‘Samantha Bee’ parts ways with showrunner
Jo Miller, the executive producer and head writer of “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” since its debut in 2016, has parted ways with the show, TBS confirmed on Monday. “Jo is an incredibly talented writer who has played an invaluable role in the creation and success of the ‘Full Frontal with Samantha Bee’ franchise over the past two years,” a spokeswoman for TBS said in a statement. “We are grateful for her contributions and wish her continued success.” Left unsaid was why Miller is no longer with the show, which has had relatively strong ratings for a weekly comedy program. She did not respond to an email seeking comment. “Full Frontal” set itself apart as the rare latenight show with a woman as the host and with a female showrunner.
It has also been one of the most aggressive in taking on President Donald Trump. Under the guidance of Miller and Bee, “Full Frontal” often has used the show as a platform for politics in a way that most comedy shows do not, such as undertaking a T-shirt fundraiser for Planned Parenthood. There was also the “Not the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” an alternative to the official dinner; it featured reporters who wanted to toast the media without the awkwardness of doing so with Trump. It won an Emmy for writing for a variety special. Before helming “Full Frontal,” Miller was a longtime writer for “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central.