Real Time with Bill Maher

Real Time with Bill Maher
Real Time with Bill Maher title
Format	Talk Show
Starring	Bill Maher
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	112 (List of episodes)
Production
Running time	60 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel	HBO
Original run	February 21, 2003 – present
Chronology
Preceded by	Politically Incorrect
External links
Official website
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

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), and another season, similar in length, takes place 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 seasons, 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, occasionally including some of the show guests as well. Viewers are invited to submit questions prior to the original telecast, for Maher to answer and discuss afterwards.

Politics

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.

Episodes

Main article: List of Real Time with Bill Maher 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.

References

1. ^ http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0411/23/lkl.01.html

External links

• HBO's Official Real Time Site
• Real Time with Bill Maher at the Internet Movie Database
• Real Time with Bill Maher at TV.com
• Free audio-only podcast from iTunes podcast page for Real Time with Bill Maher

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