CNN to Broadcast Second-to-Last Performance of George Clooney’s “Good Night, and Good Luck”
CNN is set to air the second-to-last performance of the record-breaking play “Good Night, and Good Luck,” written by and starring George Clooney as legendary broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow. The live broadcast will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m. ET across CNN, CNN International, and streaming on cnn.com. This historic event marks the first time a live play on Broadway will be televised.
Clooney expressed his excitement about this groundbreaking opportunity, stating, “I can’t tell you how exciting it is to do something that’s never been done. CNN is the perfect place to bring this story of courage to so many more people than we could have ever hoped. Live TV. No net. Buckle up everyone.”
In “Good Night, and Good Luck,” Clooney makes his Broadway debut as Murrow, depicting the iconic journalist’s clash with Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the era of McCarthyism. As the play unfolds, Murrow and his news team confront the rising tide of paranoia and propaganda, even at the risk of facing backlash from the government and the public. The play will conclude its theatrical run with a matinee performance on Sunday, June 8, in New York City.
Following the broadcast of the play, CNN will host an exclusive special discussing “Good Night, and Good Luck” and the current state of global journalism. CNN CEO Mark Thompson emphasized the play’s relevance, stating, “’Good Night, and Good Luck’ is not just a celebration of a golden age in TV journalism. It’s also about the importance of the free press and the need for strong news organizations to report the facts in a fair-minded way. That’s something we still care deeply about.”
“Good Night, and Good Luck” has garnered critical acclaim and received five Tony Award nominations, including a nod for Clooney in the leading actor category. Directed by Tony winner David Cromer, the play made history as the highest-grossing production on Broadway, surpassing $4 million in a single week. The play recouped its $9.5 million investment within seven weeks and collaborated with TodayTix to provide 2,000 subsidized tickets for New York City high school students, particularly those studying journalism.
Co-written by Clooney and Grant Heslov, “Good Night, and Good Luck” is produced by Seaview, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Jean Doumanian, and Robert Fox. Variety’s review lauded Clooney’s performance, praising his portrayal of Murrow as “intense and laser-focused.” The play’s transfer from screen to stage has captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and Clooney’s commanding presence.
Don’t miss the live broadcast of “Good Night, and Good Luck” on CNN, as it offers a unique opportunity to witness this groundbreaking theatrical production from the comfort of your own home.
