Is Real Time with Bill Maher new tonight, August 16?

Should fans expect to see a new Real Time with Bill Maher after another busy week?

Real Time with Bill Maher remains the best way for late night fans to close out the week. And after the stories that broke this week, Bill Maher would have a lot to say.

Some of the biggest headlines from this week have included the economic effects of the trade war with China, the death of Jeffrey Epstein, and President Donald Trump’s rally in New Hampshire. These are the exact type of stories that Real Time has excelled in covering due in part to Maher’s unique take and the guest lineups the show brings week in and week out.

And while other late night shows have been covering these stories all week. fans know to expect something a little different from Real Time with Bill Maher. So what should they expect tonight?

There will be a new episode of Real Time with Bill Maher tonight, Aug. 16. Keep reading for a break down of the lineup for tonight’s show.

Top-of-show interview

The top-of-show interview subject will be Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island. It marks his second appearance on Real Time.

Whitehouse, a Democrat, was elected to his third term in 2018. He serves on the Budget, Environment and Public Works, Finance, and Judiciary committees.

Whitehouse recently made headlines for comments against the U.S. Supreme Court. He argued that the court has become too partisan and lost the public trust, making it unfit to hear a case on gun control law in New York City.

Expect Maher to ask Whitehouse to expand on that argument and what, if any, changes can be made going forward. It should lead to an interesting discussion.

Mid-show interview

Another familiar face joins Bill Maher for the mid-show interview. Rapper and activist Killer Mike will be making his fifth visit to the show.

Killer Mike, AKA Michael Render, has released five solo albums and also achieved success as part of the duo Run the Jewels with El-P. Earlier this year, his docuseries Trigger Warning with Killer Mike debuted on Netflix.

Outside of music, Render is known for his social justice advocacy. Particular focus has been given to police brutality and systemic racism. Recently he has also discussed gun ownership among black Americans and his hesitation in supporting leaders who want to take those firearms away.

The rapper also appeared in several videos supporting Bernie Sanders for president in 2016. He’s back doing the same for 2020. Maher will no doubt ask Render about Sanders’ chances this time around in addition to his thoughts on gun control.

The panel

Tonight’s panel should bring a good balance to the conversation. It features a first-time guest and two repeat guests.

Journalist Carl Hulse is the chief Washington correspondent for The New York Times. It will be his first time on Bill Maher’s show.

His recent stories have covered topics including the “Moscow Mitch” nickname for Mitch McConnell, President Trump’s relationship with Republicans in Congress, and impeachment support following Robert Mueller’s testimony.

Political consultant Rick Wilson will be making his seventh appearance on Real Time. He was last seen earlier this year in a February episode.

Wilson is a Republican who has worked with George H.W. Bush and Rudy Giuliani. He has also written for media outlets such as The Federalist, The New York Daily News, and The Daily Beast. Wilson has been very critical of President Trump and in 2018 published the book Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever.

Also returning to Real Time is journalist Betsy Woodruff. She was last seen on the show in 2018.

Woodruff writes for The Daily Beast. Her latest articles cover topics such as the National Rifle Association, domestic terrorism, and cabinet changes inside Trump’s White House.

Real Time with Bill Maher airs live tonight, Aug. 16, at 10:00 PM ET on HBO. You can interact with the show on Twitter and submit a question for overtime. Be sure to check in with Last Night On for the highlights.