Al Franken Is Back? Former Minnesota Senator Returns To Public Eye With New Radio Show

Former U.S. Senator and comedian Al Franken is making his public return with a new radio show on SiriusXM radio show. Franken resigned from the Senate in 2017 following allegations of sexual misconduct, making him one of the first major public figures to get caught up in the #MeToo movement.

“I miss the Senate a lot but I'm not there so I want to be a voice,” Franken told CBS News about his desire to create the new program.

The currently unnamed show will broadcast weekly on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. on Sirius Progress, and will mainly feature interviews with politicians, entertainers, and major figures from other fields. Some of the first guests lined up include comedians Chris Rock and Patton Oswalt, as well as former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Franken said that the idea for this new show grew out of conversations he had on his podcast. With the upcoming presidential election on the horizon, Franken said there are many topics of public concern that he is keen to discuss.

Franken served as a Democratic Senator representing Minnesota from 2009 to 2018. He was driven to resign after numerous women, including radio host Leeann Tweeden, accused him of unwanted groping or kissing. A report in July by New Yorker journalist Jane Mayer showed some inaccuracies in Tweeden's allegations.

In addition to his political career, Franken also served as a writer and performer on “Saturday Night Live.” He also previously hosted “The Al Franken Show,” a progressive radio talk show, from 2004-2007.