Pod Save America, the twice-a-week hit podcast that boasts a “no bullsh*t conversation about politics,” will join HBO’s slate in the fall with a series of specials. Its co-hosts include President Barack Obama’s former aides: speechwriter Jon Favreau, Senior Advisor Dan Pfeiffer and National Security spokesperson Tommy Vietor — along with Jon Lovett, who wrote and produced for HBO’s The Newsroom.

Premiering October 12, the series of hour-long specials on the sure-to-be contentious campaign trail will be produced in partnership with Favreau’s, Vietor’s and Lovett’s company, Crooked Media.



“The best part of Pod Save America is taking the show on the road and meeting activists, candidates and people who are getting involved in politics for the first time,” say Favreau, Lovett and Vietor. “They know that the 2018 midterms are the most important elections of our lifetime, and the energy and excitement on the campaign trail is infectious. We are so grateful that HBO is taking a chance on us, even though these live shows will have so few dragons and sex robots.”

Pod Save America debuted in January 2017 and, in addition to 175 million downloads, has welcomed numerous high-profile activists, journalists and government officials, including President Obama, presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, plus Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Cory Booker.

The acquisition, to be executive produced by Favreau, Lovett and Vietor, marks HBO’s second podcast turned TV special, following 2 Dope Queens, now a four-part comedy event.