‘It’s Academic’ returns for 62nd season on a new station; WTOP’s Howard returns as host

WTOP’s Hillary Howard returns as host of ‘It’s Academic’ next month. (Courtesy Hillary Howard)

The quiz show “It’s Academic” is coming back for its 62nd season in a new broadcast home, and with a familiar host.

Public TV station WETA announced on Thursday that “It’s Academic” is moving to their airwaves starting with the debut of the new season Oct. 29.



WTOP’s Hillary Howard will return as host, a role she’s had since 2011, the station said.

“WETA is delighted to welcome ‘It’s Academic’ to our air,” WETA President and CEO Sharon Percy Rockefeller said in a statement. “The talented students on the show inspire us all as they demonstrate their love of learning, teamwork, and friendly competition. ‘It’s Academic’ is a perfect fit for WETA.”

Howard agreed, noting that both the show and station began in 1961, adding, “They both believed then, as now, that knowledge unlocks opportunity. For 61 years, they each invested in exceptional programming to educate our region’s kids and promote love of learning. I can’t wait to join the WETA family!”

The season debut will feature three Virginia teams: Herndon High School in Herndon; Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington, and W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax.

“It’s Academic” will air Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. and repeat at 7 p.m. on WETA PBS and WETA Metro.

Rick Massimo

Rick Massimo came to WTOP, and to Washington, in 2013 after having lived in Providence, R.I., since he was a child. He's the author of "A Walking Tour of the Georgetown Set" and "I Got a Song: A History of the Newport Folk Festival."

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