Overview
- Kurtis, 85, informed staff of his decision in a memo this week as NPR shared his remarks about the show's joy and energy.
- His last official broadcast is slated for the weekend of May 23, 2026, which falls on Memorial Day weekend.
- He plans to remain involved on a limited basis, returning as a fill-in judge and scorekeeper after stepping down.
- Producers have not announced a permanent replacement, and comedian and Vice correspondent Alzo Slade has recently filled in.
- Kurtis joined the program in 2014 after Carl Kasell’s tenure, and colleagues plan a send-off celebrating his voice and humor.