John Oliver to Leave Daily Show, Host HBO Comedy Series

John Oliver is leaving one cable network for another.

The comedian, who filled in more than admirably for Jon Stewart on The Daily Show this summer, is leaving his post as a correspondent on that Comedy Central smash and moving to HBO.

He'll host a weekly comedy series there that will skewer current events and premiere in early 2014.

“We weren’t otherwise searching for another weekly talk show, but when we saw John Oliver handling host duties on The Daily Show, we knew that his singular perspective and distinct voice belonged on HBO,” said HBO president Michael Lombardo in a statement. “We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home.”

Added Oliver in a statement:

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining HBO, especially as I presume this means I get free HBO now. I want to thank Comedy Central, and everyone at The Daily Show for the best seven and a half years of my life. But most of all, I’d like to thank Jon Stewart. He taught me everything I know. In fact, if I fail in the future, it’s entirely his fault.”

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.