Following his successful run as host of The Daily Show over the summer, John Oliver has signed a deal with HBO for his own show.
HBO describes the new program as a “weekly topical comedy series presenting a satirical look at news, politics, and current events.” The show will air Sundays beginning sometime in 2014.
“We weren’t otherwise searching for another weekly talk show, but when we saw John Oliver handling host duties on ‘The Daily Show,’ we knew that his singular perspective and distinct voice belonged on HBO,” said president of HBO programming Michael Lombardo in a press release. “We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home.”
Oliver added, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining HBO, especially as I presume this means I get free HBO now. I want to thank Comedy Central, and everyone at ‘The Daily Show’ for the best seven and a half years of my life. But most of all, I’d like to thank Jon Stewart. He taught me everything I know. In fact, if I fail in the future, it’s entirely his fault.”
Reports indicated that Comedy Central was considering a show for John Oliver, but HBO appears to have won the battle for his hosting abilities.
This very likely means that Oliver will be leaving The Daily Show within the next couple of months permanently.
HBO is no stranger to weekly talk shows about politics in a humorous, left-leaning format. Real Time with Bill Maher has been on the pay cabler since 2003, and we suspect Oliver’s show will take on a similar vibe.
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