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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, however, 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. Also, Politically Incorrect was produced five days a week and was pre-recorded, while Real Time only produces one episode a week which is broadcast live.
| 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 | 146 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | HBO |
| Release | February 21, 2003 – present |
It is an hour-long program with a studio audience, airing live on Friday nights at 10:00 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.
Since the show airs on HBO, the participants do not have to restrict their language to conform to broadcast standards, like they did on PI.
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 and as a raw RSS feed. The podcasts also feature material cut from the show but taped during the studio rehearsal, including New Rules not aired in the final version. For two weeks in February 2008, the podcasts were presented in video format. However, this video format was dropped for some unknown reason on the next episode, released in Podcast form on March 4, 2008.
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 opening sequence begins with a spoken phrase from the (now defunct) Los Angeles speaking clock, featuring an (uncredited) Joanne Daniels as the time lady saying "Good Afternoon." The theme song is composed by Christopher "Kid" Reid and his voice is heard saying "Real Time" and "Bill Maher".
In January 2009, A Xanga site called New Rules was created that features print of Maher's New Rules. The site can be found at www.xanga.com/newrules.
Changes in 2008
The show began broadcasting in high-definition format with its return on January 11, 2008.
As a result of the writers' strike, the opening skit, the "New Rules" segment, and the closing monologue were eliminated for five episodes at the beginning of the year. The ice breaker used in the middle of the show (normally some sort of fake products dealing with a current event) was also eliminated due to the strike. The announcement about Real Time returning without writers claimed that the opening monologue would also be cut, but every episode ended up including a full monologue.
During the strike, the "Overtime" concept became part of the live show itself, through a new segment called "Blogga, Please!." Using HBO's website, viewers were able to leave comments or questions during the live show at 11 p.m. ET. Maher and the panel then responded to selected postings at the end of the show. The "Blogga, Please!" segment was discontinued, and New Rules brought back, on February 15 following the resolution of the strike. Additionally, during the strike, Maher aired pre-recorded interviews by himself with everyday people about the election and other issues after the opening monologue.
Established early on, the final New Rule served as a segue into the closing monologue. On the March 7 episode, the closing monologue returned to the format of the show. The opening skits, however, have not yet reappeared, except for April 4 and 11, 2008.
Instead of doing a second satellite interview near the forty-minute mark, the January 11 episode also featured the debut of the "Real Time Real Reporter", a blogger or political pundit who is brought on midway through the show as an extra panelist to offer opinions on the latest election campaign happenings. Such correspondents have included Matt Taibbi, Frank Luntz, Amy Holmes, P. J. O'Rourke, Dan Savage and others.
Changes in 2009
The 2009 premiere was on February 20 at the earlier time of 10:00 PM EST, with a re-airing immediately following it at 11:00 PM. Season seven also premiered on HBO Canada day-and-date with HBO in the U.S on February 20.
Also new in 2009, the show will only have one run a season with a much more common season time of around 9-10 months, before having 2-3 months off.
The Real Time panel has been reduced from three panelists to two for the new season. Maher jokingly attributed the new panel line-up to the current economic crisis, stating that it was a means of reigning in spending for the HBO show; however, Maher later stated that there is no connection between the failing economy and the producers' decision to remove the third guest. During his show on March 13, 2009, Maher reacted to the confusion sparked by his remarks from his previous show regarding the panel stating, "I said as a joke that we had cut down the panel to two people because of economic times, and people took me seriously. No. It's just because I'm tired of talking to three people sometimes." However, the panel was once again at three panelists for the show one week later, on March 20. In addition to the panel reconfiguration, Maher has instituted a one-on-one interview segment in lieu of the past seasons' satellite interviews.
Episodes
Politics
This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (October 2008) |
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, or someone with moderate beliefs. This third individual is often an actor, comedian, musician or other entertainment figure, though many times the role is filled by someone unaffiliated with American politics such as a foreign commentator or diplomat.
Maher disagrees with the Republican party on most issues. He endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry leading up to the 2004 presidential election. In 2008, he endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and harshly criticized Republican candidate John McCain's policies and Vice Presidential pick, Sarah Palin. 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 anti-religious views and frequently explains his belief that religion is detrimental to society.
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.