The McLaughlin Group is returning to television, with the American politics panel discussion show that ran for decades and ended after the death of John McLaughlin in August 2016, that is being revived with former panelist Tom Rogan as the new centre-seat moderator.
The new The McLaughlin Group is also getting a facelift for the new digital television era.
In August this year, Tom Rogan created a pilot episode exactly a year after John McLaughlin's death for possible pick-up, with the weekly and iconic "hardest talk" politics discussion show that is now being revived.
The first new weekly episode of the new The McLaughlin Group will kick off on 7 January 2018, American's WJLA TV station announced, but the show will also be available to watch digitally worldwide.
Besides Tom Rogan, the entire former panel is returning, including the longtime panelists Eleanor Clift, Pat Buchanan and Clarence Page.
"Tom Rogan, in his early 30s, has been working in Washington DC as a respected political journalist and national TV commentator, and is not shy about expressing his opinions on major issues of the day," says the announcement by WJLA about The McLaughlin Group's TV return.
"His cool demeanor will drive a lively yet respectful debate amongst his esteemed panelists. A weekly rotating guest panelist will also join the group. This is the time, now more than ever, for balanced debate".
Tom Rogan (31) says The McLauglin Group "has never been more necessary" since the increased attention to the American political sphere since the election of Donald Trump as American president.
"John McLaughlin was my mentor and a very close friend."
"I can never fill his shoes, but I believe The McLaughlin Group's unique blend of unfiltered news and unrestrained analysis has never been more necessary. With determination and mutual respect, the panel and myself will deliver for our viewers".
In South Africa the excellent The McLauglin Group was carried on CNBC Africa (DStv 410) for several years before it was dumped, but became available for free with episodes streaming on YouTube for viewers worldwide.
