One of TV's longest-running episodic programs is going live. On July 19, WWE's Smackdown will premiere as a live broadcast on USA. This will also entail a lineup shakeup. Before the live debut, a draft will determine which wrestlers will appear on Smackdown​, as opposed to Monday Night Raw.

This shift is right on trend for NBC, USA's parent network. It has found major success with its live renditions of Broadway musicals. Last season, Neil Patrick Harris also hosted his own live variety show, Best Time Ever. "There is a huge appetite among our viewers for live programming and the ability to move Smackdown to a live format brings a new level of excitement and helps truly eventize this every week," says Chris McCumber, president of entertainment networks at NBCUniversal, to Variety.

"WWE's flagship programs will both leverage the incredible depth to our talent roster, distinct storylines and the unpredictable nature of live TV," WWE chairman Shane McMahon says in a statement. "This move will undoubtedly build more excitement and deepen engagement with our fans around the world."