HBO announced today that longtime Daily Show correspondent John Oliver will be hosting a new comedy show on the pay-cable network starting next year. Like The Daily Show, the untitled program will have a topical focus as Oliver looks at the week’s current events. The untitled new show will air weekly on Sunday nights, and Oliver will be leaving The Daily Show for the new show.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining HBO, especially as I presume this means I get free HBO now,†said Oliver in a statement. “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.† HBO exec Michael Lombardo explained, “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.â€
Oliver joined The Daily Show as a correspondent in 2005 and became a writer on the series in 2007. One of the longest-running current correspondents, he filled in hosting The Daily Show for Jon Stewart for three months this summer while Stewart directed his first movie. Oliver’s stint as guest host received critical acclaim, so it’s no wonder HBO picked him up. It’s just surprising that Comedy Central is letting him go. Check out a videolist of Oliver’s best moments as Daily Show host here.