Bill Maher is getting more time for “Real Time” at HBO and its parent, Warner Bros. Discovery.
HBO has renewed the program for two more season, meaning that it will be served up via HBO and its streaming counterpart, Max, through 2026. “Two more years in the dream job of a lifetime, on the network so many dream of being on — I think that’s what we call a no-brainer,” Maher said in a statement.
The renewal keeps the acerbic comedian and commentator dishing out “New Rules” for the foreseeable future, which includes the 2024 presidential election, and, most likely, developments on issues close to Maher’s heart, including climate change, Donald Trump’s proposed political polices and liberal overreach.
“For 22 seasons and counting, Bill Maher remains a uniquely powerful voice in politics and culture. ‘Real Time’ is the rare place where people can both disagree and find common ground, which is more vital than ever,” said Nina Rosenstein, executive vice president of late night and specials for HBO Programming, in a statement. We’re thrilled to continue working with Bill and his incredibly talented team for two more seasons.”
Maher has led “Real Time” on HBO since 2003, setting up shop after the network after a controversial stint at ABC, where he led the late-night roundtable program “Politically Incorrect,” where he once suggested viewers take a different look at the terrorists who destroyed the World Trade Center in 2001, and not call them cowards. Pushback to the statement made ABC less eager to keep the program on the air.
He has maintained his outspokenness since arriving at HBO, and has expanded his purview by doing 12 different comedy specials for the network, Maher headlined his first special on the network in 1989 and has starred in 12 HBO solo specials to date. “I’m not politically correct and the audience should know that. I’ve only been on TV for 22 years! I come pre-advertised. I think the brand is plain,” the comedian told Variety in 2015.
The series was last renewed for two years at HBO in 2021. Executive producers of “Real Time'” are Bill Maher, Sheila Griffiths, Marc Gurvitz, Dean Johnsen and Billy Martin. Chris Kelly is co-executive producer. Matt Wood is producer. Paul Casey is director.
