Real Time with Bill Maher renewed by HBO for two more seasons

Real Time with Bill Maher will continue on HBO thanks to a new deal

Real Time with Bill Maher has been renewed by HBO for two more seasons. The long-running late-night show will remain on the air until at least 2022.

The show is currently winding down its 18th season. And it’s been a season unlike any other in Real Time‘s history. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Bill Maher to conduct a number of shows from his backyard. Only recently did production return to the studio.

In announcing the new deal for Real Time, HBO Programming Executive Vice President Nina Rosenstein praised Maher and his staff. You can read her statement right here:

"For 18 seasons, Bill Maher and the talented team at ‘Real Time’ have given audiences an unparalleled platform for debate, comedy, and social discourse, We’re so happy to continue this partnership."

For his part, Maher responded in typical Maher fashion. His statement was part joke, part message of sincerity regarding HBO’s faith in him going forward:

"18 years – I can’t believe I’m turning 18 and HBO isn’t making me leave home.  Thrilled to be living under their roof for another couple of years."

HBO is the best place on television for Real Time with Bill Maher

Extending Bill Maher’s contract is a no-brainer for both HBO and the comedian. Real Time has been an undeniable success since it began and it many ways paved the way for the current crop of politically-minded late-night shows.

HBO is smart to keep Maher and the publicity that comes with it. Time and time again this season, Maher has found himself at the center of a discussion on the most pressing topics. The national conversation around the pandemic, the election, and the Supreme Court have all been influenced by what Maher says on Real Time.

Now with the 2020 election a little over a month away, Maher’s voice will be as important as ever. He was already ahead of many others in predicting President Donald Trump’s troubling comments about a potential transition of power. Fans can expect Maher to continue to voice an opinion unlike any other heard on television, whether it is a popular take or not.

On HBO, Maher has the freedom to say whatever he wants and discuss topics with whomever he wants. Only streaming services like Netflix could offer something similar. But if the situation isn’t broken, why would Maher try to fix it? Clearly, he’s happy with his relationship with HBO and is eager to continue doing Real Time the way he’s done it for the past 18 years.

Are you happy to hear Real Time with Bill Maher has been renewed? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.