The Midnight Special is a syndicated radio show broadcast on Chicago, Illinois, radio station, WFMT-FM since 1953. It is a showcase for folk and roots music from historical and contemporary artists. The show also features comedy sketches and show tunes. The official description is: "folk music & farce, show tunes & satire, madness & escape." The show is named after the well known folk song of the same name, which is often associated with Lead Belly, whose version of the song is used as the show's opening theme. The show title also tied into its time slot, as it was broadcast on WFMT near midnight every Saturday. As of 2023 it begins at 9 p.m. and ends at midnight and is Chicago's longest running radio program.