It finally happened. After decades of failed attempts to drag the British panel show format across the Atlantic and make it stick, CNN actually pulled it off. Honestly, most of us thought it was going to be another Taskmaster US disaster—sanitized, awkward, and missing the point. But then they hired Roy Wood Jr. to anchor the ship, and suddenly, the "British humor doesn't work in America" argument started to look pretty flimsy.
Since September 2024, Have I Got News For You Roy Wood Jr has become a weirdly essential fixture of the weekend. It’s funny because, on paper, a news quiz on a 24-hour news network sounds like a nightmare. You’d expect it to be a stuffy corporate recap. Instead, it’s a chaotic, sharp, and often surprisingly biting 44 minutes of TV.
Why Roy Wood Jr. was the only choice
Most people think of Roy Wood Jr. as the guy who should have taken over The Daily Show. When he left Comedy Central in 2023, it felt like a mourning period for late-night fans. But his move to CNN to host the American adaptation of Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY) was a masterstroke.
He has this specific energy. It’s a mix of "I’m the only adult in the room" and "I am actively losing my mind at the stupidity of this headline." That’s exactly what a show like this needs. Unlike the UK original, which rotates guest hosts every week, the US version decided to stick with Roy as the permanent face. It works because he can build a rhythm with the team captains, Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black.
The chemistry factor
Let's talk about that trio for a second. Amber Ruffin is basically a human ray of sunshine who can deliver the most devastating insults with a smile. Michael Ian Black is... well, he’s Michael Ian Black. He brings that dry, slightly nihilistic wit that he’s been honing since The State.
When you put them together with Roy, it feels like a real conversation. It doesn't feel like they’re reading off a teleprompter, even when they clearly are. There’s a lot of "off-script" energy that makes it into the final edit. In fact, after the very first episode aired, outtakes started circulating online that were arguably funnier than the broadcast version. That’s the sign of a healthy comedy show.
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Have I Got News For You Roy Wood Jr: The British Connection
One of the coolest things about this whole experiment is how the UK audience reacted. Usually, Brits are very protective of their comedy exports. If we mess it up, they let us know. But Roy Wood Jr. actually earned their respect.
In November 2024, Roy did something most American hosts would find terrifying: he flew to London to "present" an episode of the original UK version of Have I Got News For You.
Cracking the UK code
It was a total fish-out-of-water moment that he leaned into perfectly. He struggled with the pronunciation of "Worcestershire" (didn't we all?) and mocked villages with names like Flyford Flavell. The British audience loved it. There was this one joke about how he was seeking "asylum" in England depending on how the US election went. It was self-deprecating but sharp.
He didn't try to be a British host. He was just Roy Wood Jr. in a different chair. That authenticity is why he’s been invited back multiple times, including a stint in May 2025. He’s essentially become the bridge between the two comedic styles.
How the US version differs (and why it matters)
If you’re a fan of the BBC original, you’ll notice the CNN version has a bit more "meat" on the bones. It’s longer.
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The rounds are familiar but tweaked. You’ve still got the "Missing Words" headlines and the "Odd One Out" picture round. But the US version adds things like the "Offend-O-Meter," where teams have to figure out who a person is and who they managed to piss off that week.
- The Pacing: The US version feels a bit more "game showy" at times.
- The Guests: They’ve managed to get a wild mix of people—from politicians like Adam Kinzinger and Jasmine Crockett to comedians like Andy Richter and Robin Thede.
- The Tone: It’s a bit less cynical than the UK version, but it’s far more aggressive than your typical network sitcom.
The show hasn't been without its growing pains, though. Some critics, like those at The Guardian, initially worried that the US version wasn't "barbed" enough. There was a moment in season one where Anthony Scaramucci (yeah, "The Mooch") used a slur that somehow made it past the editors. It was a messy reminder that satire on a "news" network is a tightrope walk.
What’s happening now in 2026?
As of January 2026, the show is a certified hit. CNN just renewed Have I Got News For You Roy Wood Jr for a fourth season, which is set to premiere on January 24, 2026.
It’s actually outperforming some of CNN's weekday primetime slots. Think about that. A comedy panel show on a Saturday night is doing better than some of the serious "breaking news" hours. It says a lot about where we are as a culture—we’d rather laugh at the news than scream at it.
Recent milestones
Roy has been busy outside the show, too.
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- His memoir, The Man of Many Fathers, became a bestseller late last year.
- His newest special, Lonely Flowers, is currently streaming on Hulu.
- He’s even landing big movie roles, like the upcoming Jumanji sequel.
Despite all that, he’s staying with HIGNFY. It seems he’s found his "forever home" in a format that actually lets him use his journalism degree (yes, he actually has one) and his comedy chops at the same time.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re just getting into the show or want to dive deeper, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the "Bit More" versions: If you can find them on Max or CNN’s streaming service, the extended cuts are always better. The banter that gets cut for time is usually the funniest stuff.
- Listen to the podcast: Michael Ian Black hosts a companion podcast called Have I Got News For Your Ears. It’s a great way to get the "behind the scenes" vibe and hear more from the captains.
- Check out Roy’s UK episodes: If you have a VPN or access to BBC iPlayer, watch Roy host the British version. It’s a masterclass in how to handle a different culture’s comedic sensibilities without losing your own voice.
- Follow the outtakes: The show’s social media teams are great about posting the jokes that were too "edgy" for CNN’s legal department.
The success of this show proves that American audiences are finally ready for panel shows. It just took the right person to lead the way. Roy Wood Jr. didn't just adapt a British show; he made it feel like it was ours all along.
Source References:
- CNN Press Room (Season 4 Renewal Announcement, Dec 2025)
- Wikipedia: Have I Got News for You (American game show)
- LateNighter: Roy Wood Jr. Guest Hosting BBC Edition (Oct 2024)
- Rolling Stone: Inside CNN's New Comedy Quiz Show (Sept 2024)