CNN has tapped acclaimed comedians Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black to serve as the team captains for its forthcoming news-based quiz show “Have I Got News For You.”
The show, scheduled to launch in September, is an American take on the British quiz of the same name, which infuses comedy with current events ripped from the headlines. Former “Daily Show” correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. was previously announced as the host of the program, which will debut on CNN in September.
Ruffin is an Emmy- and Tony-nominated writer, comedian, host and performer who is best known for her appearances on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and her own self-titled show for Comcast’s streaming service Peacock.
“It is an honor to get to work with comedy favorites Michael Ian Black and Roy Wood Jr,” Ruffin said in a statement. “It is our hope that this show will take people from saying, “This is CNN.” to “THIS is CNN!?!?””
Black is an actor, writer and comedian who began his career with the sketch comedy troupe The State before creating his own TV shows like “Stella,” “Viva Variety” and “Michael & Michael Have Issues.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining Roy Wood Jr. and Amber Ruffin as Have I Got News For You’s DEI hire,” Black said on Monday. “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.”
Have I Got News For You is produced by Hat Trick Productions, the same production firm that developed the British version of the show, which airs regularly on the BBC.
“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.” said Amy Entelis, the Executive Vice President of Talent at CNN Originals and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide. “We are betting audiences will welcome the opportunity to laugh and find humor in this year of the unrelenting news cycle.”
“With Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black joining Roy Wood Jr., our A team is complete,” said Executive Producer Jimmy Mulville. “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.”
CNN will debut Have I Got News For You on September 15. The show will be available on-demand the following day.
