Have I Got News for You: Presenters, Merton’s Hiatus, US Version
For more than three decades, Have I Got News for You has been the BBC’s sharpest satirical scalpel, skewering politicians and pundits with a mix of panel‑show chaos and editorial bite, but behind the laughter lie real stories of personal loss, sudden dismissals, and a transatlantic expansion that has given the show a second life on CNN. This guide unpacks the key questions viewers ask: who presents it, why Paul Merton stepped away, who got sacked, and how the US version compares to the original.
First aired: 28 September 1990 ·
Network: BBC One ·
Current series: 66 (2026) ·
Team captains: Ian Hislop and Paul Merton ·
US adaptation: CNN (2024–present) ·
Format: Satirical panel quiz
Quick snapshot
- The show is still airing as of 2026, with season 66 on BBC One (What to Watch).
- Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are permanent team captains (Wikipedia).
- A US adaptation exists on CNN (The Hollywood Reporter).
- The exact reason for Paul Merton’s hiatus has never been officially confirmed (What to Watch).
- Paul Merton’s current marital status (after divorce from Caroline Quentin) is private. (What to Watch)
- The exact number of episodes produced across 66 series is not publicly known. (What to Watch)
- First episode: 28 Sept 1990 (The Hollywood Reporter).
- Paul Merton’s hiatus: 2015–2016 (What to Watch).
- CNN adaptation launched: 2024 (The Hollywood Reporter).
- Season 66 airs: 2026 (What to Watch).
- Season 66 continues on BBC One in 2026 (BBC One episode page).
- CNN’s fifth season premieres 12 Sept 2026 (CNN Press Room).
Six key specs, one pattern: the show has remained remarkably consistent in structure while expanding across platforms.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| First aired | 28 September 1990 |
| Network (UK) | BBC One |
| Number of series (UK) | 66 (as of 2026) |
| Team captains | Ian Hislop, Paul Merton |
| US version | CNN (2024–present) |
| Format | Satirical panel quiz |
| Production company | Hat Trick Productions |
| Episode length | Approx. 30 min |
| Guest presenters | Rotating comedians and journalists |
| US season count (as of 2026) | 5th season |
Is Have I Got News for You still running?
Current series and season 66
- The original UK version is still airing on BBC One, with season 66 in 2026 (What to Watch).
- A 2024 TV guide summary notes that season 66 sees Ian Hislop and Paul Merton return with their topical comedy and a rotating set of presenters and guests (What to Watch).
Broadcast schedule and availability
Episodes air on BBC One and are available on BBC iPlayer. As of 2026, the show remains a flagship Friday‑night fixture. A US adaptation also airs on CNN, separate from the UK numbering.
The implication: the show has never been cancelled and shows no sign of stopping, with nearly 40 years of continuous production.
Who are the presenters and regulars on Have I Got News for You?
Permanent team captains
- Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are the permanent team captains, a role they have held since the early 1990s (Wikipedia).
- In BBC Series 66, Episode 2, Alexander Armstrong is the host while Merton and Hislop remain captains (BBC One episode page).
Rotation of guest hosts
Instead of a permanent host, the show uses guest presenters each week. Recent hosts include Alexander Armstrong, Jack Dee, and Kirsty Young (British Comedy Guide). Panellists rotate as well, drawn from comedians, journalists, and politicians.
Viewers tuning in for a specific host will be disappointed – the show’s identity relies on the two captains, not a single anchor.
Why this matters: the rotating host format keeps the show unpredictable and prevents any one presenter from becoming the face of the programme, preserving the focus on satire.
Why did Paul Merton leave Have I Got News for You?
Personal loss and hiatus
- Paul Merton took a hiatus in 2015–2016 following the death of his first wife, according to media reports (What to Watch).
- The exact reason for his leave was not officially confirmed by the BBC, but it is widely understood to be related to personal tragedy.
Return to the show
Merton returned to the show and has spoken about finding happiness after heartbreak and loss (The Times). He has since remarried and continues as team captain.
The pattern: personal grief led to a temporary absence, but the show welcomed him back without disruption, reflecting its loyalty to core cast.
Who was sacked from Have I Got News for You?
Historical incidents of dismissals
- Several guests have been sacked from the show for making offensive remarks. One notable incident involved a guest who made a racist joke and was later removed (What to Watch).
- The show’s producers have a policy of not inviting back panellists who breach taste boundaries.
Controversial moments
The programme has a history of pushing boundaries, leading to occasional removals. In 2019, a panellist was cut from the broadcast after a joke about a politician’s family. The BBC has not publicly listed all dismissals.
While the show prides itself on free‑wheeling satire, it operates under BBC editorial guidelines that can lead to swift exits when lines are crossed.
What this means: viewers who delight in the show’s edge should know that the producers enforce a boundary – and have shown they are willing to enforce it.
What is the US version of Have I Got News for You?
CNN adaptation
- CNN launched an American adaptation in 2024, described as a limited series with a fall debut (The Hollywood Reporter).
- The US version features a rotating cast of guest hosts, including Roy Wood Jr., and regular panellists such as Kara Swisher and Zainab Johnson (CNN Press Room).
Differences from the UK original
The format mirrors the UK show closely – two team captains, a guest host, and panellists – but the content focuses on US politics and media. CNN renewed the show for a fifth season, premiering 12 September 2026 (CNN Press Room). The adaptation is a separate production track, not a continuation of the BBC’s season numbering.
The trade-off: American audiences get a familiar format but lose the specifically British absurdity that made the original a cult favourite.
Timeline of key events
- – First episode of Have I Got News for You airs on BBC One (The Hollywood Reporter).
- – Paul Merton takes a hiatus following personal tragedy (What to Watch).
- – CNN launches US adaptation of the show (The Hollywood Reporter).
- – Season 66 airs on BBC One (What to Watch).
What we know for sure vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- The show is still airing as of 2026 (What to Watch).
- Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are permanent team captains (Wikipedia).
- A US adaptation exists on CNN (The Hollywood Reporter).
- Season 66 is currently airing (What to Watch).
What’s unclear
- The exact reason for Paul Merton’s hiatus (officially unconfirmed).
- The current marital status of Paul Merton (private).
- Full list of all guests ever sacked (not publicly compiled).
- Exact number of episodes produced across 66 series (not publicly known).
Voices from the show
“I’ve found happiness again after a period of heartbreak.”
Paul Merton, speaking to The Times
“Have I Got News for You has been renewed for a fifth season, premiering Saturday, September 12 at 9pm ET/PT.”
CNN Press Room
For the BBC, the show remains a reliable ratings winner; for CNN, it represents a bold bet on satirical news in a polarised media environment. The coming seasons will test whether the formula can survive a transatlantic culture gap.
Related reading: Have I Got News for You season 66 release date, guests, trailer and everything we know · CNN orders BBC comedy quiz show ‘Have I Got News for You’
tvguide.com, tvguide.com, en.wikipedia.org, reddit.com, en.wikipedia.org
For more background on the cast and format, you might check out this comprehensive guide to the show that answers common questions about the show.
Frequently asked questions
How long is each episode of Have I Got News for You?
Episodes typically run 30 minutes on BBC One (Wikipedia).
Is the show recorded live or pre-recorded?
It is recorded on Friday evenings and broadcast the same night, giving it a near‑live feel.
Can I watch old episodes on BBC iPlayer?
Yes, many episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.
Who won the most episodes as a team captain?
Ian Hislop holds the record for most wins, though exact figures are not officially published (Wikipedia).
Has the show ever been cancelled?
No – the show has been on air continuously since 1990 (BBC One episode page).
What is the format of the show?
Two team captains lead panels of comedians and journalists in a quiz about the week’s news, with a guest host presiding.
Are there any spin-offs or specials?
Yes – occasional specials include the Christmas show and themed editions (British Comedy Guide).
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