CNN has announced that Have I Got News for You, the American adaptation of the iconic BBC comedy panel series, has been renewed for a second season. The news comes ahead of the show’s Season 1 finale, airing on Saturday, November 23.
The comedy series, hosted by Roy Wood Jr. and featuring team captains Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black, takes a sharp, humorous approach to dissecting the week’s most buzzworthy and bizarre headlines. With a mix of newsmakers and comedians tackling current events through witty games and discussions, the show has become a unique offering in CNN’s evolving Saturday night lineup.
“For its inaugural season, Have I Got News for You has been a welcome and lively extension of the CNN brand, and our viewers continue to show enthusiasm for comic relief on Saturday nights,” said Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals, and creative development.
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The renewal reflects CNN’s broader strategy of diversifying its Saturday primetime programming. Paired with encore episodes of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, the network aims to attract audiences who might not be typical news viewers. Executives believe that introducing a mix of comedic and analytical programming helps draw in new demographics, taking cues from the success of satirical news shows like The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and SNL’s Weekend Update.
Jimmy Mulville, executive producer for Hat Trick Productions, expressed excitement about the show’s future: “We’re thrilled that Have I Got News for You has made an impact with the CNN audience and can’t wait to come back next year. I think we’ll have plenty of news to poke fun at!”
Have I Got News for You debuted on September 13, 2024, with a 10-episode season that brought together a diverse range of guests, including Robin Thede, Andy Richter, Mark McKinnon, Ana Navarro, Larry Wilmore, Adam Kinzinger, Anthony Scaramucci, Bomani Jones, and Representative Tim Burchett. The finale will feature technology journalist Kara Swisher and comedian Dave Foley.
The show’s format, described as “smart and edgy,” has been praised for blending sharp humor with insightful commentary, further establishing CNN’s commitment to original entertainment programming. Produced by Hat Trick Productions for CNN Originals, the series will return in early 2025 as part of the network’s expanded Saturday night slate.
The Season 1 finale airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on November 23 and will be available for streaming on Max the following day.