Real Time with Bill Maher
| Real Time with Bill Maher | |
|---|---|
| File:Real Time with Bill Maher.jpg Real Time with Bill Maher title | |
| Starring | Bill Maher |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| No. of episodes | 119 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | HBO |
| Release | February 21, 2003 – present |
Real Time with Bill Maher is a talk show that airs weekly on HBO, hosted by comedian and political satirist Bill Maher. Much like his previous show, Politically Incorrect on ABC (and before that, on Comedy Central), Real Time features a panel of guests that discuss current events in politics and the media. Unlike the previous show, guests are usually more well-versed in the subject matter, and there are fewer actors and random celebrities included in the panel. Additionally, many guests appear via satellite.
It is an hour-long program with a studio audience, airing live on Friday nights at 11:00 p.m.(ET). It originates from Studio 33 ("The Bob Barker Studio") at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. Approximately 12 new weekly episodes air in the spring (February to early May), followed by another such set of new episodes in the fall (late August to November). Because of the live, current-events nature of the show, HBO does not re-air old episodes between breaks, though occasionally a repeat will be shown when the program takes a week off during the season.
Show format
The format of the show usually features an opening current events or political skit, followed by the credits and a comedy monologue. Maher then interviews an important figure via satellite before sitting down with three panel guests for an extensive debate. Halfway through the panel session, Maher interviews another figure via satellite or in-studio. Near the end of every episode, Maher has a segment called "New Rules" which serves as a humorous editorial on popular culture and American politics. The final "New Rule" segues into Maher's closing monologue. The guests on Real Time are from all sides of the political spectrum.
Since the show airs on HBO, the participants do not have to restrict their language to conform to broadcast standards.
In the first season, Paul F. Tompkins was featured as a correspondent. Also, every episode would end with a performance by a stand-up comedian, none of which were political satirists. The segments featuring Tompkins and comedians were dropped after the tenth episode. Viewers were also able to call into the live show in the first season and ask questions over the air, but this was also dropped.
Starting with episode 67 in February 2006, audio-only episodes have been made available as a free podcast via the iTunes Store. The podcasts also feature material cut from the show but taped during the studio rehearsal, including New Rules not aired in the final version.
During the fall of 2006, Maher began hosting a live chat (now called "Overtime") on HBO's website following each broadcast, usually including some of the show guests as well. Viewers are invited to submit questions prior to and during the original telecast, for Maher and the guests to answer and discuss afterwards.
The show began broadcasting in high definition format beginning in January 2008. Additionally, the "Overtime" concept was expanded into the show itself, becoming a new segment called "Blogga, Please!". Using HBO's website, viewers can leave comments or questions while the live show is airing at 11 p.m. ET. Maher and the panelists will then respond to selected postings at the end of the show.
The January 11, 2008 episode was the first episode in the series to include neither a "New Rules" segment nor a closing monologue; the Writers Guild was on strike at the time. This also featured the debut of the "Real Time Election Correspondent", a blogger or political pundit who is brought on midway through the show as an extra panelist to offer opinions on the latest campaign happenings.
Politics
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Maher is a critic of the Bush administration; however, his panel attempts to present a more diverse set of views. Frequently, it consists of a liberal commentator or political figure, a conservative commentator or political figure, and a third individual who does not have as clear an ideological label. This third individual is often an actor, comedian, musician or other entertainment figure.
Maher is a self-described libertarian, and he disagrees with both the Republican and Democratic parties on certain issues. However, he endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry leading up to the 2004 presidential election. Maher has strong opinions on U.S. drug policy, advocating for the legalization of marijuana; against censorship, often citing his own dismissal from ABC and the backlash against the Dixie Chicks; and against conservative attitudes towards sex and sexuality, mocking outrages over Bill Clinton's infidelity and Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction". He is also not shy about his apatheist beliefs and frequently asserts his belief that all forms of religious belief are detrimental to society. He is also a self-described supporter of the state of Israel.
Episodes
Reviews
Larry King calls Real Time one of the best shows on television,[1] and Maher has been a regular guest on Larry King Live.