Comcast TV Network

Comcast TV Network

Paul has been an on air host for the Comcast Network and its predecessors since 1986. Beginning with Continental Cablevision to AT&T Universal and other steps along the way to the current Comcast Xfinity Network.

In 1986, Paul hosted the Live Call-in TV show “Inside Your Government.” It was followed by “The Journal,” a Newsmagazine, and regular entertainment segments for a show called “Prime Time Chicago.”

This page is dedicated to Paul’s work as anchor of Newsmakers which he has hosted for nearly 20 years, and Broadway in Chicago Backstage, a popular show since it’s premiere in 2010.

Comcast NewsMakers

“Comcast Newsmakers” addresses social, political and entertainment topics often with a focus on particular communities.  The five minute program was a twice-an hour staple on HLN for many years, and now airs On Demand on Comcast. Segments are also available on-line at ComcastNewsmakers.com.

If you enjoy my work on the Comcast Network, feel free to subscribe to Xfinity Cable Service at www.Comcast.com

Featured NewsMakers Shows

All Grown Up -The Class Anthony Michael Hall
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Paul on Comcast NewsMakers
All Grown Up -The Class Anthony Michael Hall
Join Anthony Michael Hall as he discusses his career as a teenager to present day. His latest project, The Class, is about high school students where he now plays the role of Assistant Principal.
Document It! Norma Peterson, Document the Abuse
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Paul on Comcast NewsMakers
Document It! Norma Peterson, Document the Abuse
Through personal experience, Document the Abuse was created in an effort for victims to document their abuse. This evidentiary abuse affidavit becomes a meaningful way for victims to document their abuse.
Battling with Courage: Steve McMichael
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Paul on Comcast NewsMakers
Battling with Courage: Steve McMichael
Chicago Bear great Steve McMichael receives the Courage Award from the Les Turner ALS Foundation. McMichael exhibits courage, strength and resilience through his battle with ALS.
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Broadway in Chicago Backstage

Paul began hosting “Broadway in Chicago Backstage” in 2010. The program showcases the stars and creative teams behind the leading shows that come to the major stages in Chicago produced or sponsored by Broadway in Chicago.

From the first show on “Billy Elliott” all the way through Wicked, book of Mormon, Kinky Boots, Hamilton, Tootsie, Dear Evan Hansen and so many others, the half hour show includes in-depth interviews, performance and audience questions.

If you enjoy my work on the Comcast Network, feel free to subscribe to Xfinity Cable Service at www.Comcast.com

Featured Broadway in Chicago Backstage Shows

Paradise Square
Comcast Broadway in Chicago Backstage
Paradise Square
This pre-Broadway production set in 1863 when Irish immigrants escaping the Great Famine settle in Five Points, NY which was home to free and hiding slaves. They live together, intermarry and all is well until Lincoln institutes the Civil War draft which only poor whites got tapped by. The music and choreography is stunning, the show powerful. Produced by Garth Drabinsky (Ragtime, Showboat, Kiss of the Spiderwoman) chose Chicago to do final work on this amazing show before its Broadway debut in Feb of 2022.
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Teatro Zinzanni
Comcast Broadway in Chicago Backstage
Teatro Zinzanni
Combining circus, acrobatics, music, magic…there is almost no way to describe the experience that is Teatro Zinzanni on an open run at the Cambria Hotel. Energized by emcee The Caesar (played by Frank Ferrante), the improve and energy is different every single night. Guests enjoy dinner over a nearly three hour show that leaves you wanting to see it again…and soon!!
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Blue Man Group
Comcast Broadway in Chicago Backstage
Blue Man Group
Playing for over 20 years in Chicago, Blue Man Group is indeed an institution. This Backstage takes us behind the scenes to see how the Blue Men do what they do. You see them out of costume because the blue men cannot speak when they are in blue, so they peal back the costumes to give us insight into the history and magic that has entertained Chicago and the world, and clearly will for years to come.
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Kinky Boots
Comcast Broadway in Chicago Backstage
Kinky Boots
With book by Harvey Fierstein, music by Cyndi Lauper and choreography and direction of the great Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots launched the worldwide recognition of the incomparable Billy Porter and co-stars the charming Stark Sands. Set in England, it’s the story of a failing shoe manufacturing factory that gets saved by realizing it can survive by doing something unconventional: make boots for drag queens. One of the best musicals ever!
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Book of Mormon
Comcast Broadway in Chicago Backstage
Book of Mormon
Created by the geniuses of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this irreverent show took Broadway by storm and launched the career of Ben Platt. This Backstage brings Ben and his co-star Nic Rouleau among others to the stage to talk about the attraction this show has for millions…there was nothing else like it!
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Comcast Specials

Through the years, Paul has hosted several Emmy nominated and Emmy Winning Specials. They have included a look at Honor Flight Chicago (called “Day of Honor”), The legacy of Abraham Lincoln (“Footsteps of Lincoln”), and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (“Site of Remembrance”). Additional programs were full-show interviews with President Barack Obama before his move to the White House, the legendary Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Chicago’s longest serving Mayor Richard M. Daley,” and a look at the history of the iconic Stevenson family as told by Former Illinois Senator Adlai E. Stevenson, III, among other shows.

Featured Comcast Specials

Backstage with Betty White
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Paul Comcast Special
Backstage with Betty White
She was America’s Sweetheart and the First Lady of Television. Having lost her just days before her 100th birthday, here is an in-depth interview with Betty as she reflects back on her long life and blessed career from The Mary Tyler Moore Show to The Golden Girls and a career that always remained fresh and relevant.
Day of Honor
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Paul Comcast Special
Day of Honor
World War II veterans returned home without much fanfare or appreciation for their service. Honor Flight Chicago regularly brings groups of World War II vets to Washington DC for a day where they receive the honors and accolades they should have received 70 years ago. From the moment they arrive at the airport at 4:00am, until they return at night to a hero's welcome, this Emmy award-winning special tracks the amazing day experienced by these amazing veterans with a focus on three of them, war heroes all.
Backstage with Legendary Composer Richard Sherman
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Paul Comcast Special
Backstage with Legendary Composer Richard Sherman
One of the legendary Sherman brothers who wrote so muchy memorable music for Disney films and productions from Mary Poppins to The Jungle Book. Richard sits down for an extensive Backstage interview to reflect on the magical career that he and his late brother Bob were so lucky to enjoy.
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Show Archive

Paul began hosting “Broadway in Chicago Backstage” in 2010. The program showcases the stars and creative teams behind the leading shows that come to the major stages in Chicago. 

Archived Shows

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