CNN's Strategy for Holiday Joy: An Exclusive 'Very Merry Holiday Special' with Roy Wood Jr.

CNN is adding a splash of holiday spirit to its lineup this December with a primetime variety special led by comedian Roy Wood Jr., complementing its regular news coverage. The show, titled A CNN Special Event: Roy Wood Jr.s Very Very Very Merry Holiday Special, will air on Sunday, December 14 at 8 PM on CNN and be available on the networks streaming platform.

Wood will host the program from Washington D.C., featuring surprise appearances from performers in comedy and music, along with a performance by the U.S. Air Force Band.

As a familiar face on CNN, Wood is known for his topical comedy series Have I Got News For You and his time as a correspondent on The Daily Show. In 2025, he has hosted the Writers Guild Awards, the 46th Peabody Awards, and the MLB Awards alongside Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts.

Wood Jr. commented on the upcoming special: I was hoping the White House ballroom would be ready for us to film there, but construction is a bit behind schedule. Still, Im thrilled to celebrate the season, pay tribute to our troops and government workers, and have a chance to wear my green Peabody Awards jacket againwith a touch of red this time.

CNN has been expanding its holiday programming tradition. Its New Years Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen is a yearly highlight, and the network also produces events for Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.

The holiday special is produced by Hat Trick Productions, the same company behind Have I Got News For You.

Author: Caleb Jennings