Bill Maher is bringing Overtime to CNN

Get ready for more Bill Maher in your Friday night TV lineup. The Real Time host is bringing his “Overtime” segment to CNN.

Overtime will debut on Friday, February 3, at 11:30 p.m. ET. Previously, the segment only streamed online after each episode of Real Time with Bill Maher aired on HBO. The timeslot should give CNN enough time to package and prepare the discussion for Overtime.

The segment features Maher and his guest panel extending their conversation beyond the normal runtime of Real Time. It also includes fan participation, with viewers submitting their questions via social media. “Overtime” has produced some of the show’s more memorable moments in the past years, something CNN surely hopes continues in 2023.

Bill Maher helps CNN get a foot in the door with late-night TV

Bill Maher has been on HBO since 2003. Before that, he hosted Politically Incorrect on ABC from 1993 to 2002. But don’t expect Maher to change his approach now that Overtime is on basic cable.

Yes, CNN will look to sanitize some of the discussions and language from Real Time. But the real hope is that Overtime gives CNN a way into late-night TV. Reports previously indicated that the cable news network was interested in Maher or Jon Stewart to host a new show.

Gutfeld! has proven to be a winner for Fox News. The weekly late-night show has outperformed the likes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live! at times. CNN does ‘t look ready to dive headfirst into a race against Fox, but Overtime shows the network wants to dip its toe in the water.

There are also financial benefits, highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter. Warner Bros. Discovery gets to share content between Real Time and HBO. The Friday night schedule also means Overtime won’t have to compete against Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, or Seth Meyers since they typically air reruns on Friday.

Are you surprised that Bill Maher is coming to CNN? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!