'Extra' Kicks Off Season 25 with On-Air Reunion Party!

Emmy-winning news magazine "Extra," the second longest-running entertainment news show in syndication, kicked off its milestone 25th season today with the ultimate on-air reunion.

Joining co-hosts Mario Lopez, Tanika Ray, Renee Bargh and AJ Calloway at Universal Studios Hollywood were favorite former “Extra” hosts and personalities Mark McGrath, Leeza Gibbons, Libby Weaver, Dayna Devon, Samantha Harris, Jon Kelley, Charissa Thompson, David Rose, Wendy Walsh, Lauren Sanchez, Brad Goode, Arthel Neville and Dave Nemeth, who reminisced about their favorite “Extra” moments.

In addition, a 350-pound anniversary cake, made by “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, was presented by a Universal Studios' Marilyn Monroe character, who serenaded the crowd with a rendition of “Happy Anniversary.” Many of the alumni will be returning to host the show this week and next.

It was a walk down memory lane. Arthel Neville and Dave Nemeth were “Extra's” firsts co-hosts when it premiered in 1994. Arthel shared, “Who knew that our show, the little show that could, would still be making headlines almost 25 years later?”

Dave added, “The first show, it was electric, nobody was sure where we would go with this, we also knew in our hearts it would be something special and look at it.”

Leeza Gibbons was happy to be back. “What a family reunion, all of us became who we are and who we are becoming rooted here at 'Extra.'”

Mark McGrath and Dayna Devon talked about their days hosting together. Mark, who made the jump from the band Sugar Ray to television host, said, “I was terrified at first. I didn't know what to do with my hands!” Dayna was with the show for nine years, and said her best memories were with Mark. “The highlight of my entire time was here, we had more fun shooting the show, we'd be crying, like my fake eyelashes would be falling off we would be laughing so hard in between takes.”

“Extra" has been nominated for five Daytime Emmy Awards and has won twice for Outstanding Entertainment News Program.

"Extra" is helmed by Senior Executive Producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey and executive producers Theresa Coffino and Jeremy Spiegel. The show offers a half-hour edition every weekday and an original hour-long weekend installment. "Extra" is produced by Telepictures Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.

A-list stars like Oprah, Tom Cruise, Kobe Bryant, Cher and others wished “Extra” a happy anniversary. Watch!