John Oliver's Comedy Star Continues to Rise with HBO Series in 2014

John Oliver has been rewarded for his successful stint as Jon Stewart's temporary replacement this summer on The Daily Show with his own topical series on HBO beginning in 2014, the network announced on Thursday (November 14, 2013).

"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 Michael Lombardo, president of HBO programming, "We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home."

Oliver will be leaving The Daily Show, where he has been a writer and correspondent since 2006, a Comedy Central spokesman confirmed.

" 'The Daily Show' and Comedy Central have a proud tradition of identifying and developing some of the greatest comedic voices of this generation. John Oliver is the next of a long line of 'Daily Show' alums that have moved on to do great things in the world of comedy. We wish him the very best," said Comedy Central in a statement.

Oliver's as-yet-untitled show will "take a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events" and will air in a prestigious Sunday slot - a clear sign of confidence in the British comedian. It is yet to be determined whether the show will be an hour long - like 'Real Time With Bill Maher'- or a half-hour, like 'The Daily Show.'

Oliver stepped in as host of The Daily Show for 12 weeks this summer while Stewart was in Jordan shooting his directorial debut Rosewater. He gained universal praise for his performance, opening his first show by quipping, "I am John Oliver and let's all just acknowledge for a moment that this is weird. This looks weird, it feels weird, it even sounds weird-and this is my actual voice."

Oliver was a member of the Cambridge Footlights, the comedy troupe run by students of Cambridge University, with contemporaries including David Mitchell and Richard Ayoade. He found early fame at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before moving to New York and landing a job on The Daily Show - a role he got on the recommendation of British comedian Ricky Gervais.

John Oliver With Partner Kate Norley, the former U.S. Army Medic