HBO Nabs ‘The Daily Show’ Star John Oliver for Weekly Topical Comedy Series
Where Comedy Central's 'The Daily Show' spun off the charisma of Stephen Colbert to spawn 'The Colbert Report,' it seems fellow 'Daily Show' breakout John Oliver has flown the coop altogether. The UK funnyman will instead leave behind 'The Daily Show' to topline his own weekly HBO comedy series, but will it follow the same model?
Details are few and far between for the moment, though the Emmy-winning writer (and returning 'Community' guest) will headline his own weekly HBO topical comedy series "presenting a satirical look at news, politics and current events," slated to air on Sundays at an unknown date in 2014. Fans of the comedian's longtime presence alongside Jon Stewart will recall that Oliver took over Stewart's chair for a number of weeks this past summer, while Stewart filmed his directorial debut, 'Rosewater,' abroad.
“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 network president Michael Lombardo in a statement. “We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home.” Added Oliver himself of the news:
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.
Well, what say you? Are you excited to see John Oliver granted his own 'Daily Show' on HBO, or should Comedy Central have made a stronger push to keep him? Watch a highlight of Oliver's hosting turn below, and give us your thoughts on this shocking turn in the comments!