HBO RENEWS REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2009 – HBO has renewed REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER for an eighth season, it was announced today by Nancy Geller, senior vice president, HBO Entertainment. The season launches FRIDAY, FEB. 19, with new hour-long editions debuting at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT) for the first time, followed by an encore presentation at 11:00 p.m.
“Bill Maher is a vital and provocative observer who cuts through the media clutter to offer a uniquely thoughtful outlook on the world,” noted Geller. “HBO’s unfettered creative freedom brings out the best in Bill, and we’re thrilled to bring his fearless insights back for another season.”
Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests. Concluding its seventh season on Oct. 16, with 172 hour-long editions presented to date, the show was hailed recently as “hands down the funniest show on TV” in Rolling Stone by “Family Guy” creator Seth McFarlane, who added, “It surprises me more than any other show I watch.”
Maher was the creator and host of “Politically Incorrect,” which was produced by HBO Downtown Productions and debuted on Comedy Central in 1993. The series moved to ABC in 1997, where Brad Grey Television joined HBO Downtown Productions as producers, and ended its run in 2002.
A favorite of HBO viewers since his first special on the network in 1989, Maher’s other HBO credits include six hour-long specials: 2007’s “The Decider” (nominated for an Emmy® in the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special category), “I’m Swiss,” “Victory Begins at Home,” “Be More Cynical,” “The Golden Goose Special” and “Stuff That Struck Me Funny,” plus “30 Seconds Over Washington,” two half-hour stand-up specials, and “Comic Relief VI™.” His most recent book, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer,” made the New York Times best seller list, as well as best seller lists across the country. He is also author of the books “When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden: What Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? The Best of Politically Incorrect” and “True Story: A Novel.” Maher also starred in the recent feature film “Religulous.”
Season seven credits: REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER is produced by HBO in association with Brad Grey Television. The executive producers are Bill Maher, Scott Carter, Sheila Griffiths, Brad Grey, Marc Gurvitz and Billy Martin.