Real Time with Bill Maher

Real Time with Bill Maher is an American television talk show that airs weekly on HBO, hosted by comedian and political satirist Bill Maher. Much like his previous series Politically Incorrect on Comedy Central and later on ABC, Real Time features a panel of guests who discuss current events in politics and the media. Unlike the previous show, guests are usually better versed in the subject matter; more experts such as journalists, professors, and politicians participate in the panel, and fewer actors and celebrities are included. Real Time is a weekly hour-long program with a studio audience, and is broadcast from Studio 33 at Television City in Los Angeles. Prior to Season 20, the program aired on Friday nights at 10:00pm ET, however, it now pre-recorded at 7:00pm ET. In addition, a 10–15-minute "Overtime" segment quickly follows the show on YouTube live stream, which answers questions posted by viewers through HBO's online website for the show. In September 2021, HBO announced that the show had been renewed for two additional seasons, keeping the show on the air through 2024. The show's 21st season premiered on January 20, 2023. From February 3, 2023, the post-show Overtime segment was added to CNN Tonight programming. Format The opening sequence contains a theme song composed by Christopher "Kid" Reid. A montage of animated graphics with political and cultural themes surrounded by splashes of color accompanies the music. Season 21 features an updated version of the theme song performed by Green Day and incorporates a pulsing guitar with the original thumping beat.