Roy Wood Jr. Returns to TV with New CNN News and Comedy Series: ‘Have I Got News For You’

Fans of Roy Wood Jr. won’t have to wait much longer to see the Alabama-born comedian back on their screens. The former “Daily Show” correspondent is set to host a new series on CNN, titled “Have I Got News For You.” The show, scheduled to premiere on September 14, will bring a blend of news and humor to Saturday nights, airing at 9 p.m. ET.

Roy Wood Jr., 45, took to social media to announce his new role, sharing a playful post on Instagram that referenced the news and joked about his return to television. The comedian’s caption, “Mortimer … we’re back!” nods to the 1988 classic “Coming to America,” a film beloved by many of his fans.

“Have I Got News For You” is CNN’s take on a popular British show of the same name, which has become a staple of satirical news in the UK. The format features two teams of panelists who answer questions about the week’s top stories, all while injecting a healthy dose of humor into the mix. The original version, hosted by Ian Hislop and Paul Merton as team captains, is known for its witty and often surreal take on current events. The American adaptation will follow a similar format, with Wood leading the charge alongside two yet-to-be-announced team captains.

The series is set to run for 10 episodes, with each installment available for streaming on MAX the day after it airs. Hat Trick Productions, the same company that produces the BBC original, will handle production for CNN.

In a statement filled with his signature humor, Wood commented on the series, saying, “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.” His statement also playfully referenced a remark made by Donald Trump during a presidential debate, while expressing his excitement to be part of such a well-known British institution and to offer his take on America’s chaotic news cycle.

Beyond this new venture, Wood has several other projects in the works. He’s preparing to film a new stand-up special for Hulu in September at the Lincoln Theater in Washington D.C. He’s also working on a memoir titled “The Man of Many Fathers,” which promises to delve into his life and career.

Wood’s television career has been on an upward trajectory since his time on “The Daily Show,” where he served as a correspondent from 2015 to 2023. He even had a stint as a guest host in 2023 after Trevor Noah’s departure. Though initially considered a contender to permanently replace Noah, Wood decided to step away from the show to explore new opportunities.

In 2023, Wood gained widespread recognition as the featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a prestigious event that solidified his place in the comedy world.

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Wood began his journey in comedy in the late 1990s while studying broadcast journalism at Florida A&M University. His quick wit and talent for prank calls on 95.7 JAMZ quickly garnered attention, leading to a successful career in stand-up, television, and film.

Wood’s roots in journalism run deep, inspired by his father, Roy Wood Sr., a respected radio and TV journalist who covered major events like the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. Wood paid tribute to his father in a heartfelt Twitter thread in 2020, highlighting his father’s contributions to civil rights journalism.

In addition to his comedy and television work, Wood also hosted a 2024 podcast called “Road to Rickwood,” which explored the history of Rickwood Field and the Negro Leagues in Birmingham. The podcast, produced by National Public Radio and Major League Baseball, ran for five episodes and showcased Wood’s deep connection to his hometown.