation of Northwest Afternoon came as a surprise considering many stations across the country are adding more local programs to their daytime schedules including KGO-TV in San Francisco with The View from the Bay, KSTP-TV in Minneapolis with Twin Cities Live, KUSA-TV in Denver with Colorado & Company, WXIA in Atlanta with Atlanta & Company, KXTV in Sacramento with Sacramento & Company, and KSDK in St. Louis with Show Me St. Louis, just to name a few.
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