Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

NPR

1177 - Insult Dogs and Emotional Support Alligators

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.

1177 - Insult Dogs and Emotional Support Alligators