Bill Maher welcomes Judy, Judd and more on tonight’s Real Time

Real Time with Bill Maher features Judge Judy and director Judd Apatow on tonight’s episode.

Could Bill Maher finally meet his match on tonight’s episode of Real Time? It’s certainly possible as Maher welcomes Judge Judy Sheindlin to the show for the first time. Real Time with Bill Maher is in for a big night.

It was yet another busy week in Washington, D.C. meaning there is no shortage of topics for discussion on Real Time with Bill Maher. Tonight’s new episode will feature another first time guest in addition to Judge Judy along with some familiar faces for Real Time fans.

The impeachment inquiry is sure to be the number one topic on the table. Closed door testimony continued all week and it was mostly bad news for President Donald Trump. Trump’s own appointee George Sondland admitted that a quid pro quo was offered to Ukraine during President Trump’s infamous phone call.

Bill Maher will likely join other late night television hosts like Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers in calling out Republican support for President Trump. Colbert and Meyers have been hammering those who remain in line behind the President regardless of the facts and testimony of others.

So who else will be joining Maher besides Judge Judy? Keep reading for a full breakdown of tonight’s all-new Real Time with Bill Maher.

Top-of-show

Judge Judy Sheindlin makes her first appearance on Real Time  at the top of the show. Sheindlin has been the star of Judge Judy since 1996.

Sheindlin made headlines recently when she endorsed former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for president in the 2020 election. Judge Judy called her decision a “personal and career risk” after keeping her personal politics private for most of her career.

Maher will want to know why Sheindlin decided now was the right time to share her political views. The Real Time host will also be curious as to what makes Bloomberg the best option among Democrats and the best chance to defeat President Donald Trump in 2020.

Mid-show

Comedian, director, producer, and writer Judd Apatow is the mid-show guest. This will be Apatow’s third time on Real Time.

Apatow has never been shy about sharing his opinions no matter the topic. His Twitter feed is filled with his criticism of President Donald Trump and much of the rest of the Republican Party.

Outside of politics, Apatow has been vocal about a number of stories in the news right now. He has commented on “cancel culture” and the careers of comedians like Louis C.K. and Aziz Ansari who were accused of sexual misconduct. Apatow also criticized Netflix for a proposed feature that would allow audiences to watch movies and TV shows at a faster playback speed.

On Nov. 12 comes the book It’s Garry Shandling Book edited by Apatow. The book contains journal entries, photographs, and essays on the late comedian Garry Shandling. Expect Bill Maher to give Apatow a chance to reflect on the career and influence of his mentor.

The panel

Montana Governor Steve Bullock will be on tonight’s panel. It is his first appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher.

Bullock is a Democratic who took office in 2013 and is also a 2020 candidate for president. Bullock is considered a moderate Democrat and since the 2016, has pushed for the party to focus on areas beyond cities and coastal regions. Maher will likely ask about Bullock’s campaign and the bigger picture when it comes to Democrats’ strategy in future elections.

Former Chicago mayor and former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is also on the panel. This is the second visit by Rahm to Real Time this season.

Since leaving office, Rahm has written essays for The Atlantic, been a contributor to ABC News, and acted as a consultant to other organizations. He recently published an op-ed suggesting that Medicare for all is not possible in the current political environment, something Maher is certain to press him about.

Rounding out the panel is political strategist Steve Schmidt. This will be his eighth time on Bill Maher’s show. Despite working on the campaigns of Republicans like George H.W. Bush and John McCain, Schmidt has renounced the party under the leadership of President Donald Trump. Schmidt recently returned to MSNBC as a contributor. He has been a vocal critic of Trump allies attacking anyone speaking out during the impeachment inquiry.

What is the one topic you hope gets the most attention on Real Time with Bill Maher tonight? Which guest are you most excited to hear from? Let us know in the comment section below. Real Time with Bill Maher airs tonight, Nov. 8, at 10:00 PM ET on HBO.