George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck to Air Live on CNN – A Historic First for Broadway
For the first time in Broadway history, a live performance of a stage play will be broadcast on national television. CNN is set to air the penultimate performance of Good Night, and Good Luck, starring George Clooney in his Broadway debut, on Saturday, June 7 at 7 p.m. ET. The landmark broadcast will air live from New York’s Winter Garden Theatre on CNN, CNN International, and stream simultaneously on CNN.com, bringing Broadway into living rooms across the globe. Based on the acclaimed 2005 film co-written and directed by Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck tells the powerful true story of legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow and his televised showdown with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of the 1950s Red Scare. Clooney not only co-adapted the stage version with longtime collaborator Grant Heslov but also takes on the role of Murrow in the production, earning a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Play. The show has been a critical and commercial smash since its March debut, breaking box office records and garnering five Tony nominations. Now, with this upcoming broadcast, the production is poised to reach a massive new audience. In a statement, Clooney shared his excitement: “Live TV. No net. Buckle up everyone.” He called the broadcast “an incredible opportunity to share a story of courage and integrity with so many more people than we could ever fit in a theater.” CNN will offer special pre- and post-show programming centered around the play’s themes, including discussions about the current state of journalism and the enduring importance of a free press—an idea the network’s Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson emphasized: “Good Night, and Good Luck is not just a celebration of TV journalism’s golden age; it’s also a reminder of why facts and fair reporting still matter deeply today.” While the live airing will mark a milestone for Broadway, it may not be the last time audiences can see the performance. CNN has indicated that streaming access will follow the live event, though further details have yet to be announced. With its bold decision to televise a play live and uncut, Good Night, and Good Luck not only breaks theatrical ground—it also redefines what’s possible for filmed stage productions.