Comedian Bill Maher has announced that his HBO show, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” will return to the air, despite ongoing strikes in Hollywood involving the actors’ and writers’ unions. In a post on social media platform X, Maher explained that he wanted to honor the strikes in every way possible, but bringing back his show was the best way to help put many people back to work.
Maher acknowledged the important issues raised by the striking writers but emphasized that others, including below-the-line workers, were also facing significant challenges due to the extended hiatus. He expressed sympathy for the writers’ concerns but highlighted the need to address the broader workforce’s issues.
While Maher’s show will return, it will do so without its regular writers. In a show of solidarity with the striking writers, Maher will forgo scripted segments such as monologues, desk pieces, New Rules, and editorials. However, he intends to continue the heart of the show, which is an off-the-cuff panel discussion aimed at cutting through partisanship and addressing important topics.
Maher admitted that the show without his regular writers may not be as good as usual but assured the audience that the core of “Real Time” would remain intact.