LOS ANGELES — Bill Maher strides into the weekly writers meeting for his HBO show and puts his feet up on the table. His team of scribes, many of whom he’s worked with for 22 years, pepper him with ideas and information: the new Republican presidential candidates, the latest outlandish political moves, background on upcoming guests.
Every Tuesday, they brainstorm. And every Friday, Maher brings his pioneering brand of political humor to late night TV on “Real Time With Bill Maher.” The comedian says he’s “not one bit less engaged” than when he launched “Politically Incorrect” in 1993.
As Jon Stewart takes leave of “The Daily Show” and with David Letterman no longer in the late-night landscape, the 59-year-old Maher becomes its resident elder, fearlessly voicing his personal views on TV and on stage, and for the first time, taking his act overseas.
“I’m still standing,” Maher said. “I’m like the heterosexual, nonmusical Elton John.”
A forebear of “The Daily Show” and other comedy-news shows, “Politically Incorrect” lasted nine years, first on Comedy Central, then ABC. It was reborn in 2003 as “Real Time with Bill Maher,” now in its 13th season. “Real Time” averages 4 million viewers a week, according to HBO, keeping pace with shows helmed by younger hosts. In January, HBO announced Maher would continue with “Real Time” through 2017.