John Oliver is leaving 'The Daily Show' for own HBO program

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- British comedian John Oliver, a longtime correspondent for "The Daily Show," has confirmed he is getting his own weekly program on HBO.

EW.com reported the as-yet-untitled show will premiere next year.

"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," HBO Programming President Michael Lombardo said in a statement Thursday, referring to how Oliver filled in when "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart went on hiatus to direct a film last summer. "We are extremely excited that John has agreed to make HBO his home."

"I'm incredibly excited to be joining HBO, especially as I presume this means I get free HBO now," Oliver said. "I want to thank Comedy Central, and everyone at 'The Daily Show' for the best 7 1/2 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."