CNN to air comedy special featuring Matt Friend ahead of White House Correspondents Dinner weekend

CNN will air a political satire and late-night comedy special hosted by comedian Matt Friend, known for his spot-on impersonations of celebrities and politicians on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The special will feature a performance taped in front of a live audience in Washington, D.C. as part of festivities around the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

The hour will feature a monologue from Friend as well as appearances from special guests and surprise elements, according to the network.

“Comedy and politics have always had a unique connection, and I’m excited to bring that bipartisan energy to Washington with CNN for this special. We are in an increasingly divided country and world. For my show with CNN, I aim to poke fun at everyone and allow room for all to laugh in a Johnny Carson spirit,” said Friend in a statement.

“For decades, from Sid Caesar and Carson to Norm MacDonald and Bill Maher, comedians have helped us reflect on public life in America. As Aristophanes said, ‘Comedy is allied to justice.’ This is going to be a truly fun, unpredictable night of impressions, satire, and surprises, and I can’t wait for people to see it,” he added.

Friend’s impressions span more than 250 voices, including Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Timothee Chalamet, Paul Giamatti and Howard Stern. I

In 2024, Friend hosted the NHL Awards and delivered a surprise performance for President Joe Biden at that year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Earlier in 2026, he served as a red-carpet host during ABC’s coverage of the 2026 Oscars, helping drive a 13% viewership increase.

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The comedy special will stream and be available on demand for CNN’s streaming subscribers and pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps and cable operator platforms.