'Have I Got News for You' Celebrity Cast Members Assist in Providing Comedic Relief During News Discussions
"I think they hit the nail on the head," Ruffin shared with CNN during a recent interview. However, when it comes to comedic interpretations of current events, she believes they miss the mark.
This new offering from CNN, titled "Have I Got News for You," strives to mine laughs from the latest headlines with the help of Roy Wood Jr., who serves as host, and Ruffin and Michael Ian Black, as team captains.
Modeled after its British counterpart, the show features a mix of entertainers, politicians, and comedians as guests, engaging in swift-witted banter and games. The program is under the production banner of Hat Trick Productions for CNN Originals.
Wood Jr. expressed his thoughts on comedy and news content, stating, "Comedy has its place within the news cycle." He further elaborated, "CNN is an excellent platform for a program like 'Have I Got News for You' because at its core, it's a critique of the news. It's a critique of the media. I believe it's an honest approach for CNN to offer a platform to something that may, on occasion, critique the things it covers or the people who cover it. This program helps keep things balanced and adds a fresh perspective to the network's six days of programming."
Ruffin, in agreement, pointed out the natural connection between news and humor. "News lends itself to comedy because the best part about comedy is shared experiences, and the news is an excellent shorthand for that," she shared.
Black is eager to welcome contestants with a positive outlook and a keen sense of self-deprecation. "Anyone who has a sense of humor about the world and laughter at themselves are the only prerequisites for potential team members," he noted.
"Have I Got News For You" will debut on September 14 at 9 p.m. ET on CNN.
This new comedy show, "Have I Got News for You," on CNN, aims to infuse entertainment into current events discussion. Roy Wood Jr., the host, believes comedy has a place within the news cycle, making CNN an ideal platform for such a program.
