InfoMania

History

InfoMania was a Current TV program that began as short, three-to-five-minute segments airing at the top of the hour. Before July 2007, it was known alternately as Google Current and Current Buzz, and it was part of the network's original lineup when Current TV launched in August 2005. The show eventually expanded into a full half-hour format. Its tone and style drew comparisons to The Daily Show, using comedy to cover American pop culture—from bizarre news and viral videos to video games, movies, and music. The original executive producer was Madeleine Smithberg, a co-creator of The Daily Show. David Nickoll later served as executive producer, but for most of the show's run, Jeffrey Plunkett held that role. In September 2010, the show faced significant backlash from fans on Facebook and Current TV's website. The complaints started after the network removed full episodes from its site and added a live studio audience. Current TV responded by dropping the live audience, but it continued to withhold full episodes from the internet. Host Conor Knighton announced his departure on January 12, 2011. Brett Erlich took over as host on January 20, 2011, with a new set but the same correspondents. On July 1, 2011, Erlich revealed that the July 15 episode would be the last. The show typically aired Thursdays at 11 pm ET/8 pm PT, moving to Friday nights in its final month. Clips from the show remain available on platforms like Hulu. InfoMania was produced on the same Hollywood lot as the series Mad Men.