Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is an American public radio news quiz show produced by National Public Radio (NPR), featuring host Peter Sagal and announcer Bill Kurtis as scorekeeper. The weekly hour-long program, which debuted in 1998, pits a rotating panel of comedians, journalists, and writers against each other in contests centered on recent news events, blending factual recall with satirical commentary. Segments include identifying speakers from audio clips in "Who's Bill This Time?", fabricating plausible but false news stories in "Bluff the Listener," and quizzing celebrity guests on topics unrelated to their fame in "Not My Job." Known for its live tapings before audiences in major cities and emphasis on witty, irreverent takes on current affairs, the show has cultivated a dedicated following through radio broadcasts, podcasts, and public performances. It received a Peabody Award in 2007 for transforming news consumption into an engaging, humorous competition that encourages listeners to engage critically with headlines.

History

Origins and Launch

"Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" originated as a concept developed by Doug Berman, a producer at Chicago's WBEZ public radio station, who envisioned a comedic news quiz show to follow NPR's "Car Talk" on Saturday mornings. The idea was pitched by NPR's director of cultural programming, Murray Horwitz, as a humorous way to repurpose the week's NPR news coverage into a listener quiz, drawing inspiration from formats like "College Bowl" but with a satirical edge focused on current events. Pilots were tested starting in 1996, with the first in Washington, D.C., featuring NPR journalists like Martha Raddatz and Ray Suarez, which proved too earnest; a second in New York emphasized humorists such as Randy Cohen and veered too frivolous; the third in 1997 struck a balance under host Dan Coffey, incorporating panelists including Peter Sagal. The program debuted on January 3, 1998, airing on 32 stations with an initial audience of 191,300 weekly listeners, hosted by Dan Coffey—known for his "Ask Dr. Science" sketches—and with Carl Kasell serving as announcer and scorekeeper to lend journalistic gravitas. Early episodes, produced by WBEZ as a co-production with NPR, featured panelists like Roy Blount Jr. and Roxanne Roberts, but received mixed reviews for lacking sufficient news focus amid the comedy. In response, the format was revamped after 17 episodes: Coffey was replaced by Peter Sagal as host starting May 2, 1998, introducing segments like "Not My Job" for celebrity guests and refining the blend of quiz elements such as "Bluff the Listener" (added September 1998) to better quiz listeners on news absurdities. This relaunch stabilized the show's identity as a satirical take on weekly news, broadcast from without a live audience initially, which was added later in 2000 to enhance energy. The modest national rollout reflected public radio's emphasis on niche, intelligent humor over broad appeal, setting the foundation for gradual growth despite early limitations like absence from major markets such as .

Growth, Changes, and Milestones

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! premiered on January 3, 1998, as a weekly NPR news quiz show produced by in , initially drawing modest audiences in its early years before gaining traction through its satirical format and word-of-mouth popularity. By the late , the program had expanded its reach, becoming one of NPR's most listened-to shows with nearly 7 million weekly listeners across radio and emerging digital platforms by 2018. Audience growth accelerated with the rise of ing, where it ranked as the 9th most popular podcast on Podtrac charts, reflecting broader shifts in audio consumption toward on-demand formats. Key changes included the transition in announcing roles following the retirement of longtime scorekeeper , who had opened the inaugural episode and served for over 15 years, to in mid-2014; Kurtis, a veteran broadcaster, brought a distinctive delivery that integrated seamlessly into the show's comedic style. The core format remained consistent—featuring host , rotating panelists, and listener contestants—but adaptations for live road shows introduced variations like audience participation in larger venues, enhancing accessibility beyond studio broadcasts. Milestones underscore the show's longevity and acclaim, including a Peabody Award in 2008 for excellence in electronic media, recognition of its irreverent yet informative approach to news. The program marked its 20th anniversary in 2018 with a special live event at the , highlighting evolved production elements like enhanced staging for tours. Further benchmarks include the 1,000th episode aired on August 30, 2019, featuring celebrity guests and archival highlights, and ongoing expansions into national live tapings in cities such as and , which have sustained listener engagement amid fluctuating public radio trends.

Hosts, Staff, and Panelists

Hosts and Announcers

Peter Sagal has hosted Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! since its premiere broadcast on January 3, 1998. The program, produced by Chicago's and distributed by National Public Radio, features Sagal leading panelists and contestants through news-based quizzes and games. The show's announcer and scorekeeper role was originally held by NPR newscaster , who introduced the inaugural episode and served from 1998 until his retirement in spring 2014 after a 16-year tenure on the program. , known for his delivery, also provided voicemail greetings as prizes for winners until his passing in 2018. Veteran broadcaster , a former Chicago news anchor, assumed the announcer and scorekeeper duties following Kasell's departure and continues in the role. , with prior guest appearances dating back to at least 2012, brings a distinctive voice to segment introductions, limericks, and scoring. Occasional guest announcers, such as Chioke I'Anson, have filled in for live tapings, but remains the primary figure.

Recurring Panelists

The for each episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! consists of three rotating contributors—typically comedians, writers, journalists, or satirists—who deliver humorous analyses of recent stories before competing in segments. Unlike the fixed and roles, panel positions have no permanent occupants, allowing for variety while favoring a core group of reliable performers who return multiple times per season. This approach has sustained the show's appeal since its 1998 debut, with selections emphasizing quick wit and topical insight over celebrity status. Among the most frequent panelists is comedian Paula Poundstone, who debuted on February 3, 2001, and has since logged 271 regular appearances across over 400 total shows including specials. Her style often features extended, anecdotal riffs that amplify the program's comedic chaos, as noted in live taping accounts. Humorist Roy Blount Jr. ranks as another cornerstone, contributing from the show's inaugural season in 1998 and maintaining regular slots into 2025, such as the March 8 episode. Known for his Southern-inflected storytelling and literary background, Blount's longevity underscores the program's preference for seasoned voices over transient guests. Other prominent recurrers include , a correspondent and author whose sharp, observational humor has featured in multiple 2025 broadcasts, including October 25; , a CBS correspondent valued for pop-culture crossovers; and Adam Felber, a writer and performer appearing consistently in recent seasons like September 27, 2025. Journalists such as Roxanne Roberts, a Washington Post style writer, have also been staples, often providing insider political anecdotes during her frequent turns. This ensemble evolves with the news cycle, incorporating fresh talent like or alongside veterans to balance continuity and novelty.

Production Team

The production of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is handled by a team based primarily in , as a co-production between and Chicago Public Radio. The , Mike Danforth, has overseen operations since joining in 2000, managing guest bookings, staff coordination, venue negotiations, and content elements such as limiting host ad-libs. Senior producer Ian Chillag contributes to scripting, host preparation, and behind-the-scenes elements, including recent spinoff projects and event coverage. Producers such as Miles Doornbos, Jennifer Mills, and Lillian King handle episode production, editing segments like "The Jennifer Mills News," and research for quizzes and limericks. Technical and operational support includes production manager Robert Neuhaus, who has managed sound recording and effects since the show's 1998 debut, and technical director Lorna White, responsible for audio engineering since that year. Additional roles encompass operations master Colin Miller for logistical support and tour manager Shayna Donald for live events. The team has evolved, with historical figures like Doug Berman serving as early overseer before transitioning to other projects.

Production and Broadcast

Recording and Format Basics

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is recorded live before an audience weekly on Thursday evenings at the Theater in 's Fine Arts Building, as a co-production of and Chicago. The tapings typically begin around 7:40 p.m. and last longer than the final broadcast, allowing for multiple takes and ad-libs. Post-recording, the audio is edited to create a one-hour program suitable for radio broadcast, with removal of unbroadcastable content such as explicit language or excessive tangents. Episodes are generally aired on weekends across NPR stations. The core format centers on a comedic news quiz hosted by , with serving as announcer and scorekeeper. Three rotating panelists—typically comedians, writers, or journalists—compete by answering multiple-choice or open-ended questions drawn from the week's news events, often with satirical twists. A key segment, "Not My Job," features a celebrity guest quizzed on topics unrelated to their field of fame. Listener participants join via phone for select games, such as identifying speakers of news quotes or completing limericks, vying for prizes like custom voice greetings from Kurtis. The structure emphasizes humor over strict accuracy, with panelists encouraged to bluff or exaggerate for laughs while grounding responses in verifiable news facts. Occasional road shows deviate from the Chicago studio, recording live at various venues nationwide, but maintain the same quiz format and editing process. This live-to-edited workflow preserves spontaneity while ensuring compliance with broadcast standards.

Distribution and Accessibility

"Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" is distributed weekly via broadcast on numerous National Public Radio (NPR) member stations across the , typically airing on Saturdays and Sundays depending on local schedules. The program is syndicated by and produced in association with Chicago, enabling carriage by public radio affiliates such as in , in , and in . Episodes are also available on-demand as a through NPR's official feed, accessible via the NPR website, mobile app, and major platforms including , , and . This digital distribution extends internationally through services, following agreements like NPR's partnership with for worldwide streaming of select content. A premium subscription option provides ad-free listening and bonus episodes. For accessibility, offers full transcripts of recent episodes on its transcripts , supporting users with hearing disabilities or those seeking textual review of content. Episodes can be streamed live or archived via the app, which includes features for audio playback on various devices, though no specialized audio descriptions or multilingual options are standard.

On-Air Segments

Opening Tease and Early Segments

The opening tease of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! features announcer delivering a concise, pun-laden introduction that ties into recent news events, establishing the show's satirical tone. Kurtis typically begins with the standard proclamation, "From and , this is WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME, the news quiz," followed by a self-deprecating or topical quip, such as referencing his own persona in relation to current headlines. This segment lasts under a minute and serves to hook listeners before transitioning to host . Sagal then assumes control, thanking Kurtis and the live audience while briefly introducing the three rotating panelists—usually comedians, journalists, or cultural commentators—who provide humorous takes on the news. The panelists' banter often previews the week's themes, maintaining the light-hearted, irreverent atmosphere. The first early segment, "Who's Bill This Time?", immediately follows, with Kurtis reading three quotations from prominent figures in that week's news stories. A selected panelist or caller attempts to identify the speakers, earning points for correct guesses; incorrect answers prompt comedic explanations from Sagal and the panel. This game tests familiarity with current events through voice-acted delivery and contextual clues, running approximately 5-7 minutes. Subsequently, "Lightning Fill in the Blank" accelerates the pace, presenting each panelist with rapid-fire news headlines containing blanks to complete, such as "[Blank] approves controversial merger." Correct fills award points, while buzzers signal wrong answers, leading to panel mockery and Sagal's scoring updates; the segment emphasizes quick wit over deep analysis, typically lasting 8-10 minutes. These early games collectively build momentum, scoring panelists for later rounds while spotlighting absurdities in the news cycle.

Core Quiz Segments

The core quiz segments of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! form the central portion of each episode, where panelists compete by demonstrating knowledge or deductive skills related to recent news events, often with comedic twists. These segments typically follow the opening games and precede the rapid-fire closing rounds, emphasizing panel interaction over listener participation. In the Panel Questions segment, host Peter Sagal presents each of the three panelists with a specific news story from the past week, offering three multiple-choice options for what occurred. Panelists select an answer, receiving two points for correctness, with one point deducted for incorrect guesses to discourage wild speculation. The questions draw from verifiable reports in major outlets, focusing on lesser-known or absurd details to highlight media coverage gaps. For instance, a 2025 episode queried panelists on a real event involving a politician's unusual policy proposal, with options including fabricated escalations. Bluff the Listener follows, where each panelist crafts two fictitious stories mimicking a genuine news item about an odd societal or cultural development, while one panelist presents the authentic account—selected by producers from outlets like or . Listeners or remaining panelists vote on the true story, earning two points for accuracy; incorrect guesses yield a point penalty. This segment, introduced early in the show's history, tests between plausible and , with real stories often sourced from underreported international wires. A September 2025 live episode in featured stories on unique listener-submitted themes, underscoring the format's reliance on timely, fact-checked prompts. Not My Job serves as the centerpiece quiz for the week's celebrity guest, unrelated to their professional field, with three triple-worth questions themed around a punning topic—such as quizzing an actor on . Correct answers award three points; wrong ones trigger humorous "prizes" like sound effects or mock punishments voiced by scorekeeper . The segment, a staple since the show's debut, uses rigorously researched trivia from or licensed sources to avoid expertise bias, as seen in a July 2025 episode challenging musician on unrelated esoterica. Guests score independently, with panelists occasionally assisting for bonus dynamics.

Closing Segments

The closing segments of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! typically feature the Limericks game, in which announcer reads three humorous limericks derived from recent news events, omitting the final word or phrase from each; the three panelists then compete to supply the correct missing term, earning points for accurate guesses. This segment emphasizes witty wordplay and topical , often drawing on obscure or ironic aspects of to challenge the panelists' recall. A key variant, the Listener Limerick Challenge, involves a pre-selected audience member or caller who listens to two fabricated limericks crafted by the panelists alongside one authentic news-based limerick read by Kurtis; the listener must identify the genuine entry to win a small prize, such as a Wait Wait . This interactive element heightens engagement, particularly during live recordings, and underscores the show's blend of contestant participation with panel expertise. The segments conclude with host tallying the final scores, declaring a winner among the panelists based on cumulative points from all quizzes, and awarding the top scorer nominal honors like on-air recognition. then delivers the sign-off, often with a pun or flourish such as "All this and help from...", followed by credits and promotional announcements for stations. This format has remained consistent in recent broadcasts, providing a light-hearted denouement that recaps the episode's humor without introducing new competitive elements.

Reception and Criticism

Acclaim and Popularity

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! has sustained high popularity as one of 's flagship programs, consistently among the top U.S. podcasts. In April 2019, it achieved the 9th position in Podtrac's Top 20 Podcasts . The show reported a 24% audience growth in the last three months of 2019 and ranked 13th in Edison Research's top 50 most listened-to podcasts for Q4 2021. It has maintained strong performance in subsequent years, appearing in Apple's top 10 subscriber podcasts alongside other offerings as of 2024. The program's appeal extends to live events, drawing over 66,000 attendees across 10 shows in , with weekly tapings accommodating more than 400 audience members at the Chase Auditorium in . Its enduring format has earned it recognition as a beloved quiz staple, blending humor with current events commentary. By October 26, , the show marked its 1,000th episode, underscoring its longevity and consistent listener engagement.

Criticisms of Bias and Content

Critics have accused Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! of exhibiting a liberal in its selection of topics, panelist commentary, and satirical humor, mirroring broader critiques of NPR's programming as left-leaning. Media bias evaluator rated the show with a bias score of -4.30, indicating a slight leftward tilt on a scale from - (extreme left) to + (extreme right), based on panels assessing , political positioning, and comparisons to other sources. This perception stems from patterns where conservative politicians and policies receive disproportionate mockery, such as frequent jabs at figures like during his presidency, while progressive counterparts face lighter treatment. Former NPR senior editor Uri Berliner, who contributed to the show for years, highlighted NPR's institutional shift toward "viewpoint diversity" deficits and left-leaning coverage priorities, which some extend to entertainment formats like Wait Wait..., arguing they reinforce audience echo chambers rather than balanced . Conservative outlets have echoed this, claiming the show's aligns with NPR's audience demographics—predominantly urban, educated, and —leading to humor that prioritizes cultural norms over equitable ridicule. Host Peter Sagal has rebutted political bias claims, asserting in a 2016 interview that the program's leanings favor "jokes about intestinal difficulties, weird dating behaviors, and sketchy social science studies" over partisan agendas. Content critiques also target the show's reliance on panelist improvisation, which can veer into subjective opinion masquerading as neutral quiz elements, potentially amplifying unverified cultural assumptions. Studies on political comedy, including guest analyses from shows like Wait Wait..., reveal imbalances favoring liberal viewpoints, with fewer conservative-leaning guests or topics explored in depth. Despite high reliability scores (34.28 from Ad Fontes, denoting generally reliable analysis with some variability due to opinion-heavy format), detractors argue this format's inherent subjectivity undermines factual rigor in news-based segments.

Adaptations and Live Events

Television and Media Adaptations

In 2008, National Public Radio collaborated with Entertainment to produce a adapting the radio format into a visual show featuring host , announcer , and panelists competing on current events. A related TV special aired that year, directed by and , with writer Adam Felber, showcasing the program's comedic news elements through celebrity guests like . A 2011 television pilot was produced as a joint venture between , , and , airing locally in via broadcast and cable alongside its radio ; it retained core segments like "Who's Carl This Time?" and "Bluff the Listener" while incorporating visual cues for audience engagement. That December, premiered the special Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!: A Royal Pain in the News, a fast-paced, irreverent adaptation focusing on stories tied to weekly news, produced with behind-the-scenes elements to highlight the live-taping dynamic. This special was in the UK, nodding to the show's inspiration from the BBC's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue. In December 2018, NBCUniversal's Wilshire Studios partnered with Storied Media Group to develop an hour-long TV series version, emphasizing three celebrity panelists in comedic quizzes on recent headlines, with NPR's involvement to preserve the original's satirical tone. As of 2025, no full series has been produced or aired from this effort, despite the announcement's intent to expand the format's reach beyond radio. Additional media extensions include video clips and live-taping recordings shared on NPR's YouTube channel since at least 2013, such as panelist highlights and guest segments, but these serve promotional rather than adaptive purposes.

Live Tours and Cinema Screenings

"Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" conducts weekly live tapings at the Theater in 's Fine Arts Building, typically on Thursdays, where episodes are recorded before an audience before broadcast. The program also undertakes road tours featuring live performances in various U.S. venues, allowing audiences outside to attend recordings or special shows. Examples include performances at Segerstrom Concert Hall in , on November 6, 2025; in , on August 30, 2025, with guest ; Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 9 and 10; and the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, on November 14. Tickets for these events are sold through platforms such as . In addition to in-person tours, the show has experimented with cinema screenings through special live broadcasts to theaters. On May 2, 2013, a live performance was transmitted to select s nationwide at 8:00 p.m. ET via , marking a one-time event to extend reach to audiences. Local public radio stations, such as Valley Public Radio and KPCC, hosted screenings of this event. No subsequent nationwide cinema events have been documented as of 2025.

Awards and Recognition

Major Awards

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! received the Award in 2008, recognizing excellence in electronic media for its 2007 programming. The honor was presented at the 67th Annual ceremony held on June 16, 2008, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in . This accolade highlights the program's distinctive blend of humor, news analysis, and public engagement, distinguishing it among radio productions. No other major broadcast awards, such as Emmys or Webby wins for the core program, have been documented beyond nominations for ancillary elements like its website in 2008.

Nominations and Other Honors

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! has been nominated for the Ambie Award for Best Comedy Podcast in both 2023 and 2024, recognizing excellence in audio storytelling and production by the Podcast Academy. In 2019, the program was nominated for induction into the by the , highlighting its contributions to the radio industry, though it was not selected for induction that year.

References

  1. [1]
    Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
    ### Summary of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
  2. [2]
    'Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!' Celebrates Its 1000th Episode : NPR Extra
    Aug 30, 2019 · The Peabody Award-winning program has been having way too much fun with the news since its inception in 1998, and has come a long way since.
  3. [3]
    Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! - The Peabody Awards
    A hip but folksy contest-cum-convention for news and current affairs junkies. Each week, host Peter Sagal and judge-scorekeeper Carl Kassell test the current- ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  4. [4]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! - WKMS
    Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! is a co-production of NPR and Chicago Public Radio. The program debuted nationally in 1998 and quickly established itself as a ...
  5. [5]
    'Wait Wait' … Please Tell Me: The Story Behind NPR's Beloved Quiz ...
    Jan 4, 2018 · Initial reviews of the show from its 191,300 weekly listeners across 32 stations were universally negative. “Stations were very upset that NPR ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  6. [6]
    'Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!' Being Developed For TV At Wilshire Studios
    Dec 11, 2018 · Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! has nearly 7 million weekly listeners and in 2008, it won a Peabody Award. “Wait Wait…Don't ...Missing: growth | Show results with:growth
  7. [7]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Celebrates Audience Growth
    rising to the 9th most popular podcast on Podtrac.Missing: history changes<|separator|>
  8. [8]
    The Amazing Carl - NPR
    Jul 5, 2014 · BILL KURTIS, BYLINE: From NPR and WBEZ Chicago, this is WAIT WAIT ...DON'T TELL ME, the NPR News quiz. I'm surprisingly telegenic anchorman ...
  9. [9]
    20 things you need to know about 'Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!' on its ...
    Nov 2, 2018 · Winners receive the only prize “WWDTM” has ever awarded: Carl's voice (now any member of the cast) on their home answering machine. Judge and ...
  10. [10]
    Carl Kasell To Retire From 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' This Spring
    Mar 4, 2014 · Don't Tell Me!, has announced he's stepping down this spring after a five-decade career in broadcasting. Kasell will record his final broadcast ...
  11. [11]
    After 5-Decade Career, NPR's Carl Kasell Will Retire
    Mar 4, 2014 · After a five-decade career in broadcasting, Carl Kasell announced his retirement on Tuesday. Carl will record his final broadcast for Wait Wait ...
  12. [12]
    Bill Kurtis - NPR
    Bill Kurtis is the judge for NPR's Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!, a former Chicago news anchor, and the narrator of Anchorman. He also founded Tallgrass Beef ...
  13. [13]
    The Man Bill-hind the Voice! : Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! - NPR
    Jan 4, 2023 · Bill Kurtis. BILL KURTIS, BYLINE: From NPR and WBEZ Chicago, this is WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME, the NPR news quiz. Who cares about those ...
  14. [14]
    Scorekeeper Introductions | Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! Reports
    I'm Ayesha Rascoe filling in for Bill Kurtis. And this was supposed to be my day off, but I'm here. Show Date, Best Of, Repeat Of, Introduction. Bill Kurtis ...
  15. [15]
    Chioke I'Anson on the 'overwhelming dream' of announcing 'Wait ...
    Feb 7, 2025 · Don't Tell Me!,” they'll see one of their own on the stage: Chioke I'Anson, Ph.D., director of community media at the Institute for Contemporary ...
  16. [16]
    Paula Poundstone | Panelists | Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! Stats Page
    Paula Poundstone. Panelist Details. Paula Poundstone. DB ID: 10. Appearances. Regular Shows : 271; All Shows : 417; Shows with Scores: 271; First Show: 2001-02- ...
  17. [17]
    The "secrets" of Wait wait- attending a taping of the show! : r/NPR
    Jul 22, 2016 · -Paula Poundstone is a major motormouth and talked so much more than any of the other guests. It was like 80% Paula, 15% Tom, and 5% Roxanne.Missing: appearances | Show results with:appearances
  18. [18]
    'Wait Wait' for March 8. 2025: With Not My Job guest Lauren Graham
    Mar 8, 2025 · Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Latest Show · About · Panelists · Podcast ... Roy Blount, Jr. Click the audio link above to hear the whole show ...
  19. [19]
    https://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/
  20. [20]
    https://www.npr.org/2025/10/25/g-s1-94979/wait-wait-for-october-25-2025-with-not-my-job-guest-ally-the-piper
  21. [21]
    'Wait Wait' for September 27, 2025: With Not My Job guest Cynthia ...
    Sep 27, 2025 · This week, Wait Wait is live in Chicago with host Peter Sagal, special guest Cynthia Nixon and panelists Negin Farsad, KC Shornima, and Adam ...Missing: most frequent
  22. [22]
    Wait Wait Don't Tell Me - Facebook
    In case anybody missed it, here's an NPR piece with Rick Schwartz on "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me". Best wildlife interview ever. It's hilarious. Wait Wait.
  23. [23]
    Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! Tickets - WBEZ Chicago
    Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!, a co-production of NPR and WBEZ Chicago, is a Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show. Host Peter Sagal leads a rotating ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    About 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' - NPR
    Jul 16, 2009 · Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is NPR's weekly hour-long quiz program. Each week on the radio you can test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in ...
  25. [25]
    Mike Danforth - NPR
    Mike Danforth is the executive producer of NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
  26. [26]
    "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" producers discuss their new podcast with ...
    Sep 2, 2024 · The producers of NPR's “Wait Wait Don't Tell Me”, Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag, are the hosts of a new podcast that premieres on Wednesday ...
  27. [27]
    Miles Doornbos - Producer for Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me at NPR
    I've directed and produced pieces for The Morning Shift, Worldview, and The Afternoon Shift. I'm currently producing for Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me, irritating ...
  28. [28]
    Doug Berman - NPR
    Berman serves as Executive Producer of Car Talk and Benevolent Overlord of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! (a title he created so he could give colleague Mike ...
  29. [29]
    Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! moves to Chicago's Studebaker Theater
    May 16, 2022 · NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! will resume live audience recordings this summer in a new Chicago home, the historic Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts ...
  30. [30]
    Seeing Wait Wait Don't Tell Me Live - 2025 - Leah Ingram
    Dec 18, 2023 · When you hear Wait Wait Don't Tell Me on the radio, it fits nicely inside an hour. Not so much the taping. The show began about 7:40. It wrapped ...<|separator|>
  31. [31]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! | Segerstrom Center for the Arts
    Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! is National Public Radio's Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show. Host Peter Sagal leads a rotating panel of comedians, writers ...
  32. [32]
    Behind the Scenes of “Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!” - Radio World
    Mar 4, 2024 · Its first road show was at Westminster College, a small liberal arts school in Salt Lake City. “We needed production elements,” she recalled ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  33. [33]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! - Fresno - KVPR
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Saturdays at 11 a.m and 6 p.m.; Sundays at 10 a.m.. Hosted by Peter Sagal. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is NPR's weekly hour-long ...
  34. [34]
    Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me! | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts ...
    The NPR news quiz where the panelists are funny, the limericks are lyrical and you get to shout answers at your radio. Hosted by Peter Sagal. Produced by ...
  35. [35]
    Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me! - WPR
    “Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!” is NPR's weekly, hour-long quiz program. Each week on the radio, listeners can test their knowledge against some of the best and ...
  36. [36]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! | New Hampshire Public Radio
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is co-produced by NPR and Chicago Public Radio.
  37. [37]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! - NPR
    Don't Tell Me! NPR's weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal. Have a laugh and test your knowledge with today's funniest comedians and a celebrity guest.
  38. [38]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! - Apple Podcasts
    NPR's weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal. Have a laugh and test your knowledge with today's funniest comedians and a celebrity guest.
  39. [39]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! | Podcast on Spotify
    Listen to Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! on Spotify. NPR's weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal. Have a laugh and test your knowledge with today's funniest ...
  40. [40]
    Spotify Inks Deal to Stream NPR Podcasts Worldwide - Variety
    outside the U.S. A few NPR shows that ...
  41. [41]
    NPR Transcripts
    For more information on Transcripts and other accessibility tools visit NPR's Accessibility Page. ... Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! October 25, 2025. 'Wait Wait' for ...Missing: streaming | Show results with:streaming
  42. [42]
    'Wait Wait' for August 16, 2025: With Atlas Obscura, Rose Matafeo ...
    Aug 16, 2025 · BILL KURTIS: From NPR and WBEZ Chicago, this is WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME, the NPR news quiz. I'm the man who causes a heat wave just by ...
  43. [43]
    Who's Bill This Time? - NPR
    Who's Bill This Time? The Alf Files, Naked Faces, and Hunky Homers. Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Latest Show · About ...
  44. [44]
    Who's Bill This Time? - NPR
    Who's Bill This Time? Canal-onoscopy, we don't deliver for you and the grape nuts of wrath. Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
  45. [45]
    Who's Bill This Time? - NPR
    Jan 16, 2021 · SAGAL: Tom, you're going to play Who's Bill This Time? I bet you knew that. Bill Kurtis is going to read you three quotations from the week's ...
  46. [46]
    Who's Bill This Time : NPR
    Mar 28, 2020 · You're going to play Who's Bill This Time. Bill Kurtis is going to read you three quotations from this week's news. If you can correctly ...
  47. [47]
    Lightning Fill-In-The-Blank : NPR
    Now onto our final game, Lightning Fill In The Blank. ... WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME is a production of NPR ... early to go to Canada. Hey, we can put ...
  48. [48]
    Lightning Fill In The Blank - NPR
    Lightning Fill In The Blank. December 10, 201611:00 AM ... Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! for Oct 11, 2025 · U.S. Becca Mann competes during the women's 25 km ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  49. [49]
    Home | Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! Stats Page
    Peter Sagal had a verbal slip when he said "Jew-sus" instead of "Jesus" when explaining the answer for the second question of the second Panel Questions segment ...Missing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms
  50. [50]
    'Wait Wait' for September 20, 2025: Live in St. Louis with Chip Caray!
    Sep 20, 2025 · Bluff The Listener. Our panelists tell three stories about a unique ... Lightning Fill In The Blank. All the news we couldn't fit ...
  51. [51]
    'Wait Wait' for July 26, 2025: With Not My Job guest Laufey! | TPR
    Jul 26, 2025 · Bluff The Listener. Our panelists tell three stories about ... Lightning Fill In The Blank. All the news we couldn't fit anywhere ...
  52. [52]
    Limericks : NPR
    Limericks Carl reads three news-related limericks: Puppy Polarity, Self-Improvement, Battle of the Bulge. Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
  53. [53]
    Limericks: Movies, Easy Listening, Ugly Words - NPR
    Aug 8, 2009 · Carl reads three news-related limericks, with the last word or phrase missing from each ... Heard on Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Limericks: Movies, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  54. [54]
    Limericks - NPR
    May 22, 2021 · Hi, you're on WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME. PAUL GORDON: Hi, Peter ... Well, welcome to the show, Paul. Bill Kurtis is going to perform ...Missing: closing | Show results with:closing
  55. [55]
    Limericks - NPR
    Jan 23, 2021 · You're on WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME. MICHAELA VITCH: Hi. This is Michaela Vitch (ph) from Fargo, N.D.. SAGAL: Fargo - ...Missing: closing | Show results with:closing
  56. [56]
    Limericks - NPR
    Oct 20, 2018 · You are on WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME. STEPHANIE: Hello. SAGAL: Hi. Who's this? STEPHANIE: This is Stephanie (ph) ...
  57. [57]
    Limericks - NPR
    May 30, 2020 · Here's our limerick game from that show. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR BROADCAST). SAGAL: Hi, you're on WAIT WAIT... DON'T TELL ME. T J: Hey ...
  58. [58]
    https://podtracanalytics.squarespace.com/blog/top-20-podcasts-april-2019-j2k9y-y9byp-6t4j8-sljnp-cwfk2-29xtd-mfsca
  59. [59]
    The Top 50 Most Listened To Podcasts in the U.S. Q4 2021
    Feb 7, 2022 · Weekly Podcast Listeners ; 13, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! NPR/WBEZ ; 14, Morbid: A True Crime Podcast, Independent ; 15, Planet Money, NPR ; 16 ...
  60. [60]
    Inside the Crisis at NPR - The New York Times
    “Up First,” “Fresh Air” and “Wait Wait … Don't Tell Me!” — were in Apple's top 10 subscriber podcasts. “Our ...
  61. [61]
    https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/773396375/wait-wait-for-oct-26-2019-our-1-000th-show?showDate=2019-10-26
  62. [62]
    Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me Bias and Reliability - Ad Fontes Media
    The following are the overall bias and reliability scores for NPR: Wait Wait Don't Tell Me according to our Ad Fontes Media ratings methodology.Missing: criticism | Show results with:criticism
  63. [63]
    Is Liberal Bias What NPR Listeners Secretly Want?
    Jun 28, 2005 · But journalism's response to criticism is a good indication of ... Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! 'Wait Wait' for October 25, 2025: With ...
  64. [64]
    The Free Press reveals the inner workings and biases of NPR
    Apr 10, 2024 · ... Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, and local programming for many years. I ... It is 12 points higher than the 2016 reading, which came amid sharp criticism ...<|separator|>
  65. [65]
    Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me More - The American Conservative
    May 20, 2014 · Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me More. NPR has cancelled its daily race-and-diversity news show Tell Me More as part of an effort to close public ...
  66. [66]
    Wait Wait ... Peter Sagal has news for you - Democrat and Chronicle
    Oct 18, 2016 · Sagal: If we have a bias, it's toward: jokes about intestinal difficulties, weird dating behaviors, and sketchy social science studies. I'm ...
  67. [67]
    Is There a Liberal Bias to Political Comedy? - Smithsonian Magazine
    Aug 8, 2013 · I took one year, and I looked at the guest lists of The Daily Show, The Colbert Report and Wait, Wait…Don't Tell Me! ... An example of political ...
  68. [68]
    Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me (Radio) - TV Tropes
    The show started in January 1998 but was relaunched in May of that year with several changes: Peter Sagal took over hosting from Dan Coffey, they introduced the ...<|separator|>
  69. [69]
    Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me! (TV Special 2008) - IMDb
    Rating 9.4/10 (24) Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me! ; Directors. Kabir Akhtar · Troy Miller ; Writer. Adam Felber ; Stars. Carl Kasell · Peter Sagal · Tracey Ullman.Missing: CBS | Show results with:CBS
  70. [70]
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! (Television Pilot) 12/23/11 - Part 1
    Dec 30, 2015 · "From NPR and WBEZ Chicago this is Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!: The NPR News Quiz" Here's part 1 of a radio based game show from Chicago ...<|separator|>
  71. [71]
    WAIT WAIT...DON'T TELL ME!: BBCA TV Special Trailer - YouTube
    Dec 16, 2011 · Get a fast-paced, irreverent look at the news of the world - and the weird! - with the launch trailer for the all new Original Special WAIT ...
  72. [72]
    NPR's 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me' Is Being Developed for TV By ...
    Dec 11, 2018 · The TV adaptation is an hour-long current events trivia game featuring three celebrity panelists who will compete in a series of comedic ...
  73. [73]
    Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! - YouTube
    Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! ; Tom Papa is confused by the ASL interpreters. 3.7K views ; Weird stuff in the Wait Wait office. 386 views ; John Goodman was the OG ...
  74. [74]
    Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! - Chicago - Fine Arts Building
    Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is National Public Radio's Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show. Host Peter Sagal leads a rotating panel of comedians.<|separator|>
  75. [75]
    Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! | Tanglewood - Boston Symphony Orchestra
    Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! With Special Guest Paul Giamatti. Koussevitzky Music ... The Peabody Award-winning series offers a fast-paced, irreverent look ...
  76. [76]
    NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule
    Rating 4.2 (256) We're sorry, but we couldn't find any upcoming shows for NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. ... Don't Tell Me! is NPR's Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show.
  77. [77]
    NPR News Quiz "Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! — Live" Brings Laughs ...
    ... Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!" brings its star power to the big screen for a special LIVE performance in select cinemas nationwide on Thursday, May 2 at 8:00 ...
  78. [78]
    Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me Live Cinema Event - KVPR
    Valley Public Radio to host screenings Thursday May 2 at 8:00pm. “It's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! like you've never seen it before!
  79. [79]
    Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! Live Cinema Event | LAist - NPR News for ...
    Don't miss Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Live on the big screen on Thursday, May 2nd, at 8pm PT. Select theater locations will present an additional showing ...
  80. [80]
    Complete 67th Annual Peabody Awards (June 16th, 2008)
    35 recipients of the 67th Annual Peabody Awards were presented with awards on June 16, 2008 at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City.
  81. [81]
    Wait Wait Quiz from NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me
    Webby Awards partner monday.com is so impressed with Wait Wait Quiz from NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me that they created a workflow inspired by the project!
  82. [82]
    2024 Ambies Nominees — The Ambies® — Awards for Excellence ...
    Feb 16, 2024 · THE PODCAST ACADEMY ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR FOURTH ANNUAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN AUDIO ... Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – 1. We Don't Talk About ...
  83. [83]
    Podcast Academy Ambies Nominations 2023 Announced (Full List)
    Jan 30, 2023 · Podcast Academy Announces 2023 Ambies Awards Nominees (Full List) ... Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! Why Won't You Date Me? With Nicole Byer.