“Real Time With Bill Maher” has been renewed for two more seasons at HBO, taking it through 2020.
The deal includes host Bill Maher’s 11th stand-up special on the network, along with a retrospective episode highlighting key moments from the series that is currently airing Season 15. “Real Time” had already been renewed for 2018.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our longstanding relationship with Bill Maher,” HBO programming president Casey Bloys said 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.”
Never one to shy away from controversy, Maher was in hot water earlier this year after using the N-word on a June episode. HBO denounced the comment as “inexcusable,” and Maher later apologized.
“I’m 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,” Maher said about the renewal.
The show picked up an Emmy nomination for outstanding variety talk series in July.