Contrary to earlier speculation, Bill Maher has confirmed he isn't going anywhere. The "Real Time" host recently clarified his position to CNN, stating that he's committed to his HBO show and has no plans to leave, despite previous comments suggesting he might consider quitting if faced with another Trump presidency.
Maher emphasized to CNN's Jake Tapper that rumors of his departure are unfounded. He jokingly stated that he'd have to be "dragged off" the show. This clarification follows a conversation on his "Club Random" podcast with Jane Fonda, where he expressed concerns about covering another Trump term. He told Fonda, "I may quit because I don’t want to do another. I did Trump. I did all the Trump stuff before anybody."
This comment sparked speculation about his future with "Real Time," a show he's hosted since 2003 and for which he reportedly earns $10 million annually. However, Maher clarified his stance, explaining to Tapper that his reluctance stemmed from a desire for fresh political material, not a wish to abandon the show itself. He expressed fatigue with rehashing Trump-related jokes, hoping for "some new characters" in the American political landscape.
While Maher is holding firm on "Real Time," he did reveal plans to step back from stand-up comedy. Citing the demands of touring and his commitment to the HBO show, he expressed a need for a break from the stand-up circuit after a 40-year career. He compared the rigorous schedule of stand-up to the training regimen of a boxer, stating, "I’ve been in training for 40 years. I need a break." He emphasized his enjoyment of stand-up but acknowledged his fatigue with the travel involved, especially after a demanding week working on "Real Time."
So, while Maher is ready to explore new comedic avenues and take a breather from the road, fans of "Real Time" can rest assured: he'll be back in his chair, ready to tackle the political landscape, regardless of who occupies the White House.
