Roy Wood Jr.’s Role on ‘Have I Got News For You’: Key Details

CNN is set to bring a fresh twist to a beloved British show. The network has enlisted Roy Wood Jr., a prominent figure from Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, to host Have I Got News For You. This comedy-infused current events quiz show is set to premiere this fall.

Adapted from its long-running BBC counterpart, the program aims to offer a lighthearted yet informative take on the week’s headlines. It will air live on CNN starting September 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, featuring two teams competing in a battle of wit and news knowledge.

Wood Jr., known for his sharp comedic takes on social and political issues, showcased his enthusiasm with his signature humor. “For far too long immigrants have been coming to America and taking Black jobs, kudos to CNN and the immigrants at Hat Trick Productions for bringing a Black job to the States,” he joked in a press release. “It is an honor to be a part of such a hallowed British institution to help make sense of the American institutions of chaos, name-calling, disinformation, reality television, and the 8-hour news cycle.”

Wood Jr. first appeared on network television in 2006 on The Late Show with David Letterman, followed by HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in 2008, and a third-place finish on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010. He joined The Daily Show in 2015, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his incisive commentary and memorable field pieces.

The comedian’s talent has also been showcased in several stand-up specials for Comedy Central, including Father Figure (2017), No One Loves You (2019), and Imperfect Messenger (2021). His ability to mix humor with sharp social commentary earned him the honor of hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2017.

Adding to the show’s star power, CNN has brought on two acclaimed comedians as team captains: Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black. Ruffin, an Emmy- and Tony-nominated talent, is well-known for her work on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers and her own show on Peacock. Black, a versatile performer, has left his mark on numerous comedy projects, including The State, Stella, and Viva Variety.

Both captains shared their excitement about the project. Ruffin said, “It is an honor to work with comedy favorites Michael Ian Black and Roy Wood Jr. We hope this show will make people go from saying, ‘This is CNN.’ to ‘THIS is CNN!?!?'” Black added, “I’m thrilled to join Roy Wood Jr. and Amber Ruffin as Have I Got News For You‘s DEI hire. I’m looking forward to spreading as much disinformation as possible on America’s most trusted news network – my main focus has been, and will continue to be, pleasing my handlers in the Kremlin.”

The show’s format promises a rotating cast of celebrities, politicians, and broadcasters as panelists, ensuring diverse perspectives and comedic styles. Each episode will challenge participants to offer their unique takes on current events while demonstrating their knowledge of the news landscape.

Amy Entelis, Executive Vice President of Talent at CNN Originals and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide, emphasized the network’s commitment to intelligent and engaging content. “Smart and entertaining programming has long been the guiding principle for CNN Originals and this dynamic trio of Roy Wood Jr., Amber Ruffin, and Michael Ian Black are just that and more,” she said. “We are betting audiences will welcome the opportunity to laugh and find humor in this year of the unrelenting news cycle.”

The production is managed by Hat Trick Productions, the same company behind the original British version. Executive Producer Jimmy Mulville voiced confidence in the show’s potential, stating, “With Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black joining Roy Wood Jr., our A team is complete. We can’t wait to see what they will say about the news this fall. CNN on Saturday night will be the place to be.”

For those eager to catch this unique blend of comedy and current affairs, Have I Got News For You will regularly air on Saturdays, with episodes available for streaming on Max and on-demand platforms the following day.

Source: CNN, Comedy Central, BBC, NBC, HBO