Richard Roeper: A Legacy of Journalism and Film Criticism
Richard Roeper has spent nearly four decades as a prominent fixture in American media, evolving from a local news reporter in Chicago to a nationally recognized film critic and broadcast personality. Known for his accessible style and sharp observational skills, Roeper's career spans print journalism, radio, television, and digital media.
Early Career and Rise at the Chicago Sun-Times
Roeper began his professional journey in 1986 as an editorial assistant in the features department of the Chicago Sun-Times. He started as a freelancer before transitioning into a news reporter role. During these formative years, he covered a wide array of local events and general news, with a particular emphasis on sports—specifically the Chicago White Sox, reflecting his lifelong passion for the team.
By the late 1980s, Roeper shifted toward general-interest column writing. He became a full-time columnist in 1988, eventually producing four columns per week by 1989. His work during this era balanced serious social commentary, such as his 1989 piece on gentrification titled "When the changing neighborhood is yours," with lighter analyses of pop culture and political rhetoric.
Throughout his first decade, Roeper developed a signature voice characterized by humor and accessibility. By utilizing personal anecdotes and simple language, he successfully connected with the "MTV generation." This relatable approach helped his syndicated Sunday features reach over 100 newspapers by the early 1990s, and he was repeatedly voted the best columnist in Illinois by the Associated Press.
Expansion into Broadcasting and Authorship
Beyond the newsroom, Roeper established a significant presence in radio and television. He hosted programs on several Chicago stations, including WLS AM 890, WLUP-FM, WLS-FM, and WMVP-AM. From April 2010 to October 2014, he co-hosted The Roe & Roeper Show with Roe Conn on WLS 890.
His television work is equally diverse. He served as a film critic for CBS in Chicago for three years in the early 2000s and later joined the cast of the Fox Chicago morning show Good Day Chicago from 2015 to 2017. He also contributed to Windy City Live and Windy City Weekend for WLS-TV. Additionally, he hosted the monthly documentary series Starz Inside on the Starz network.
Roeper is also a prolific author, having written seven books covering topics such as urban legends, conspiracy theories, the Chicago White Sox, and movies. In 2010, he released a book on gambling titled Bet the House.
The Evolution of a Film Critic
Roeper's transition into film criticism began in the mid-1990s when he started filling in for the legendary Roger Ebert at the Chicago Sun-Times. His role expanded in 1999, leading to daily reviews that were syndicated nationally.
Following the death of Gene Siskel in February 1999, Roger Ebert sought a permanent co-host for his review program. After ten guest appearances, Roeper was selected for the role. The show was renamed Ebert & Roeper and the Movies in 2000, and later shortened to Ebert & Roeper in 2001. Roeper remained with the show until August 2008.
After Roger Ebert's passing in April 2013, Roeper eventually became the primary movie critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, officially taking the first-string position in August 2014. In this capacity, he expanded his coverage to include television and streaming content. He is also a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association.
Digital Transition and Recent Projects
In 2009, Roeper launched his own website to host reviews, blogs, and video content, the latter of which was initially produced in partnership with Starz. He later contributed video reviews to ReelzChannel from 2010 until 2015.
In recent years, Roeper has embraced podcasting. He hosted The Richard Roeper Show (formerly Screen Time with Roe and Roeper) until December 2025. In October 2025, he launched The Movie of Your Life, a podcast exploring the intersection of cinema and personal experience, featuring guests such as Chaz Ebert.
Key Facts
- Career Span: 39 years at the Chicago Sun-Times (1986–2025).
- Major TV Role: Co-host of Ebert & Roeper.
- Authorship: Wrote seven books, including Bet the House.
- Broadcasting: Contributor to WMAQ-TV (joined April 2026) and various Chicago radio stations.
- Syndication: Columns have been distributed worldwide via The New York Times.
| Period | Role/Platform | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1986–1988 | Chicago Sun-Times | Editorial Assistant & News Reporter |
| 1988–2025 | Chicago Sun-Times | General Columnist & Film Critic |
| 2000–2008 | Ebert & Roeper | Television Film Criticism |
| 2010–2014 | WLS 890 | Co-host of The Roe & Roeper Show |
| 2025–Present | Independent/WMAQ-TV | Podcasting & TV Contribution |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Richard Roeper leave the Chicago Sun-Times?
Richard Roeper accepted a buyout to terminate his employment with the Sun-Times on March 19, 2025, ending a 39-year tenure. His final review for the paper was for the movie Snow White, published on March 20, 2025.
How did Richard Roeper become Roger Ebert's co-host?
After the death of Gene Siskel in 1999, Roger Ebert hosted his show with various guest critics. Roeper appeared on the program ten times before being offered the permanent co-hosting position in 2000.
What books has Richard Roeper written?
Roeper has written seven books covering a variety of subjects, including the Chicago White Sox, urban legends, conspiracy theories, movies, and a book on gambling titled Bet the House (2010).
Has Richard Roeper faced any professional controversies?
In January 2018, Roeper was suspended from the Sun-Times following an investigation which found he had purchased over 25,000 fake Twitter followers. He was later reinstated under the condition that he use a new account and refrain from buying followers.
What is the focus of his latest podcast?
Launched in October 2025, The Movie of Your Life explores the connections between beloved films and the life experiences of its guests.