HBO is staying in the Bill Maher business.
The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned cable network has renewed Real Time with Bill Maher for two more seasons. It means Maher will stay on the network through the end of 2026 and take him close to 700 episodes of the show, which launched in 2003.
It’s somewhat of an early renewal for HBO, given that his previous contract signed in September 2021 brings him through to the end of this year.
“Two more years in the dream job of a lifetime, on the network so many dream of being on – I think that’s what we call a no-brainer,” said Maher.
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The move comes after the comedian caused controversy last year during the writers strike by saying that he was bringing Real Time back to air without its writing staff. On September 13, he announced that he was returning to air on September 22, but after the move was called “disappointing” by the WGA, he postponed his return on September 18. The show eventually returned to air on September 29, with its writers, after the strike ended.
Real Time with Bill Maher is exec produced by Maher, Sheila Griffiths, Marc Gurvitz, Dean Johnsen and Billy Martin. Chris Kelly is co-executive producer, Matt Wood is producer and Paul Casey is director.
Nina Rosenstein, EVP, HBO Programming, Late Night & Specials, said, “For 22 seasons and counting, Bill Maher remains a uniquely powerful voice in politics and culture. Real Time is the rare place where people can both disagree and find common ground, which is more vital than ever. We’re thrilled to continue working with Bill and his incredibly talented team for two more seasons.”