Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black to Join CNN Comedy-News Series ‘Have I Got News for You’
In an exciting new development, CNN is set to infuse its news lineup with a dose of humor by introducing the American version of the beloved BBC comedy panel show ‘Have I Got News for You’. The network has announced that Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black will serve as team captains for this new venture. The show, which will premiere on September 14 at 9 PM ET/PT, aims to bring a fresh and entertaining perspective to current events, providing much-needed comic relief during these turbulent times.
Amber Ruffin, known for her work on NBC’s ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’ and her own show on Peacock, expressed her excitement about joining the show. She mentioned that working with Roy Wood Jr., who will host the show, and Michael Ian Black is an honor. Ruffin hopes to bring a new energy to CNN, blending her unique comedic style with insightful commentary on the week’s news. As the first Black woman to write for a US late-night talk show, Ruffin continues to break barriers and bring diversity to the forefront of late-night television.
Michael Ian Black, a veteran comedian and actor known for his roles in ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ and his work with the sketch comedy group The State, also shared his enthusiasm for the project. In his signature humorous style, Black joked about spreading disinformation and pleasing his handlers in the Kremlin, highlighting the satirical nature of the show. His extensive experience in comedy, including co-creating shows like ‘Viva Variety’ and ‘Stella’, makes him a perfect fit for the irreverent tone of ‘Have I Got News for You’.
Roy Wood Jr., a former correspondent for ‘The Daily Show’, will host the show, guiding Ruffin, Black, and a rotating panel of guests through various comedic games and discussions. Wood Jr. is known for his sharp wit and ability to tackle serious topics with humor, making him an ideal host for this comedy-news hybrid. His involvement adds a layer of credibility and familiarity for viewers who have followed his career on ‘The Daily Show’.
The American adaptation of ‘Have I Got News for You’ is produced by Hat Trick Productions, the same company behind the original BBC version that has been running since 1990. The show has a long history of blending comedy with current events, often pushing the boundaries of what can be said on television. This new iteration on CNN aims to capture that same spirit, offering a satirical and surreal take on the news of the week.
Amy Entelis, CNN’s Executive Vice President of Talent and Content Development, believes that the show will provide audiences with a much-needed break from the intensity of the news cycle. By incorporating humor into their programming, CNN hopes to connect with viewers in a new way, offering a different lens through which to view current events. Entelis describes Ruffin, Black, and Wood Jr. as smart and entertaining, confident that their chemistry will resonate with audiences.
The show will air regularly on Saturdays at 9 PM ET/PT and will be available to stream on Max the following day. This scheduling allows viewers to unwind with a dose of humor at the end of the week, reflecting on the news with a lighter perspective. The ten-episode run will test the waters for this new format on CNN, potentially paving the way for more comedy-driven news programming in the future.
Amber Ruffin’s background as a writer, comedian, and actress has earned her acclaim in the entertainment industry. In addition to her work on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’, she has hosted her own late-night show on Peacock and co-hosts a podcast with her sister. Ruffin’s quick wit, boundless energy, and incisive social commentary make her a standout voice in late-night TV, and her involvement in ‘Have I Got News for You’ is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the show.
Michael Ian Black’s career spans television, film, and literature. He has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including ‘Another Period’, ‘The Jim Gaffigan Show’, and the ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ franchise. Black is also an accomplished author, having written several books, and he hosts multiple podcasts. His diverse talents and comedic expertise will be a valuable addition to the show’s lineup, ensuring a blend of humor and insight.
Roy Wood Jr.’s experience on ‘The Daily Show’ has prepared him well for his role as host of ‘Have I Got News for You’. Known for his ability to tackle serious topics with humor, Wood Jr. brings a unique blend of comedy and journalism to the show. His presence adds a layer of credibility and familiarity for viewers, making him an ideal choice to guide the comedic discussions and games.
The production team behind ‘Have I Got News for You’ includes executive producers Jimmy Mulville, Richard Wilson, and Jim Biederman. Their collective experience in creating successful comedy content ensures that the show will maintain the high standards set by its BBC predecessor. The team is confident that the combination of Ruffin, Black, and Wood Jr. will create a dynamic and entertaining show that resonates with American audiences.
As CNN continues to explore new programming formats, the introduction of ‘Have I Got News for You’ marks a significant step towards diversifying its content. By blending comedy with news, the network aims to offer viewers a unique and engaging way to stay informed. The show’s premiere on September 14 is highly anticipated, and audiences are eager to see how this new approach to news will unfold.
In conclusion, the addition of Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black as team captains on ‘Have I Got News for You’ represents an exciting new chapter for CNN. With Roy Wood Jr. as host, the show promises to deliver a satirical and surreal take on current events, providing much-needed comic relief during these challenging times. As the premiere date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what is sure to be a groundbreaking addition to CNN’s lineup.