
John Oliver - P 2012
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Following a successful stint as a Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show this past summer, John Oliver is getting a topical series of his own.
But rather than secure a home on Comedy Central, the comedic Brit is doing so at HBO. The premium cable network announced Thursday that it had inked a deal with Oliver for a show that will present a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events. The weekly show will debut in 2014 and will air on Sunday nights.
STORY: Guest Host John Oliver Will Try Not To Destroy ‘The Daily Show’ (Q&A)
“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 HBO Programming President Michael Lombardo, making reference to the net’s long-running Friday night entry, Real Time with Bill Maher. “We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home.”
Added Oliver: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining HBO, especially as I presume this means I get free HBO now. 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.”
STORY: John Oliver Kept Jon Stewart’s Daily Show Ratings High While Keeping His Seat Warm
Oliver’s stateside profile soared this past summer when he filled in for Stewart, who took a two month-long leave to direct his first film. In addition to critical raves, the long-time Daily Show writer and correspondent maintained Stewart’s ratings among the all-important young male demographic. In fact, the nightly series held its 0.97 rating among both men 18-34 and adults 18-34.
He joined Daily Show in 2006, relocating from his native U.K., where he had achieved success on the stand-up circuit. Since then, he has added a recurring role on NBC’s cult comedy Community, a stand-up series on Comedy Central and various film cameos to his resume.
Oliver is repped by Avalon Management, WME and attorney Leigh Brecheen.
Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com
Twitter: @LaceyVRose
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