Wait, Wait… It’s Peter Sagal And Doug Berman

The comedy news quiz “Wait Wait . . . Don’t Tell Me!” is the most popular show on public radio. But it wasn’t always that way. The program didn’t take off until Doug Berman (who also produced the NPR hit “Car Talk”) took a chance on a playwright named Peter Sagal to serve as host. Ever since, the show has drawn enthusiastic audiences both on radio and in person, at its Chicago home and on the road. The program covers current news and is consistently both informative and entertaining. What’s the secret to the show’s success?
Peter Sagal, the host of “Wait Wait” since 1998, is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and author, most recently of The Incomplete Book of Running. He has interviewed two U.S. presidents, appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and run a race in his underwear, but he insists that none of this has gone to his head. Peabody Award-winning producer Doug Berman is responsible for NPR's two most successful entertainment programs. He continues to create comedy shows seeded with a modicum of useful information or, as Berman puts it, "not a complete waste of time."
Here's a chance to laugh and go behind the scenes of this NPR phenomenon. Come with your own questions to stump Sagal and Berman.The comedy news quiz “Wait Wait . . . Don’t Tell Me!” is the most popular show on public radio. But it wasn’t always that way. The program didn’t take off until Doug Berman (who also produced the NPR hit “Car Talk”) took a chance on a playwright named Peter Sagal to serve as host. Ever since, the show has drawn enthusiastic audiences both on radio and in person, at its Chicago home and on the road. The program covers current news and is consistently both informative and entertaining. What’s the secret to the show’s success?
Peter Sagal, the host of “Wait Wait” since 1998, is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and author, most recently of The Incomplete Book of Running. He has interviewed two U.S. presidents, appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and run a race in his underwear, but he insists that none of this has gone to his head. Peabody Award-winning producer Doug Berman is responsible for NPR's two most successful entertainment programs. He continues to create comedy shows seeded with a modicum of useful information or, as Berman puts it, "not a complete waste of time."
Here's a chance to laugh and go behind the scenes of this NPR phenomenon. Come with your own questions to stump Sagal and Berman.
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[@maryzambrana7141]

When Wait Wait is on, trust me, nothing else gets done for that hour. Peter, Carl and Bill have ruled the NPR airwaves. Car Talk is very much missed. Their brotherly love was so surface and drew us in to their lives. Thanks to them for enlightening listeners to the wonders of cars. Those lucky enough to have their calls taken by Tommy and Ray got the best, if not hilarious, knowledge about everything auto and beyond. This is a brilliant, but brilliant panel of minds. "Do we cheat 'em and how!" The fact that millions of fans still laugh at that is testament to the lasting love for the Boston Brothers. Yeah...

[@yespub234]

It's fun watching intelligent people being, witty, self-effacing interesting and funny.

[@brentbeacham9691]

I like Wait Wait. I thought I’d watch for 10 or 15… an hour plus here I am.

[@rucksacks]

It's Doug "Not A Slave To Fashion", "Bongo Boy" Berman!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

Love WWDTM! Peter’s voice is so very familiar! I love all the panelists and it’s such a great way to learn the news. 🥰 👍📺

[@adrienlac]

Super insightful conversation. Thank you.

[@thistree9028]

Love both shows, got me through college in 90’s and later. So funny..ha, ha! Thank you!

[@thistree9028]

My bus used to ride by Click and Clacks garage..I’d think love your show!❤ Didn’t have a car though..

[@BilgePump]

Is that Doug the subway fugitive?

[@peacelove6356]

I love wait wait!!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

The limericks must be written ahead of time too yes?

[@maryerb6062]

Is it true Peter has been let go for a wisecrack that was considered blasphemous? I hope not. He's terrific!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

He’s still on, but if you look him up on Wikipedia you can read about a couple of controversial comments.

[@marksobolik8943]

Does anyone else hate the limerick segment? It is incredibly simple. I don't think anyone has ever failed at that game.

[@Kakkydidit]

I've heard someone miss it!

[@timothychamberlin6985]

Comment....

[@rcs3511]

Wait, Wait, is probably too smart for Trump, let's be honest. (34:00-ish)

[@CatchTheMachine]

Peter really has a perpetual frown.