Exciting developments are on the horizon: the highly anticipated Broadway production of Good Night, and Good Luck, featuring the talented George Clooney, is set to be broadcast live on CNN this summer. This groundbreaking event signifies the inaugural instance of a Broadway play being televised in real-time. The special live performance will take place on June 7 at 7 p.m. ET, airing on CNN, CNN International, and will also be available for streaming on CNN’s official website, offering an unprecedented viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
“I can’t express how thrilling it is to undertake something that has never been accomplished before,” Clooney remarked in a press statement. “CNN serves as the ideal platform to share this poignant narrative of bravery with far more viewers than we ever imagined possible. Live television. No safety net. Hold on tight, everyone.“
Mark Thompson, the chairman and CEO of CNN, emphasized the significance of the production by stating, “Good Night, and Good Luck is not merely a tribute to a remarkable era in TV journalism. It underscores the vital role of a free press and the necessity for robust news organizations to deliver information honestly and impartially. This is a principle we hold dear.“
Good Night, and Good Luck draws inspiration from the acclaimed 2005 film of the same title. “Tune in to witness the golden era of broadcast journalism and the iconic, history-defining confrontation between Edward R. Murrow (played by Clooney) and Senator Joseph McCarthy,” the promotional description states. “As the shadow of McCarthyism looms over America, Murrow and his dedicated news team bravely choose to challenge the rising tide of paranoia and misinformation, even if it means facing opposition from the federal government and an anxious nation.” In addition to starring in the production, Clooney also took on the roles of director and co-writer alongside Grant Heslov, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
The play premiered on April 3 and is scheduled to run until June 8, making the upcoming televised broadcast the second-to-last performance of the run. Good Night, and Good Luck has already achieved remarkable success, breaking records as the first Broadway production to exceed a gross of $4 million in a single week. It has garnered five nominations for the prestigious Tony Awards, including recognition for Clooney’s performance. Other nominations include categories such as Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Sound Design, highlighting the production’s artistic excellence.
After the live broadcast of Good Night, and Good Luck, CNN will present a special program that delves into the making of the play and addresses the current state of global journalism, inviting viewers to engage in a meaningful conversation about the importance of media integrity and the challenges faced by news organizations today.
