In February 2009, network executive Rick Ludwin told "TV Week" that the company was currently "going through the budgetary process with all of our shows. There are new budgetary realities... It's tough. We want to keep going as long as we can make the budget work." Soon after that interview, NBC announced plans for "Last Call" to go on a one-week "tour" of California, with taped segments of up-and-coming musical acts at various clubs, such as The Roxy, The Viper Room, and Hotel Cafe. As the show's 1000th episode approached in April, NBC's summary of the show made it clear that the change in format would continue: