Fans had mixed reviews for CNN‘s historic simulcast of George Clooney‘s smash Broadway play, ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’
CNN made history Saturday night, becoming the first network to simulcast a live Broadway show, according to the network.
Clooney, 64, portrays legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow in the play, which he also wrote with his creative partner Grant Heslov, based on the 2005 film of the same name that he starred in, directed and co-wrote with Heslov.
The play opened to strong reviews and earned five Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Actor for Clooney, who is facing a lawsuit over his Casamigos tequila brand.
The production has also been just as much a commercial hit as it’s been a critical smash, becoming the first Broadway play in history to gross $4 million in one week.
While many viewers praised CNN for increasing accessibility to Broadway, some slammed the network for taking time away from important news coverage.
‘Appreciate CNN airing Good Night and Good Luck. Very relevant,’ one person said. ‘What a treat, a great play streamed live last night,’ said another.
‘Really enjoyed tonight’s @CNN broadcast of the Broadway production of «Good Night, and Good Luck.» Really well done. I hope they rebroadcast it at some point for those who missed it,’ a third person said.
CNN made history Saturday night with its simulcast of George Clooney’s smash Broadway play, ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’
Clooney portrays legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow in the play, which he also wrote with his creative partner Grant Heslov, based on the 2005 film of the same name that he starred in
‘The montage at the end of ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ deserves to be seen by all,’ added a fourth.
‘Good Night, and Good Luck Live is just proving that theatre SHOULD be regularly broadcasted or made available to stream,’ another person said.
‘Love CNN live-streaming Clooney’s Good Night and Good Luck. Broadway needs to do more of this,’ said a sixth.
Some critics bashed CNN for not covering the news of the day during the broadcast time and thought the topic of the play was ironic given anchor Jake Tapper’s book controversy.
‘Fox News is running this stuff, meanwhile over at CNN they’re Wall-To-Wall with a Broadway production of «Good Night, And Good Luck» starring George Clooney … in case you want to know who’s more useful for actual news between the two,’ one persons said.
‘CNN choosing to broadcast Good Night, and Good Luck might be the most hilarious moment of the year so far,’ said another.
‘This network has become a complete joke in the era of Trump and CNN suddenly decides to broadcast a story about the importance maintaining journalistic integrity.’
A third person said, ‘The irony of @cnn simulcasting «Good Night and Good Luck» is surely lost on @jaketapper and a bevy of news execs.’
The show’s limited run wraps on Sunday after the matinee, and then many of the cast and crew will head over Radio City Music Hall for the Tony Awards.
Clooney has been active in the Broadway community since his debut in March, and is regularly seen participating in the softball league.
The Hollywood icon had to dye his gray hair a dark brown color for the part, which has been met with mixed reactions.
He told Seth Meyers on his late night show that his wife Alma Clooney thinks the dye job is ‘funny,’ but will be ‘glad when it’s gone.’
