A preview of the Real Time With Bill Maher anniversary special

HBO is celebrating the career of Bill Maher with a new special looking back at his unique brand of political comedy. Here’s everything you need to know.

Any sort of career longevity in comedy is commendable. It is difficult to stay relevant and stay sharp year after year, nevermind over multiple decades. Accomplishing such a feat is one of the reasons that Bill Maher will be celebrated on HBO on Oct. 19.

There will not be a new episode of Real Time with Bill Maher but instead the debut of Real Time with Bill Maher: Anniversary Special.  The hour-long program will examine Maher’s 25 year stint on television include the past 15 as host of Real TIme. 

Fans of Maher can expect to see archival footage and clips dating back to his time hosting Political Incorrect. That series began in 1993 on Comedy Central where it aired until 1997. Starting in 1997 it was carried on ABC before its cancellation in 2002.

Politically Incorrect was a major influence on the development of The Daily Show once Maher’s series left Comedy Central. Typical of Maher’s style, the program was known for its comedic approach to politics while still discussing serious topics. It was also not without controversy including a September 2001 episode in which Maher criticized U.S. counterterrorism policies as “cowardly.” 

But expect a bulk of the special to focus on Maher’s time on HBO. Maher began hosting Real Time in 2003. He’s filmed over 475 episodes over the past 15 years to critical acclaim. The show has over a dozen Emmy Award nominations and has made Maher into one of the most well-known political commentators.

HBO has also announced that the special will feature appearances from some of Maher’s favorite a and most frequent guests. Look out for author Salman Rushdie, comedians Billy Crystal and Larry David, and actor Woody Harrelson among others.

Real Time with Bill Maher: Anniversary Special is on HBO tonight, Oct. 19, at 10:00 PM ET. The show will return will a new weekly episode on Oct. 26. Guests will include adult film actress Story Daniels, former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, and author Max Boot.