HBO Signs John Oliver To Develop Weekly Comedy Show

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

HBO has signed Comedy Central personality John Oliver to star in a topical comedy series slated to launch in 2014, the network announced Thursday.

Oliver, a longtime writer and correspondent for The Daily Show with John Stewart, will host a weekly satirical look at news, politics and current events set to debut on Sunday nights, according to Michael Lombardo, president of HBO Programming. Oliver drew critical acclaim for guest hosting on The Daily Show this past summer.

“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 Lombardo in a statement. “We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.