HBO is extending its Real Time.
The premium cable outlet has renewed its long-running late night show Real Time With Bill Maher for two more seasons. The pickup will take the show through its 20th season in 2022. The show’s previous multi-season pickup was due to expire at the end of this year.
“Eighteen years — I can’t believe I’m turning 18 and HBO isn’t making me leave home,” said Maher. “Thrilled to be living under their roof for another couple of years.”
Added Nina Rosenstein, executive vp HBO Programming, “For 18 seasons, Bill Maher and the talented team at Real Time have given audiences an unparalleled platform for debate, comedy, and social discourse. We’re so happy to continue this partnership.”
Maher’s show was among the first late night programs to welcome (limited) live audiences and in-person guests back to the studio earlier in the month. Like other talkers, Real Time had been filming from remotely since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
The renewal for Real Time locks in HBO’s late night lineup for the next couple of years. It comes on the heels of a three-year pickup for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, which will keep that show running through 2023.
Maher executive produces Real Time alongside Sheila Griffiths, Marc Gurvitz, Dean Johnsen and Billy Martin. Chris Kelly is a co-EP and Matt Wood is producer. Paul Casey directs.
