This is How Larry Wilmore Does Race on ‘The Nightly Show’

By Kenrya Rankin Nov 18, 2015

It seems “Keep it 100” is more than a show segment for the host of “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.” During a panel at last weekend’s New York Comedy Festival, Wilmore opened up about the very intentional way he chose his diverse writing staff and his approach to covering race on late night television. Wilmore is one of only two people of color hosting late night television shows on a national stage.

On diversity:
People ask me, “How is your team so diverse?” Because that’s what I wanted. My mission from the beginning was to find people from different backgrounds and hire an eclectic team.

On his duty to cover race issues:
I’ll be honest with you, I remember thinking, I may as well be the one covering this sort of thing and be honest about it, be direct about it and let the chips fall where they may.

On making the show universal:
We look at our show as illuminating issues that should be important to everybody. We come from the viewpoint of the underdog.

The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” airs on Comedy Central weeknights at 11:30 p.m.

(H/t Entertainment Weekly, Headlines and Global News)