Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is a long-running weekly news quiz produced by NPR and Chicago Public Media (WBEZ). Hosted by Peter Sagal and featuring veteran news anchor Bill Kurtis as the official judge and scorekeeper, the program provides a comedic and satirical analysis of current events. Recorded primarily in front of a live audience at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, the show frequently tours across the United States, bringing its blend of journalism and improv comedy to various national venues.

The format centers on a rotating panel of three participants—typically comedians, authors, and journalists—who compete in a series of games based on the week’s headlines. These games are designed to test the panelists' and the audience's grasp of both major political stories and obscure, lighthearted news. Notable segments include "Who’s Bill This Time?", in which contestants must identify newsmakers through quotes read by Kurtis; "Bluff the Listener," where a caller must discern the truth among three improbable stories; and "Not My Job," which invites high-profile celebrity guests to answer trivia questions about a topic entirely outside their field of expertise.

First aired in 1998, the show has evolved into a staple of the American public radio landscape. It originally featured the legendary Carl Kasell as scorekeeper until his retirement in 2014. Today, it remains one of NPR's most popular programs, maintaining a high level of engagement through its podcast and digital distribution. The podcast version includes the complete weekly broadcast, often supplemented by "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!+" bonus material for subscribers. By utilizing a fast-paced quiz format, the show successfully bridges the gap between hard news and entertainment, making the week's complex information cycle accessible and humorous for a broad audience.

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Episode's summary

This week, Sterlin Harjo, creator of "Reservation Dogs" and "The Lowdown” explains why he could take us in a fight, and panelists Brain Babylon, Adam Felber, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson ride the Blue Wave. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes, the chance to be a contestant in those bonus episodes(!), and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Episodes

1198-

We learn The Lowdown Hoedown with Sterlin Harjo

This week, Sterlin Harjo, creator of "Reservation Dogs" and "The Lowdown” explains why he could take us in a fight, and panelists Brain Babylon, Adam Felber, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson ride the Blue Wave. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes, the chance to be a contestant in those bonus episodes(!), and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

07 Nov 2026
1197-

We take John Turturro to the Cheesecake Factory

This week, legendary actor John Turturro shows off his Christopher Walken impression and panelists Hari Kondabolu, Paula Poundstone, and Faith Salie talk Cheesecake Factory and learning to love a man made of wicker. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes, the chance to be a contestant in those bonus episodes(!), and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

31 Oct 2026
1196-

We’ve got our eyes on Jon Husted with Daniel Vosovic

This week, we’re live in Kalamazoo with fashion designer and Project Runway alum Daniel Vosovic. Plus, panelists Rachel Coster, Peter Grosz, and Shantira Jackson talk beautiful butts, suspicious robots, and well-preserved pumpkins. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes, the chance to be a contestant in those bonus episodes(!), and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

24 Oct 2026
1195-

We welcome the arrival of fall with our coziest guests!

This week, guest host Negin Farsad helps us celebrate fall with some of our favorite guests, including Sally Field, Robert Smigel, Caro Claire Burke, and Jason Narducy. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes, the chance to be a contestant in those bonus episodes(!), and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

17 Oct 2026
1194-

We celebrate a bomb and dig deep with Margo Price

In this episode of 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me', host Negin Farsad and guests navigate a series of weekly news quotes, covering topics from Donald Trump's comments on Iran to the 'Costco door' home renovation trend. The program also explores stories of eccentric billionaires and features an interview with country musician Margot Price regarding her career and connection to John Prine. The episode continues with discussions on customizable car speakers in Australia and a new Halloween trend called 'trick-or-reading.' The show concludes with the Listener Limerick Challenge, the fast-paced Lightning Fill in the Blank game, and promotional segments for Life Kit and Fresh Air.

10 Oct 2026