Real Time with Bill Maher (TV Series 2003– )

Real Time with Bill Maher: With Bill Maher, Andrew Sullivan, Michael Moore, Arianna Huffington. Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher discusses topical events with guests from various backgrounds.

“Bill Maher is an annoying character. You can appreciate his humour, his political views and his humanity but his smirk irks. That smart ass grin he gets when he tells a gag, especially a controversial one, takes the shine off an otherwise great performance. Maybe itu0026#39;s just me. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIu0026#39;m an Australian. I live in Australia and visit the US about once a year for business. I find watching Real Time and Jon Stewartu0026#39;s The Daily Show all I need to keep up with what is happening in that country. I get that education in an entertaining way. I donu0026#39;t agree with everything Maher espouses (smoking pot is dumb – period) his views sit well with a right wing Aussie. It amazes me that a right wing Aussie is about level with an extreme left wing American. Our countries are similar but so different. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe show starts with a short Johnny Carson style monologue – and Maher should either refresh his writers or look at his delivery style as it isnu0026#39;t as great as it could or should be. A few chuckles on the events of the week but nothing you want to remember for the water cooler Monday. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWe then go into an interview with a weekly guest. Maher brings in some interesting guests, some of which I would normally go out of my way to avoid, but he manages to extrude interesting television from each and every one of them. I remember he once brought in a rapper Iu0026#39;d never heard of and had my finger poised on the fast forward button. To my amazement the interview finished before it got pressed. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWe then get into the panel where three guests discuss and debate issues. This is where the show gets into its own space. The conversation bubbles along with a rapid pace and humorous tone. Maher chips in with his two cents worth which is normally death to a chat show host – thereu0026#39;s an unwritten rule that the moderator sits in the middle and steer the conversation, not get involved in it. Maher somehow gets away with it most of the time. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWe wrap up with New Rules where his writers earn the money. This is regularly the funniest part of the show making fun of everything from teenagers cell phone addiction to the president. New Rules finishes with a semi-serious dig and social commentary which proves to be Maheru0026#39;s issue of the week. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAll in all, a reasonably entertaining show considering itu0026#39;s subject matter. Not as funny as Jon Stewart but Maher goes a bit deeper in his hour than Stewart can.”