Maher's 'Real Time' sees Muhammad Yunus, Jon Meacham and M.I.A.

By April MacIntyre May 22, 2009, 2:56 GMT

Bill Maher - This Friday, May 22 at 8 PM sees professor Simon Johnson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham and economist Muhammad Yunus. Musician M.I.A. is an interview guest. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

HBO owns Friday night for insightful political chatter that veers into topical entertaining satire, thanks to the efforts of Bill Maher and his producers who deliver a wide swath of personalities possessing expertise in journalism, the arts, politics and other endeavors.

Maher's show does not please everybody, as it skews to the left often times thanks to a preponderance of guests who lean that way.  Bill's personal views on diet, animal rights, avoiding marriage and children at all costs and the decriminalization of marijuana also color a great deal of the discussion. But if you appreciate robust exchange about issues that are current, it's a great watch.  Maher's "new Rules" segment is a highlight as well.

This Friday, May 22 at 8 PM sees professor Simon Johnson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham and economist Muhammad Yunus.  Musician M.I.A. is an interview guest.

Maher takes on contemporary issues, after delivering a opening monologue, and moderates roundtable discussions with panelists and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.

Maher was the creator and host of “Politically Incorrect,” and is a favorite of HBO viewers since his first special on the network in 1989, Maher’s other HBO credits include six hour-long specials.

Other HBO playdates:  May 24 (1:00 p.m., 12:55 a.m.), 25 (10:30 p.m.) and 27 (11:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates:  May 22 (2:30 a.m.), 23 (10:00 a.m., 12:15 a.m.), 24 (7:00 p.m.), 25 (8:00 p.m.) and 26 (10:30 p.m.)