First UK comic to guest on CNN version

Nish Kumar is to make his debut as a guest on the US version of Have I Got News For You.

He will become the first British comedian to take part in the CNN episode when it airs at 8pm ET this Saturday. 

Kumar has appeared three times on the BBC original and hosted the BBC Two topical comedy series The Mash Report, and its reincarnation as Late Night Mash on Dave.

He will appear on the US show with journalist Kara Swisher and regulars Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black. The show is hosted by Roy Wood Jr, who will also be returning to the chair of the BBC version for a third time when it returns for its 71st series next Friday.

Jimmy Mulville – head of HIGNFY producers Hat Trick – has previously spoken of trying to get Ruffin and Black on the UK version to add to the cross-pollination. 

In January, he said: ‘Roy came over and hosted the UK version, and there are plans afoot – not that I’ve told Amber or Michael –to try and kidnap them and get them over for an edition…. And maybe you can get the two regular guys from the UK to sit in [on the CNN version]’.

Kumar will be touring the UK later this year with his new stand-up show Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy.

• American comedian Rosebud Baker, a former Saturday Night Live writer, was originally annoucned as the other guest, but then replaed by Swisher

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Published: 25 Mar 2026