HBO has announced the renewal of Real Time With Bill Maher for two additional seasons, extending the popular talk show through its 24th season in 2026. The decision to continue the show comes after HBO recently extended another late-night favorite, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, through 2026.
Real Time, which first premiered in 2003, has become one of HBO's longest-running series, second only to the now-ended Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel in terms of the number of seasons produced. Despite premiering three years after Curb Your Enthusiasm, Real Time has surpassed the comedy show in the number of seasons produced.
Bill Maher, the host of Real Time, expressed his excitement about the renewal, calling it a 'dream job of a lifetime' on the network many aspire to be on. Maher's unique voice in politics and culture has made Real Time a platform where diverse opinions can be shared and common ground can be found, a quality deemed more crucial than ever by HBO executives.
Following a brief controversy in September regarding the show's writers' strike, Maher decided to resume Real Time with the full team back on board. The show's executive producers, along with the talented crew, have been instrumental in the success of the program, which has continued to engage audiences for over two decades.
Real Time With Bill Maher has been a staple of HBO's late-night lineup, offering a blend of political commentary, cultural insights, and lively discussions. The show's renewal for two more seasons reaffirms its enduring popularity and significance in the realm of television talk shows.
