HBO continues to have confidence in political comedian Bill Maher and has invited him back for another two years. The New York Daily News reports that the cable network renewed Maher’s show “Real Time With Bill Maher” until the end of 2020 — even though the host has exhibited a consistent tendency to exceed the limits of good taste with incest jokes and race-tinged remarks.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our longstanding relationship with Bill Maher,” claimed HBO’s programming president, Casey Bloys, in a statement. “As part of the HBO family for nearly 30 years, Bill’s distinctive point of view, coupled with his passion and commitment to insightful and informative entertainment, has remained unparalleled.”
If HBO was “incredibly proud,” Maher said in a Thursday statement he was “extraordinarily grateful to HBO for one of the great relationships of my life, and I applaud their efforts to fight ageism by signing me to this extended deal.”
There was no mention of the persistent controversies that have dogged Maher and his show over the past year. Just three months ago he used the dreaded “N-word” when describing himself to Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska. Maher was verbally sparring with Sasse when GOP legislator decided to offer a friendly invitation to Maher to visit his state.
“We’d love to have you work in the fields with us,” said Sasse.
Maher replied in disbelief: “Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house ni…..”
He apologized for his choice of words after a barrage of outrage.
“Last night was a particularly long night as I regret the word I used in the banter of a live moment,” he told the Daily News. “The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry.”
Maher has also chortled over other questionable jokes as well. He’s joked about incest at the expense of Ivanka Trump. He joked about North Korean manicurists. Another time he saw journalist Jeremy Scahill refuse to appear on “Real Time” because he had also invited free speech advocate Milo Yiannopoulos to appear.