“WAIT, WAIT…DON’T TELL ME!”
Wait, wait... don't tell me! is an NPR comedy show that started all the way back in 1998 (once again, I clearly have my finger right on the pulse of pop culture). It's not a particularly original format (comedians take a satirical look at the week's news) but that doesn't matter when the execution is this great.
It’s very similar to
the grand old days of the Australian TV show Good News Week, both in terms of its format and in that it has
brilliant, witty writing and a host with superb timing and delivery. Peter
Sagal is an actor and playwright by trade but this is clearly what he was born to do. He’s not only fantastic at the scripted stuff, but also a dab hand at
interacting with guests and callers alike. On top of an outstanding host, WWDTM also boasts scorekeeper and announcer Carl Kasell, who must be a national treasure,
such is his golden voice and commanding comedic timing, and an intelligent and quick-witted roster of regular contributors.
It can be a little obviously left wing and some of the panellists are a little too heavily rotated, but for the most
part it’s brilliant listening material for long car trips or bus rides,
particularly for those who are interested in American politics and pop culture.
After 14 years, it’s an institution, but one well worth becoming acquainted with. I may have only joined the bandwgon in 2012, but I'm here for the rest of the ride.
Honourable mention: Coverville – A cover song compilation podcast that’s been running for over 900 episodes and can turn up some gems. (Obviously, it turns up some utter garbage as well, but that’s inevitable.)
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