Former U.S. Senator Al Franken announced on Wednesday he was launching a weekly radio show on SiriusXM, marking a return to the public sphere for the former lawmaker who resigned from the Senate in 2017 amid sexual misconduct allegations .
“The Al Franken Show” premieres Saturday morning and will cover topics including politics, entertainment, media and world affairs, according to a press release from SiriusXM.
Franken has planned a number of public events this fall around the launch of the talk show. He will be a guest on Thursday night’s episode of “Conan,” which will be his first late-night television interview since stepping down. He also has appearances in cities across the country. The first event – “An Evening with Al Franken” in Portland, Oregon next week – is sold out. In mid-October, Franken will travel to Iron Range, where he will be the keynote speaker at a fundraiser hosted by the local DFL Party.
Franken’s radio show is a throwback to his past life in comedy and political commentary. The former “Saturday Night Live” editor hosted an Air America radio show, also called “The Al Franken Show,” for several years before running for office.
The new talk show will air on SiriusXM’s progressive chat channel, 127, and will air at 9 a.m. Saturday. Comedian Chris Rock will be his first guest, and future guests include former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and comedian Patton Oswalt, according to SiriusXM.
“I’m thrilled to be back on SiriusXM, which aired my Air America show at the time,” Franken said in a statement.
In addition to his own schedule, Franken will be part of the SiriusXM team covering 2020 races and events leading up to Election Day.
As the radio show gives Franken a wider platform to reach listeners, he began interviewing similar guests in May for “The Al Franken Podcast” which he posted on his website and channel. Youtube.
“When I left the Senate, I said that while I gave up my seat, I would not give up my vote,” Franken wrote on his website. “…Since I left, so many people have asked me to re-enter the fray. Fred, here I come!
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