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. It used to air live on Friday nights at 10:00pm ET but beginning with Season 20 (January 2022), it is pre-recorded at 7:00pm ET. It originates from Studio 33 ("The Bob Barker Studio") at Television City in Los Angeles. In addition, a 10- to 15-minute "Overtime" segment quickly follows the show on YouTube (Live Streams), 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 twenty-first season premiered on January 20, 2023. From February 3, 2023, the post-show Overtime segment was added to CNN Tonight programming. Format The format of the show usually features an opening current events or political skit, followed by the credits and a comedy monologue. Maher then interviews an important figure via satellite or in-studio before sitting down with the panel guests for an extensive debate. Halfway through the panel session, Maher does a comedy skit that usually satirizes current news items. Following the comedy bit, Maher interviews another figure via satellite or in-studio. The format varies, with two or three people on the panel. Maher explains that the format is not rigid and that they prefer live interviews to satellite interviews. Near the end of every episode, Maher has a segment called "New Rules" which serves as a humorous editorial on popular culture and American politics. The final "New Rule" segues into Maher's closing editorial monologue. Since the show airs on HBO, the participants do not have to restrict their language to conform to the broadcast standards that existed on Politically Incorrect. Also, pictures shown on New Rules sometimes have nudity or uncensored images. In the first season, Paul F. Tompkins was featured as a correspondent. Also, every episode would