Real Time with Bill Maher
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| Real Time with Bill Maher | |
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 Real Time with Bill Maher title |
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| Genre | talk show |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Starring | Bill Maher |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Original channel | HBO |
| Original run | February 21, 2003–present |
| No. of episodes | 90 |
| IMDb profile | |
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 (previously 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). The next season will start in 16 February 2007.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Show format
The format of the show usually features an opening current events or political sketch, followed by the credits and a comedy monologue. Maher then interviews an important figure before sitting down with three panel guests for an extensive debate. 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 guests on Real Time are of many different ideological dispositions, though most come from the left side of the spectrum, and are sometimes comedians.
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. Curiously, none of the comedians were political satirists. The segments featuring Tompkins and comedians were dropped after the first season.
Starting with episode 67, which aired on 23 February 2006, audio-only episodes have been made available as a free podcast via the iTunes Music Store.
During the fall of 2006, Maher began hosting a live chat on HBO's website following each broadcast, occasionally including some of the show guests as well. Viewers are invited to submit questions prior to the original telecast, for Bill to answer and discuss afterwards.
[edit] Politics
Maher is a critic of the Bush administration, and his audiences are usually largely liberal. In an attempt to balance the reception to varying viewpoints, Maher started having alternating conservative and liberal audiences.
On the show, Maher also frequently references the use of marijuana and has said that he supports decriminalization (Larry King Live 2005-12-15).
Maher is a self-described liberal and libertarian, and as such he disagrees with both the Republican and Democratic parties on certain issues, although he has recently endorsed Democratic candidate John Kerry.
[edit] Episodes
[edit] Reviews
Larry King calls Real Time one of the best shows on television[citation needed], and Maher has been a regular guest on Larry King Live.
