Is Real Time with Bill Maher new tonight, March 13?

Should Real Time with Bill Maher fans expect to see a brand new episode tonight on HBO?

The outbreak of novel coronavirus has had a severe impact on everything from the economy to sporting events. Late night television is no different as a number of programs have canceled episodes or gone without an audience. What does that mean for Real Time with Bill Maher tonight?

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert aired Thursday night’s show without a studio audience . The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Kimmel has canceled shows until March 30. Late Night with Seth Meyers canceled Thursday night’s show, instead releasing a version of “A Closer Look” from rehearsal.

So what does this mean for Real Time with Bill Maher? It has been the New York City-based shows that have kept crowds away and rescheduling programming. Will the Los Angeles-based Real Time go on as scheduled?

As of now, the answer is yes. Real Time with Bill Maher will air a new episode tonight, March 13. Here’s a breakdown of tonight’s guest lineup.

Top-of-show interview

A first time visitor to Real Time with Bill Maher starts things off tonight. Risk perception psychology expert David Ropeik is the top-of-show interview guest.

Ropeik is an author and has also trained journalists on how the media can best cover risk. He should discuss the media coverage of COVID-19 with Bill Maher. On Twitter, Ropeik has commented on coverage that has only exacerbated the public concern and fear over novel coronavirus. He should give some context on the psychology behind the collective fear over the pandemic.

Mid-show interview

The mid-show interview will also feature a new face. Chef and television personality Andrew Zimmern makes his Real Time debut.

Zimmern gained fame for his television show Bizarre Foods and its many variations on the Travel Channel. His new show What’s Eating America? arrived on MSNBC on Feb. 16. The five-part series explored pressing political issues, including immigration, climate change, and healthcare, and the impact on food in America.

With the election coming up, Zimmern’s discoveries while filming the show should interest Maher. The conversation could also touch on the novel coronavirus story as many Americans look to stockpile food and change their eating habits.

The panel

Tonight’s panel will be a little different than most episodes of Real Time. All three guests will be first-timers.

Edward Luce is a journalist and associate editor of the Financial Times newspaper. Luce has been critical of how President Donald Trump has handled the novel coronavirus outbreak. On Real Time, he should provide some expertise on the economic fallout and where things could be headed next.

Lis Smith is a campaign manager who served as Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s spokesperson during his presidential bid. Her Real Time appearance comes just a day after Buttigieg filled in as guest host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and did well in difficult circumstances. Smith could comment on what worked and what didn’t in Buttigieg’s campaign as well as what the Democratic Party looks like going forward.

Tim Miller is a contributor to the conservative outlet The Bulwark and president of the Center Action Now centrist organization. Miller has strongly opposed President Trump and also weighed in on former Vice President Joe Biden taking the lead over Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race. Both topics should be on the table for Miller’s Real Time debut.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing on tonight’s show? What topics do you hope get the most attention? Let us know in the comments. Real Time with Bill Maher airs tonight at 10:00 PM ET on HBO.