Observers were surprised to see George Clooney perform live on CNN’s Good Night, and viewers were taken aback by the unexpected discovery

The recognition of another actor in the film caught viewers off guard as they tuned in to watch George Clooney star in Good Night, and Good Luck live on CNN.

The show was broadcast live on CNN from New York City’s Winter Garden Theatre. For the first time in history, a Broadway production was televised live on national television. In order to broadcast the play to viewers at home, more than 20 cameras were placed throughout the theater, CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper stated during pre-show coverage.

Clooney, who portrayed renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow in his Broadway debut, was nominated for a Tony Award. Following Murrow’s historic on-air confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy, the play was adapted from the 2005 movie of the same name, which Clooney co-wrote the screenplay for, directed, and starred in as television producer Fred Friendly.

The cast also included comedian Ilana Glazer, Mac Brandt, Will Dagger, Christopher Denham, Glenn Fleshler, Clark Gregg, Paul Gross, Georgia Heers, Carter Hudson, Fran Kranz, Jennifer Morris, Michael Nathanson, Andrew Polk, Aaron Roman Weiner, R. Ward Duffy, Joe Forbrich, Imani Rousselle, Greg Stuhr, JD Taylor, and Sophia Tzougros. Clooney, to the delight of his fans, dyed his hair for the part.

When many fans tuned in, they were pleasantly surprised to learn that Glazer was featuring in the show. As producer and writer Shirley Wershba, Glazer, who co-created the Comedy Central program Broad City, portrayed the role.

One fan commented on X, “Whoa, there’s Ilana Glazer in this Good Night and Good Luck play? That’s fantastic.”.

Another asked, “When is Ilana Glazer in Good Night and Good Luck on Broadway?????????????”.

A third wrote, “How did I not know that Ilana Glazer was in the George Clooney play?”.

However, the story’s current relevance, particularly Clooney’s dialogue as Murrow criticizing McCarthy for his actions, also caught fans off guard.

“At this moment, you should put down whatever you’re doing and watch Good Night and Good Luck.”. One viewer commented on X, “So much of this dialogue perfectly ensconces the current Trump administration.”.

“Great social commentary. Regards, CNN. And thanks, George Clooney,” another person said.

Another person commented, “What a lovely moment from George Clooney on Good Night and Good Luck! Of course, the speech is so relevant today!”.

“George Clooney for President! How ironic that he mentioned Edward Murrow in his live broadcast tonight.”. Another person questioned, “Is he attempting to alert Americans to Trump’s insanity?

“Good Night, Good Luck” is currently playing on CNN. America, pay attention—this is happening in our nation once more at the moment. Today, the new McCarthyism is still very much alive and well. Be extremely watchful,” said another viewer.

“I can’t tell you how exciting it is to do something that’s never been done,” Clooney said when CNN announced the live broadcast. This brave story will reach far more people than we could have ever imagined thanks to CNN. Watch live television. No net. Hold on tight, everyone. “”.

As the broadcast got underway, viewers appeared to feel the same way, cheering the historic occasion and making remarks about how accessible it was to bring Broadway into people’s homes across the nation.

It’s a lot of fun to watch Good Night, Good Luck on CNN. I think it’s fantastic that Broadway and theater are becoming more accessible to all. Additionally, this play is extremely pertinent to current events worldwide, particularly in the United States,” someone commented on X.

So far, this live Good Night and Good Luck broadcast is fantastic, and I hope it leads to even more Broadway on television. “Well-timed for the conclusion of a brief run that is well beyond recovery, and accessible to those who are not in New York City and/or cannot afford those ticket prices,” commented another.

“Seeing Good Night and Good Luck live is really awesome! I love it when live theater is accessible!” added a third.

All that “Good Night, and Good Luck Live” is doing is demonstrating why theaters ought to be regularly aired or streamed. Another person commented, “I would love to see something from Broadway or the West End every other Saturday like DO THIS MORE.”.

Good Night and Good Luck, which was directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, began a brief run on Broadway on April 3. The production closes on June 8 and received five Tony nominations. It became the first Broadway play to earn over $4 million in a single week after its premiere.

Clooney, Grant Heslov, Deena Katz, Todd Wagner, and Jeff Skoll served as executive producers of the live broadcast on Saturday night.