“Real Time With Bill Maher” is the latest talk show to return to the air without writers, amid the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Host and creator Bill Maher announced the news today X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “It’s been five months and it’s time to get people back to work.”
Real Time is unfortunately coming back, without writers or writing. It’s been five months and it’s time to get people back to work. The writers have important issues that I sympathize with, and I hope they are addressed satisfactorily, but they are not the only people…
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) September 14, 2023
Bill Maher Announces Return of ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ Amid WGA Strike
In his statement, Maher revealed that the decision was made despite his support for the striking writers and their issues, with the interest of the show’s staff and workers below the line. Maher wrote: “’Real Time’ is sadly returning, without writers or writing. It’s been five months and it’s time to get people back to work.”
He continued, “The writers have important issues that I sympathize with, and I hope they are addressed satisfactorily, but they are not the only people with issues, problems and concerns.”
Maher continued: “Despite some help from me, a large part of the staff is struggling. We were all hoping this would end after Labor Day, but that day has passed and still nothing seems to be happening. I love my writers, I’m one of them, but I’m not willing to lose a whole year and see so many people down the line suffer so much.
![Celebrities seen on Jimmy Kimmel Live](https://d3stcg8iy7fvse.cloudfront.net/2022/04/mega11943_009-scaled.jpg)
According to the host, he plans to “honor the spirit of the strike” by not participating in any monologue, desk piece, new lines, editorial or written pieces that are usually included in the show. He also claims that he will inform the audience that doing the show without writers will not be as good as their ‘normal show’. However, the show will retain its ready-made panel discussion presentation. Maher also promises that the show’s return “won’t disappoint.”
Other talk shows that normally employ WGA writers have opted to resume taping this week, including Drew Barrymore’s “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Talk” and Jennifer Hudson’s “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” The WGA was not happy with Maher’s announcement and released its own statement in response social media.
The WGA statement noted that the guild disagrees with Maher’s comments about “the spirit of the strike,” and that its members plan to picket production on this show. It reads: “Bill Maher’s decision to return to the air while his guild is on strike is disappointing. If he goes ahead with his plan, he must respect more than ‘the spirit of the strike.'” It adds. “As a WGA member, @BillMaher is required to follow strike rules and not provide writing services. It’s hard to imagine how @RealTimers can continue without a violation of the WGA strike rules. WGA will promote this show.
Bill Maher’s decision to return to the air while his guild is on strike is disappointing. If he goes ahead with his plan, he must respect more than “the spirit of the strike.” #WGAstrike 1/3
— Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) September 14, 2023
As a member of the WGA @BillMaher is obliged to follow the strike rules and not to provide writing services. 2/3
— Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) September 14, 2023
It’s hard to imagine how @RealTimers can continue without a violation of the WGA strike rules. WGA will host this show. #WGAstrike #WGAstrong #1h 3/3
— Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) September 14, 2023
Maher received some negative reactions for resuming the show, with many seeing it as a move that failed to show solidarity with the notable writers. One X user, Bored guy laughing, wrote, “I saw that show for the last time.” X owner Elon Musk, wrote, “Maybe worth posting some material on this platform. The reach is enormous.”
In the meantime, writer Randi Mayhem Singer (“Mrs. Doubtfire”) intervened and showed her disappointment in Maher’s decision. She wrote: “So YOU get to decide that five months is the limit? Gotcha. As for “nothing happens” – that’s what strikes often seem like. The WGA is waiting for a counter. Despite the AMPTP’s disinformation campaign that it’s our turn. No smart negotiator negotiates with himself by opposing a second time.”
Maher made his debut in 2003 with “Real Time,” after his previous ABC series “Political Incorrect” was canceled. The show has been on the air for over 20 years and has over 630 episodes.
![Bill Maher at Kimmel](https://d3stcg8iy7fvse.cloudfront.net/2022/04/mega787469_004-scaled.jpg)
It remains to be seen whether Maher will face any consequences as a WGA member who, according to the WGA, violated strike rules by resuming taping of his show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, new episodes of the show will return to HBO on Friday, September 22.
The WGA strike has been going on since early May. The actors’ guild (SAG-AFTRA) declared its own strike against the AMPTP on July 14, which is also still ongoing.