Alec Baldwin’s own talk show on NBC? What could be better? The network made the announcement on Thursday afternoon, less than two weeks after the birth of the actor's daughter, Carmen Gabriela. It’s a good time to be Alec Baldwin right now. The new MSNBC project does seem like a good match, with the relationship between Baldwin and the network spanning all seven seasons of the now cancelled 30 Rock, not to mention Baldwin’s work with Saturday Night Live, which includes sixteen hosting gigs and too many sketches and cameos to count.

Alec Baldwin, Manhattan
The newly-minted father of two is already diving back into work.

The new project is going in a slightly different direction, however. Instead of doing comedy, Baldwin will host what the network describes as a “current events and culture talk show.” The actor does have some experience in the field, having hosted a similar podcast on WNYC since 2011. On it, he has interviewed public figures from athletes to policy-makers. It looks like NBC drafting him for a similar format was a pretty safe bet on their part.

Alec Baldwin, Manhattan
The show will be like a podcast, but different, according to MSNBC.

“After two seasons of my WNYC podcast, I’ve developed a fondness for hosting a show that involved talking with smart, talented, and engaging people in every imaginable field,” Baldwin said in a statement. “I’m grateful to MSNBC for helping me bring a similar show to television.” The show will kick off in October and air every Friday at 10-11 p.m. ET.

“I’ve been talking with Alec for a while and can’t wait to bring his personality and eclectic interests to MSNBC,” said Phil Griffin, president of MSNBC. “He’s got such passion for ideas and what’s going on in the world–he’s going to be a great addition to our line-up.”

After all that praise, there’s no way to not tune in at least for the premiere.

Alec Baldwin, Manhattan
The deal caps off a long and productive relationship between Baldwin and the network.