Daily Show stint ends as he switches networks

John Oliver has been signed up to front his own topical comedy show on America's HBO network.

The as-yet untitled show will air on Sunday nights and launch in 2014, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo announced today.

The news means Oliver will leave The Daily Show on the rival Comedy Central channel after more than seven years. Lombardo said it was Oliver's stint standing in for regular host Jon Stewart this summer that clinched the deal.

'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,' Lombardo said. 'We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home.'

Oliver added: '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.'

As well as The Daily Show, Oliver had his own Comedy Central stand-up special, Terrifying Times, followed by the series John Oliver’s New York Stand Up Show, which he has hosted for four seasons.

He also has a recurring role on the sitcom Community and co-presents weekly satirical podcast The Bugle with long-term collaborator Andy Zaltzman. The show receives more than 500,000 downloads a week.

Oliver’s tenure as guest host on The Daily Show was praised by critics. The New York Times called him 'clever and winning,' the Los Angeles Times described him as 'instantly memorable,' and the New York Observer said: 'John Oliver is the best thing to happen to late night since Colbert.'

Here is Oliver on the Daily Show:

Published: 14 Nov 2013