If you’re looking to dive into NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” but don’t want to wade through over two decades of news quiz shows to find the gems, you’ve come to the right place. Hosted by the eternally affable Peter Sagal with scorekeeper Bill Kurtis providing gravitas and deadpan humor, “Wait Wait” has been delivering weekly doses of current events comedy since 1998, which means there are literally hundreds of episodes to choose from, some genuinely hilarious, others merely pleasant in that distinctly NPR way.
This list of episodes will guide you to the highlights of a show that’s mastered the art of being just funny enough to justify its existence without ever threatening to be actually edgy.
Jeffrey Tambor
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Taped in Chicago featuring Not My Job guest Jeffrey Tambor alongside panelists Patton Oswalt, Faith Salie, and Adam Burke.
WWDTM: Jim Gaffigan
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This week, Jim Gaffigan appears with panelists Adam Felber, Adam Burke, and Negin Farsad to discuss his status as the Pope’s preferred comedian.
Stephen Colbert
Listen on: NPR.com
Taped in New York City featuring Not My Job guest Stephen Colbert, guest judge Glynn Washington, and panelists Peter Grosz, Faith Salie, and Mo Rocca.
WWDTM: Pedro Pascal
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This week, special guest Pedro Pascal appears with panelists Brian Babylon, Negin Farsad, and Roy Blount Jr. alongside guest host Tom Papa.
HTDE: Yes We Pecan with Martha Stewart
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Two roommates debate the pronunciation of “pecan,” prompting Mike and Ian to consult Martha Stewart and other experts for resolution. Additionally, an Italian Alpine town endured three months of annual darkness until Mayor Pierfranco Midali devised a solution to create artificial sunlight.
Animal Expert Bob Freer Plays Not My Job
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Animal expert Bob Freer responds to three questions about Liberace.
John Waters
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The director of Hairspray and other campy classics participates in a quiz about a decidedly non-campy subject.
WWDTM: Secretary Clinton
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Secretary Clinton appears this week to discuss the Clinton Global Initiative’s extravagant afterparties and confirm whether she’s witnessed Pete Davidson’s tattoo bearing her likeness.
Andy Richter
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Taped in Chicago featuring Not My Job guest Andy Richter alongside panelists Roy Blount Jr., Helen Hong, and Brian Babylon.
WWDTM: Gary Oldman
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This week, Gary Oldman appears to discuss Slow Horses, the Emmy Awards, and the art of flatulence with Karen Chee, Brian Babylon, and Peter Grosz.
Neal Brennan
Listen on: NPR.com
Taped in Chicago with guest host Jessi Klein, Not My Job guest Neal Brennan, and panelists Alonzo Bodden, Helen Hong, and Adam Felber.
Scott Kelly
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Taped in Chicago featuring Not My Job guest Scott Kelly alongside panelists Helen Hong, Faith Salie, and Alonzo Bodden.
HTDE: Tom Hanks, Hot Dogs, and Chimp Butts
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Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! producers Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag return with another How To Do Everything episode. In this installment, Tom Hanks shares insights on becoming beloved, while Mike and Ian assist a listener interested in achieving global recognition. The episode also features an unconventional method for identifying family members.
David Cross
Listen on: NPR.com
David Cross is a performer who elevates the comedy of every project he joins, including Arrested Development, Kung Fu Panda, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, his cult favorite series Mr. Show, and his IFC program The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret.
WWDTM: Lewis Black
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This week, the show broadcasts live from Durham with special guest Lewis Black and panelists Dulcé Sloan, Alonzo Bodden, and Adam Burke.
Read our review of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!