Is Real Time with Bill Maher new tonight, December 22?
By Matt Moore
Real Time with Bill Maher is the best way to close out the week. So what should late-night TV fans expect to see tonight on HBO?
It's certainly the kind of week that Bill Maher could sink his teeth into. Donald Trump was removed from the ballot in Colorado, more information came out regarding Justice Clarence Thomas and his relationship with wealthy donors, and President Joe Biden continues to struggle in certain polls.
Unfortunately, we won't get to hear what BIll Maher thinks about any of this on Friday. There will not be a new episode of Real Time with Bill Maher tonight.
That's because season 21 of the late-night TV show wrapped up last week. Maher and his staff have begun their annual holiday break before restarting with a brand new season.
The good news is that fans won't have to wait long for that new season. Real Time with Bill Maher season 22 will premiere on January 19. That lines up with a typical Real Time season, even though this past year was anything but typical.
The Writers Guild of America cost Real Time some episodes during the summer. Maher announced plans to run new episodes without a writing staff when things seemed to stall at the negotiating table. But the backlash was immediate and the late-night TV host eventually backed down.
Lucky for Maher, it wasn't too long after the "controversy" that the WGA received an acceptable offer, and the show was back on the air.
Hopefully things go smoother in 2024 because late-night TV will need Bill Maher. Real Time continues to offer the most diverse guest lineup and opinions. With the election coming in November, expect a big year from Bill Maher.