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Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

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NPR's weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal. Have a laugh and test your knowledge with today's funniest comedians and a celebrity guest. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, and Wait Wait's perks include bonus episodes, the chance to be a contestant in those bonus episodes(!), and sponsor-free listening.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes456Founded21 years ago
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ComedyLeisure

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Artwork for Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Latest Episodes

This week, guest host Negin Farsad welcomes singer-songwriter Margo Price to the show. Plus, panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Katie Nolan, and Mo Rocca dig deep into Digger and lie about billionaires.

Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks ... more

This week, music legend David Byrne joins us to talk “Theater of the Mind,” hairy arms, and why he’s so good at drawing toes. Plus, Alonzo Bodden and Rachel Coster welcome new panelist Rob Anderson to the panel.

Support public media with NPR+ and en... more

YouTube

This week, we’re live in Omaha with legendary volleyball coach John Cook and panelists Josh Gondelman, Faith Salie, and Dulcé Sloan.

Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus e... more

This week, panelists Adam Burke, Shantira Jackson, and Sam Rocha talk about the AI apocalypse, beds full of bees, and the death of brunch. Plus, guest Hernan Diaz discusses his favorite pen and his new novel ‘Ply’

Support public media with NPR+ and ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

David Byrne
Musician and artist; founder of Talking Heads
David Byrne & Theater projects
Episode: We ghost some tech bros with David Byrne
John Cook
Legendary former coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team; co-owner/manager of Omaha Supernovas
Omaha Supernovas / University of Nebraska
Episode: A surprise snow day for the White House press corps
Hernan Diaz
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Trust; author of Ply
Author
Episode: A fond farewell to brunch and also humankind
Leslie Jones
Comedian and actress, host of Roast My Rental
HGTV / Roast My Rental
Episode: We fold our phones and get roasted by Leslie Jones
Maggie Smith
Award-winning poet and author; guest on the episode
Author/Poet
Episode: Our panel goes on shore leave with Maggie Smith
Carisa Hendrix
Magician known as Lucy Darling
Individual performer
Episode: Trade wars, what are they good for?
Ken Jennings
Jeopardy! champion and host during guest rotation
Jeopardy
Episode: The Wait Wait 2026 summer spectacular, part 2!
Olivia Munn
Actor, star of Your Friends and Neighbors
Apple TV+
Episode: The Wait Wait 2026 summer spectacular, part 2!
Father James Martin
Catholic priest, author
Jesuit Order; author of Work in Progress
Episode: The Wait Wait 2026 summer spectacular, part 2!

Hosts

Peter Sagal
Host of the show and primary moderator with a long-running NPR/WBEZ Chicago association.
Alzo Slade
Host/announcer and the show's segment introducer and facilitator.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 44.2k ratings
  • I love

    Best podcast ever

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    whose amazing life
    United States2 months ago
  • awesome potato

    😀😀😀😀🤡 so good Best podcast ever

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Potato awesome 
    United States2 months ago
  • Best show ever

    The best show ever it’s so funny and good. Keep making more shows.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    1738 hey hey
    United States2 months ago
  • I love this show!!

    One of the highlights of my week is listening to this show there is so much to laugh about. It brings levity to my day hearing you talk smack about trump and all members of the Republican Party. Need more josh gondelman. Dolce Sloan is a little cringe though

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    scarylover47
    United States2 months ago
  • Alzo’s new job

    I love Alzo’s laugh! I miss Bill but I’m glad he took his place. I’m a long time listener and love your show. I saw the show live in Salt Lake City!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    gardenernjb
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the show's humor, banter, and guest variety, with many noting it's a weekend staple for laughter.
Fans value quick-witted format and strong guests, though some complain about pacing or political humor tilt.
Critiques often center on occasional tonal shifts or preference for a particular panelist or guest.
Positive feedback highlights engaging hosts and memorable moments from celebrity guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#107
United States/Top Podcasts
Spotify
#30
United States/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#36
United States/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#8
United States/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#51
Canada/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#247
United Kingdom/Comedy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Trade wars, what are they good for?
Q: First, what noise did the Universal Studios coaster neighbors complain about?
The loud screaming of passengers in the ride, not just mechanical sounds.
The Wait Wait 2026 summer spectacular, part 1!
Q: Which colors or flavors were used in the limited Skittles edition that was not well received in 2019?
Zombie Skittles were the flavor that caused the controversy; Suppository Skittles and Giraffe-themed flavors were part of the misdirection, but the correct answer was 'Zombie Skittles.'
Celebrating the 4th with nothing but bangers!
Q: Gerald Ratner was the head of Ratner's, Great Britain's largest jewelry store chain. How did he try to undo the damage when he called his own products crap?
He promoted the idea that crap meant cheap, reliable, and affordable prices by putting up a sign in the window; option B.
The Alzo Era begins in Austin!
Q: What is the Alzo era about and who is the new judge?
The new judge is Alzo Slade, introduced as the official judge and scorekeeper to oversee the game and scoring.
Breaking News from Wait Wait: Our new Judge and Scorekeeper is announced!
Q: Which of these was one of Alzo Slade's life honors? A) Mr. Prairie View A&M University Beauty Pageant, B) Acting Director of National Intelligence, C) Touring with prints as part of his personal photography team.
C) Touring with prints as part of his personal photography team.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

What is Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A fast-paced, comedy-infused NPR news quiz that blends sharp current-events banter with celebrity interviews and game segments. Panels riff on headlines, culture, and tech, punctuated by rapid-fire quizzes, limericks, and live audience participation. Notable for a rotating cast of well-known comedians and high-profile guests, it often mixes humor with insightful discussions, making it engaging for listeners who enjoy topical satire and pop-culture trivia. The show's format—celebrity interviews intertwined with crowd-only games—gives sponsors and guests opportunities for cross-promotional moments and broad appeal to both news-savvy and entertainment-focused audiences.

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How many listeners does Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! get?

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How many subscribers and views does Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!:

1. This American Life
2. Radiolab
3. The Moth
4. Fresh Air
5. Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone

How many episodes of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! are there?

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! launched 21 years ago and published 456 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!?

Recent guests on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! include:

1. David Byrne
2. John Cook
3. Hernan Diaz
4. Leslie Jones
5. Maggie Smith
6. Carisa Hendrix
7. Ken Jennings
8. Olivia Munn

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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