How to Watch and Stream George Clooney’s ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ Live

George Clooney is making history with his five-time Tony-nominated play Good Night, and Good Luck. 

On Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m. ET, CNN will air his stage adaptation of the 2005 film of the same name — marking the first-ever televised Broadway performance. 

“I can’t tell you how exciting it is to do something that’s never been done,” the Wolfs star said in a statement. “CNN is the perfect place to bring this story of courage to so many more people than we could have ever hoped. Live TV. No net. Buckle up everyone.”

Good Night, and Good Luck chronicles CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow’s pivotal 1954 broadcast challenging Senator Joseph McCarthy, which helped turn public opinion against his anti-Communist campaign.

Though Clooney played producer Fred Friendly in the 2005 film, he stars as Murrow in the stage production. The cast also includes Clark Gregg, Ilana Glazer, Glenn Fleshler and Carter Hudson. 

The play, which opened in April 2025 at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City, marks the Oscar-winning actor’s first time on Broadway. 

Here’s everything to know about George Clooney’s play Good Night, and Good Luck, including the plot and how to watch it live on TV.

What is Good Night, and Good Luck about?

Set in the 1950s, Good Night, and Good Luck recounts the real-life CBS broadcast that contributed to the downfall of Senator McCarthy. Murrow challenged the politician’s fear-mongering tactics on-air, calling out his tendency to label anyone who opposed him — including the journalist himself — a communist.

The story originated in Clooney’s 2005 Oscar-nominated film, which he co-wrote, directed and starred in. He again partnered with co-writer Grant Heslov to pen the Broadway adaptation.

How can I watch CNN’s special presentation of Good Night, and Good Luck?

Good Night, and Good Luck will be televised on CNN on June 7 at 7 p.m. ET. Viewers can tune in on CNN, CNN International and CNN.com, with no cable login required. The show will also air live on Max.

The night will kick off with host Pamela Brown‘s pre-show coverage at 6:30 p.m. outside of the Winter Garden Theatre, followed by the live play which runs for approximately one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

The broadcast will end with an exclusive post-show special hosted by Anderson Cooper to discuss the production and the state of global journalism.

“You want it to be a big event. You want it to land big,” CNN Originals’ executive vice president of talent Amy Entelis told The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the broadcast.

If you’re craving more, the original movie is available for purchase on AppleTV, Prime Video and YouTube.

Is Good Night, and Good Luck a true story?

Yes, Good Night, and Good Luck is based on the real-life conflict between Murrow and Senator McCarthy and the CBS broadcast that helped expose him. In 1954, Murrow reported on the Red Scare and the Wisconsin senator’s role in fueling the hysteria as chair of the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

“The actions of the junior senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies,” Murrow said during the now-infamous See It Now episode examining McCarthy’s methods, per CBS. 

He continued, “And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn’t create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it — and rather successfully.”

Following the broadcast, McCarthy accused Murrow of engaging in Communist propaganda, which Murrow denied.

The response only accelerated McCarthy’s downfall. He was formally censured by the Senate in December 1954 for abusing his committee powers, effectively ending his political influence. He died three years later of acute hepatic failure, per The New York Times.

Who is in the cast of the play Good Night, and Good Luck?

In addition to Clooney, who plays Murrow in the stage production, Good Night, and Good Luck features a stellar cast portraying the real-life people behind the landmark broadcast. 

The political drama stars Fleshler as See It Now coproducer Fred Friendly, Gregg as CBS journalist Don Hollenbeck, Hudson as CBS correspondent Joe Wershba and Glazer as CBS journalist Shirley Wershba.

While portraying Shirley, the Broad City alum met her real-life counterpart, the only person from Murrow’s CBS team still alive.

“Shirley Wershba is not a household name, but she’s a founding foremother of broadcast journalism,” Glazer captioned a series of Instagram pictures from their meeting in May 2025. “Shirley’s zest for life, curiosity and strength was infectious.”

How long does Good Night, and Good Luck run on Broadway?

Good Night, and Good Luck closes its theatrical run on June 8. There are two shows (a matinee and an evening performance) on June 7, the latter of which will be televised live on CNN.

The show’s final run will be a matinee the following day.

How can I get Broadway tickets for Good Night, and Good Luck? 

Tickets for live performances are still available and can be purchased on the production’s website. 

What has George Clooney said about Good Night, and Good Luck? 

In a February 2025 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the actor said he was inspired to write the original movie after he was called a traitor for “being against the war in Iraq.” 

“Forever, we’ve had this issue where power kind of hates the fourth estate, they hate journalism,” he said, noting that his father worked in broadcast news. “We’ve always believed in the idea that when the other three estates — the judiciary branch, the executive branch [and the legislative branch] — when they all fail you, you need that fourth estate.”