Comedian Bill Maher's recent HBO stand-up special, "Is Anyone Else Seeing This?", has drawn considerable criticism from several liberal media outlets, including MSNBC.com, Decider, Salon, and Cracked. Reviewers have labeled the special "lazy" and "rehashed," taking particular issue with Maher's jokes targeting far-left ideologies.
Decider's Sean McCarthy criticized the special for its lack of original or provocative material, suggesting that it doesn't offer anything new to viewers familiar with Maher's work on "Real Time." He also questioned Maher's self-proclaimed "centrist liberal" stance, arguing that it caters to those resistant to change or disruption.
MSNBC.com columnist Jacques Berlinerblau echoed these sentiments, describing the special as "rather listless" and noting that Maher's well-known viewpoints resulted in predictable punchlines. Berlinerblau further suggested that Maher lacks self-awareness regarding his own comedic evolution.
Cracked.com's Matt Solomon offered a harsher critique, comparing Maher's comedy to that of Rob Schneider and accusing him of making "lazy arguments" about free speech and the political left. Solomon concluded his review by urging Maher to retire from stand-up comedy.
Salon.com's Melanie McFarland also dismissed the special as "lazy comedy," arguing that it relies on tired material about "cancel culture" and "woke-ism." She criticized Maher's approach to discussing the transgender community, suggesting it lacks originality and insight.
Despite the negative reviews, Maher has confirmed to CNN that while he may retire from stand-up, he will continue hosting his HBO show, "Real Time with Bill Maher." In his special, Maher addressed various topics, including transgender ideology, free speech, the COVID-19 pandemic, and his previous calls for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race. He emphasized his willingness to criticize both sides of the political spectrum, stating that he speaks to a diverse audience of Democrats, independents, and "non-drooling Republicans."
