Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is a weekly news quiz program distributed by National Public Radio. The show blends comedy and current events, featuring a panel of comedians and journalists who answer questions about the week's news. Hosted by Peter Sagal with official scorekeeper and announcer Bill Kurtis, it has become one of NPR's most popular and enduring programs since its debut in 1998.

History and format

The program was created by Doug Berman, the longtime producer of Car Talk, and first broadcast from Chicago's WBEZ on January 3, 1998. Its format is loosely inspired by the BBC's long-running panel game Radio 4 show I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue. The show is typically recorded before a live audience at the Chicago Theatre or on tour in venues like the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. or Tanglewood in Massachusetts. A core element involves interviewing a notable guest, often a celebrity, politician, or author, who participates in a special quiz segment for a chance to win a prize for a listener.

Hosts and panelists

Peter Sagal has been the host since the show's inception, providing witty commentary and guiding the gameplay. The official scorekeeper and announcer is veteran CBS News correspondent Bill Kurtis, known for his deep, authoritative voice and deadpan delivery. The show features a rotating panel of three regulars, which has included comedians and humorists such as Paula Poundstone, Luke Burbank, Alonzo Bodden, Maz Jobrani, and Faith Salie. Journalistic panelists have frequently included Mo Rocca, Amy Dickinson, and P. J. O'Rourke.

Segments and gameplay

The show is structured into several recurring segments that test panelists' and guests' knowledge of obscure news stories. Key games include "Who's Bill This Time?," where panelists must identify the subject of a story narrated by Bill Kurtis, and "Listener Limerick Challenge." The centerpiece is often the "Not My Job" segment, where a famous guest is quizzed on a topic entirely unrelated to their expertise, such as asking Justice Stephen Breyer about professional wrestling or actor John Lithgow about Darth Vader. Panelists score points by answering questions correctly, often through humorous guesses, with the winner receiving a prize.

Notable guests and episodes

The program has attracted a wide array of distinguished guests from various fields. Political figures like Former President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and Senator John McCain have appeared. Notable episodes include interviews with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, musician SiriusXM host Bob Boilen, and author Stephen King. The show also featured a memorable appearance by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who was quizzed on the history of public radio funding.

Cultural impact and recognition

The program has significantly influenced the landscape of public radio, demonstrating that news programming can be both informative and highly entertaining. It has been recognized with several Peabody Awards, including one in 2008, and has consistently been one of NPR's top-downloaded podcasts. The show's format has spawned live tours across the United States, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Its success helped pave the way for other comedic news shows and solidified Chicago as a major hub for public radio production.