Richard Roeper is heading to NBC 5 Chicago as the station's new entertainment and culture contributor, the station announced Monday. The veteran film critic is set to start this Friday on both TV and digital, serving up reviews, feature stories and cultural commentary across newscasts and online platforms. For Chicago viewers, it means a very familiar critic stepping back into a local TV scene that has recently been reshaped by studio upgrades and a wave of high-profile on-air additions.
What Roeper Will Cover
NBC 5 said Roeper will be a regular presence on the weekday Chicago Today program and across the station’s digital channels, with his first on-air segments scheduled for this Friday. "Richard is a respected and notable voice in Chicago media," said Sally Ramirez, NBC 5's senior vice president of news, and Roeper added, "I’m ready to get to work and bring my insights, reviews, and more to NBC 5 Chicago viewers wherever and whenever they watch," according to NBC Chicago.
From Sun‑Times To RogerEbert.com
Roeper spent nearly four decades at the Chicago Sun‑Times, where he became one of the city’s most recognizable bylines, and moved onto the national stage in 2000 when he was chosen to co‑host Ebert & Roeper. After taking a buyout from the Sun‑Times in March 2025, he kept reviewing films and television projects and, in May 2025, signed on with RogerEbert.com as a regular contributor.
Where This Fits Locally
Roeper’s arrival comes as NBC 5 has consolidated its operations into refurbished studios at NBC Tower and briefly grabbed the top spot in Chicago’s 10 p.m. ratings in February, helped by a run of major network events. The station’s studio overhaul and recent momentum were outlined by the Chicago Tribune.
Why It Matters
For viewers, Roeper brings a familiar critical voice who can deliver more in-depth cultural pieces and reviews that translate easily across broadcast and streaming platforms. Axios notes that his hire is part of a broader strategy at NBC 5 to stack its lineup with recognizable Chicago media personalities as the station leans further into personality-driven local coverage.
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