Roy Wood Jr. to Host CNN’s ‘Have I Got News For You’

As a seasoned critic who has seen more than my fair share of comedic talent grace our screens, I must say that Roy Wood Jr.’s foray into hosting “Have I Got News For You” is an exciting development. His tenure at Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” his appearances in notable productions like “Outcome,” “Confess, Fletch,” and “Only Murders in the Building,” not to mention his White House Correspondents Dinner gig in 2017, have all built a strong foundation for his comedy prowess.


CNN enlists Roy Wood Jr. to transform Saturday nights into a hub for humor inspired by current events.

The ex-correspondent from “The Daily Show” has been chosen to take over hosting duties for “Have I Got News For You,” a U.S. adaptation of an established BBC comedy program. This new series will premiere on Saturday, September 14 at 9 p.m. Eastern time on CNN, and it will be shown weekly after that. Following its initial broadcast, the episodes will become available on Max, a streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.

CNN is considering expanding into comedy-based news, as they plan to include rebroadcasts of Bill Maher’s HBO talk show “Real Time” in their lineup. This move, according to Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president of talent and content, was discussed in a May interview with EbMaster. Weekend viewers might appreciate lighter programming, such as lifestyle shows or comedy segments, which could provide a change from the seriousness of the weekday news. Entelis added that these new programs could offer an opportunity to connect with personalities who aren’t typically associated with CNN, and they are planning to explore this idea further.

“Since its inception in 1990, ‘Have I Got News For You’ has been a staple on the BBC, featuring two teams discussing different news topics from the past week. Due to its popularity and influence, the British program has even faced legal scrutiny over comments made by panelists regarding news subjects.”

In a move that many consider overdue, CNN has tapped a host who is widely regarded as being primed for greater opportunities. Previously, he hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2017 and spent a considerable amount of time as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” Wood can currently be seen alongside Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill in the upcoming AppleTV comedy “Outcome,” and his recent appearances include roles in the 2022 film “Confess, Fletch” and the Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.”

2023 marked the departure of the comedian from “The Daily Show,” reportedly due to his growing discontent over the prolonged search for a successor following Trevor Noah’s exit. At the same time, Wood expressed his desire to explore innovative methods to connect with audiences no longer confined to traditional late-night viewership. In an interview with EbMaster, he stated, “I don’t think late-night television will maintain its current form. Budgets are shifting, and we’re entering an era where not everyone may have grown up with this format. Therefore, it becomes crucial to find ways to captivate these new audiences and introduce them to the art form.”

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about “Have I Got News For You”. This iconic show, which has been entertaining us since 1990, is still under the skilled hands of Hat Trick Productions. The magic doesn’t stop there; they’re also overseeing its adaptation in the U.S.!

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2024-08-08 19:20