Bill Maher, the host of Real Time, will be back on HBO and CNN on September 22nd, even though the writers’ strike is still ongoing. Although his actions do not violate any of the rules set by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), they represent a setback for the strikers. As a result of the strike, there are fewer new products available for the studios, which strengthens the WGA’s bargaining position during negotiations.
Maher wrote about his decision via a post on the social media platform X.
“Real Time is coming back, unfortunately, sans writers or writing,” Maher explained. (For those of you who went to public schools, “sans” means “without”),” Maher said. “It has been five months, and it is time to bring people back to work.”
Maher made a promise that he would not be doing any written pieces on Real Time. This means there won’t be any monologues, New Rules segments or anything requiring a script or writing.
According to Bill Maher, the core of the show is an impromptu panel discussion that aims to cut through the predictable partisanship and the usual nonsense. He also reassured the viewers that the show will not disappoint.
“The writers have important issues that I sympathize with, and hope they are addressed to their satisfaction,” Maher added, “but they are not the only people with issues, problems, and concerns. Despite some assistance from me, much of the staff is struggling mightily.”
The WGA has already promised to picket Maher.
