TV Show spotlight
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
The long running NPR news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal since 1998, replacing Dan Coffey. Carl Kasell served as announcer & scorekeeper until 2014 and ceded duties to Bill Kurtis. WWDTM came to television for the first time in 2011 with a BBC America one-off special, then in 2013 a special live broadcast was shown in movie theaters across the U.S. and Canada
Insights
Plot Summary
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is a weekly hour-long radio quiz show from NPR and WBEZ Chicago. The show features a panel of comedians and journalists who are quizzed on the week's news. Each contestant is asked to identify the factual, official, or true meaning of a given made-up news item. The show is known for its witty banter, humorous takes on current events, and engaging games.
Critical Reception
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! has been a consistent critical and audience favorite since its inception. Praised for its sharp wit, timely humor, and the intelligent engagement with news topics, it has garnered a loyal following. The show's blend of comedy and current affairs has been lauded as both entertaining and thought-provoking, maintaining its relevance and appeal over many years.
What Reviewers Say
Consistently funny and informative.
A brilliant blend of humor and current events.
Intelligent comedy for news junkies.
Google audience: Audience reviews consistently highlight the show's intelligence, humor, and its ability to make current events entertaining. Listeners appreciate the sharp wit of the panelists and the host, finding it a refreshing and engaging way to stay informed.
Awards & Accolades
None notable (as it is a radio show, traditional film/TV awards are not applicable, but it has received numerous public radio awards and recognition).
Fun Fact
The show's iconic theme song is a shortened version of the song 'Grandright' from the 1971 album 'The Age of Steam' by the band Kansas (the band, not the state).
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources