And That Could Mean the End of Real Time With
"Shitting My Pants"
Comedian Bill Maher, host of HBO’s long-running political talk show "Real Time With Bill Maher," startled his guest, actor Jane Fonda, with a candid confession: the prospect of a second term for Donald Trump in 2024 left him” shitting my pants.” This surprising revelation came during a recent pre-election recording of Maher’s podcast, Club Random, illustrating his genuine concern about the potential ramifications of a Trump presidency.
Maher, who’s built a career on sharp political commentary and unflinching satire, expressed a sense of dread about the possibility of covering another four years of Trump’s presidency.
“It’s hard to believe,” Maher said, before adding that he "may quit" "Real Time". “Because I don’t want to do another four years talking about him,” noting that he’s “done it before (“I did Trump before anybody”) and doesn’t have any desire to revisit the experience.
Maher has been hosting Real Time for two decades, where he’s dissected political events and tackled current affairs with his signature blend of humor and cynicism. The show’s razor-sharp commentary has resonated with viewers for years, contributing to its impressive 22 seasons.
Trump Vs.
His incisive commentary hasn’t gone unnoticed by Trump.
Trump animosity towards Maher is a well documented truth, a stark difference to the former president’s generally absent rage at comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
"He’s very hostile to me," Maher stated during the podcast, revealing that Trump regularly tweets about him (every week as a matter of fact).
He believes that Trump watches Real Time, albeit accidentally, before tweeting "low ratings, loser" in reference to the show’s performance – consistently, week in and week out.
"Why not Jimmy Kimmel?” Fonda casually challenged.
Requiem for Real Time?
However, even with his precarious feelings about covering another Trump presidency, Maher knows that it’s a topic he admittedly cannot avoid.
“The show is [going to] be about politics. There’s no other thing.” He lamented, echoing that “he’s [Trump] going to dominate the news like he always does.”
While HBO recently renewed "Real Time" for two more seasons, Maher’s apprehensions linger, hinting at the possibility that his analysis of Trump may ultimately defeat his own commitment. Fonda’s suggestion for
Maher to simply find another subject — anything but Trump — was soundly rejected.
It seems that the future of "Real Time" remains inextricably linked to Trump, and the comedian’s response to his potential second term could define not only the show’s future, but Maher’s own legacy in the world of political television commentary.
What would be the impact on “Real Time” and late-night political commentary if Bill Maher were to step down?
## Will Bill Maher Walk Away from “Real Time”?
**(Intro music and news visuals play)**
**Host:** Welcome back. The 2024 election is right around the corner, and late-night host Bill Maher isn’t shying away from sharing his anxieties.
On his podcast “Club Random”, Maher confessed to guest Jane Fonda that the thought of a second Donald Trump presidency leaves him, quote, “shitting my pants.” He even went so far as to say he might quit his long-running HBO show “Real Time” if Trump wins.
Joining us now to discuss Maher’s comments and what they might mean for his future is political commentator and author, [Guest Name], welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, Bill Maher has never been afraid to speak his mind, especially on political issues. What do you make of this latest outburst and his threat to walk away from “Real Time”?
**Guest:** It’s certainly a strong statement, and it reflects the deep concern many Americans feel about the prospect of another Trump presidency. For Maher, who has built a career on sharp political commentary, four more years of Trump would likely be exhausting and emotionally taxing.
**Host:** He’s been doing “Real Time” for two decades. Do you think this is a genuine threat, or just hyperbole for comedic effect?
**Guest:** [Guest Name] provides analysis on Maher’s statement and its potential implications for “Real Time”
**(Discussion continues based on Guest’s perspective and expertise.)
**Host:**
We’d like to hear your thoughts on this too. Let us know what you think about Bill Maher’s comments in the comments below.
**( Outro music and credits play)**