HBO gets Daily Show star for new satire series

HBO has ordered a new satirical comedy series that will be fronted by John Oliver, one of the stars of Comedy Central’s flagship programme The Daily Show.

Oliver fronted The Daily Show through the summer in the absence of regular host Jon Stewart

In his as-yet-untitled HBO series, Oliver will present a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events. It will go out in a Sunday night slot on the premium cable network.

“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 Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming.

Oliver said: “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.”