FAMU alum Roy Wood Jr. hosting American version of British political humor show on CNN
Roy Wood Jr. can't resist bringing the laughs, even as he ventures deeper into the arena of political commentary.
Largely known for his ability to add a light, humorous lens to today's grim headlines, the esteemed comedian and political commentator was approached by CNN producers this summer to host the American rendition of the British television panel show, "Have I Got News For You."
"I've never been able to imagine my life beyond just being able to travel and tell jokes, anything beyond just doing the stand-up comedy for money," the Emmy Award nominee said in an interview Wednesday with the Tallahassee Democrat. "It's been a blessing and an opportunity that, beyond all get out, that I'm just thankful to have."
The Florida A&M alum has spent a lifetime making others laugh.
Beginning his comedic career while studying journalism at the university in 1998, he built a reputation of goofiness from prank calls on his morning radio broadcast to landing on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show." Many other appearances and sold-out stand-up performances were folded in between. Just last year, Wood gained international attention as host of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Wood said he was able to sit down with producers in New York this summer for a conversation he says was "a million percent worth it," especially when he realized "that we had a lot of similar views on how ridiculous American politics can be at times."
The limited comedy panel series is a part of CNN Original's catalog, a channel that offers "a fresh way for audiences to explore and enjoy acclaimed long-form content," according to its website.
"I'm excited for an opportunity to have political panel comedy back on television in America. I think that's a huge, huge, win for people more than anything," Wood said on being excited to share his opinions while serving as a humorous metronome for the production.
The former "The Daily Show," correspondent, which he describes as one of the "only other coveted political empirical machines that we have here in the states," adds there is a pressure of hosting the American version of a show that's been operating for 67 seasons.
He adds that he's honored to bear this weight, because it is used to "create a space for criticism and accountability of our government."
For the last three decades, the British television show has been known to provide current event commentary and observation in the vehicle of a game show which the Florida A&M alum says he finds fun and interesting. The show will feature panel conversations, helmed by Wood.
Joining Wood in the new production is Emmy and Tony award nominee Amber Ruffin and acclaimed comedian Michael Ian Black. The duo will serve as team captains, helping a rotating guest list of entertainers, political figures and comedians test their news knowledge through comic quizzes and discussions.
Wood feels this will be a change in the network's typical pace viewers will have to adjust to once they see what they're offering.
"And then the challenge of doing it on a network like CNN, where it's not a comedy leaning forward first network, we're not Comedy Central, you know, I think we have a real opportunity to do something that'll be fun and enjoyable. I think we're ready for that," he added.
Wood joked that anyone in office has an open invitation to join the guest list, adding he would like to see Gov. Ron DeSantis appear on the show to talk and crack jokes with him.
Viewers have already gotten a little taste of what Wood plans to add to the show with a minute-long excerpt posted on CNN following the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris, specifically when Trump repeated debunked claims about reports of immigrants eating pets.
"It's an opportunity to have a show where we get to have silly conversations about silly stuff, hopefully with serious people, you know, at a time in the week where not a lot of other things are going on," he said. "Consider this a funny way to be brought up to speed on all the stuff that happened this week."
Where to watch
"Have I Got News For You" willair regularly for the next 10 Saturdays at 9 p.m. Eastern time on CNN. The show will also be available to stream on Max the following day.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at [email protected]. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU grad Roy Wood Jr. to host new political comedy show on CNN
