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Bill Maher's 'Real Time' back for season eight on HBO

By April MacIntyre Nov 18, 2009, 17:37 GMT

09/23/2009 - Bill Maher -Bill Maher and his merry band of New Rules writers are back in the saddle for his cable home of HBO. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Bill Maher and his merry band of New Rules' writers are back in the saddle for his cable home of HBO.

The premium cabler has renewed "Real Time with Bill Maher" for an eighth season, it was announced today by Nancy Geller, senior vice president, HBO Entertainment. 

The season launches Friday, Feb. 19, with new hour-long editions debuting at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT) for the first time, followed by an encore presentation at 11:00 p.m.

“Bill Maher is a vital and provocative observer who cuts through the media clutter to offer a uniquely thoughtful outlook on the world,” noted Geller.  “HBO’s unfettered creative freedom brings out the best in Bill, and we’re thrilled to bring his fearless insights back for another season.”

Maher's show has long been tracked and recapped on M&C, as the mix of guests and the openness and frank dialogue - often profane, always interesting - delivers a robust debate between conservative and liberal camps, with healthy doses of whip smart humor tossed in. 

Maher mixes it up with celebrities, pundits and pols as he tries to balance a seated panel of usually three in ideology and perspective. Maher also pipes in guests remotely and prior to the panel chat, and ends his show with the "New Rules" segment.

Maher was the creator and host of “Politically Incorrect,” which was produced by HBO Downtown Productions and debuted on Comedy Central in 1993.  The series moved to ABC in 1997, where Brad Grey Television joined HBO Downtown Productions as producers, and ended its run in 2002.

A favorite of HBO viewers since his first special on the network in 1989, Maher’s other HBO credits include six hour-long specials.  Maher also starred in the recent feature film “Religulous.”