Janet Napolitano, Rob Thomas, John Heilemann on HBO's 'Real Time'

By April MacIntyre Jul 23, 2009, 5:31 GMT

This week, Bill Maher will host roundtable guests international affairs expert Susan Eisenhower, journalist John Heilemann and singer Rob Thomas; the interview guests are Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and journalist Matt Taibbi. EPA/MATTHEW CAVANAUGH

HBO's Emmy nominated series, "Real Time with Bill Maher," continues to draw interesting guests who cut a wide swath of opinion and expertise.

This week, Bill Maher will host roundtable guests international affairs expert Susan Eisenhower, journalist John Heilemann and singer Rob Thomas; the interview guests are Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and journalist Matt Taibbi.

"Real Time with Bill Maher" continues its seventh season with host Maher, who does not claim allegiance to either the Democrats or the GOP, and routinely takes Americans to task for laziness in educating themselves on diet.  The host is also an ardent animal rights proponent and underscores many of his interviews with his heartfelt belief that marijuana needs to be decriminalized.

The show airs prime time Friday, May 29 (10:00-11:00 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT), on HBO, with an instant replay at 11:00 p.m., following the live presentation.

Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, the show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.

Maher was the creator and host of “Politically Incorrect,” which debuted on Comedy Central in 1993.  A favorite of HBO viewers since his first special on the network in 1989, Maher also starred in the recent feature film
“Religulous.”

Other HBO playdates:  July 26 (1:30 p.m., 2:55 a.m.), 27 (8:00 p.m.) and 29 (11:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates:  July 24 (2:30 a.m.), 25 (9:30 a.m., midnight), 26 (7:00 p.m.) and 28 (10:00 p.m.)