NBC Chicago hires legendary film critic Richard Roeper

NBC Chicago has added veteran film and media critic Richard Roeper to its stable of contributors.

Roeper, who starts his new role April 10, 2026, is becoming WMAQ’s entertainment and culture contributor.

“Richard is a respected and notable voice in Chicago media,” said Sally Ramirez, senior vice president of news, in a statement. “His unparalleled insight into the entertainment industry, his unique cultural perspective, and his deep connection with the Chicago community make him an exceptional addition to our team. Richard’s voice will elevate our coverage and enrich the experience for viewers across all of our platforms.”

Roeper is expected to help cover entertainment news while also providing film and television reviews. WMAQ is also says Roeper will “examine major local and national news stories through a cultural lens, offering insight into their impact on Chicago audiences.”

Plans call for him to appear during afternoon and evening newscasts as well as the station’s lifestyle program “Chicago Today” as well as contributing to digital and social platforms.

“Growing up in south suburban Dolton and having lived in the Chicago area my entire life, I’ve long been a fan and viewer of NBC 5 Chicago,” said Roeper in the statement. “I’m thrilled to be joining an incredible team led by (NBC Chicago President and General Manager) Kevin Cross and the best newsroom leader in the business, Sally Ramirez, who have put together one of the very best on-air and behind-the-scenes teams in local television today. I’m ready to get to work and bring my insights, reviews, and more to NBC 5 Chicago viewers wherever and whenever they watch.”

Roeper has over 35 years of experience in the media industry. He started in the city as a reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times and eventually became a columnist and the publication’s film critic. 

After Chicago Tribune film critic Gene Siskel died, Roeper joined the late Roger Ebert, for eight seasons of the syndicated entertainment show “Ebert & Roeper.”

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Roeper joins WMAQ after spending eight years at WLS, the market’s ABC-owned station. He also worked for WLS during a separate run from 2011 to 2015. He has also worked at WFLD, Chicago’s Fox-owned station, and WBBM, the CBS-owned property.

Roeper marks the latest in a series of hires WMAQ has made from former WLS personalities, including investigative reporter Chuck Goudie. WMAQ also snapped up food critic Steve Dolinsky in 2021, though he exited the station in 2026.