The Tribune

By JASON DONALD

There’s been plenty for Bill Maher to celebrate of late: He’s just marked the 20th anniversary of his original talk show, Politically Incorrect, with his team; his HBO political discussion programme Real Time is in its 11th season, and the news just keeps handing him comedy material.

The Emmy-nominated Real Time has been a huge success for Maher. He thrives on the no-holds barred debate and live format and can count among his many guests Jay-Z, Julian Assange, Salman Rushdie and Ann Coutler.

As the show prepared to air for the 291st time last month, one day after that 20-year milestone, The Big T travelled to Los Angeles to see Bill and his panel discuss politics, religion, social matters and the week’s biggest news . . . another Anthony Weiner scandal.

The first thing that struck me as I joined those waiting in line outside CBS studios in the early evening California sun, was the diversity of Real Time’s audience.

There were teenagers, retirees, large families and couples - all looking forward to being provoked and entertained inside.

And, by the time we filtered into the sizable studio, everyone was in high spirits.

The studio filled fast – 20 minutes before showtime (the show airs at 7pm PT, 10pm in the Bahamas), every seat was taken. Cue the warm-up from Real Time’s head writer Billy Martin.

He was loud, assertive and very funny. The laughter loosened the audience up in time for a short film of Real Time highlights - genuine laugh-out-loud moments from Maher and his guests.

Then, as the studio monitors counted down to 7pm, there was the palpable charge in the room that comes with the anticipation of a live event.

Showtime.

The title music played and the audience roared their approval as Bill Maher took to the stage.

The opening monologue is a recurring highlight for Real Time viewers. Maher is an accomplished stand up - if you’re in the news, it’s safe to say you’re not safe.

He was merciless with Weiner, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner (accused that week of sexual harassment) - even the newly-arrived Royal baby. The audience lapped it up - although their limits were tested with a customary ‘tasteless’ gag about immigration. The good-natured ‘tuts’ were met with a knowingly droll look from Maher.

Real Time is at its best when the guest list is politically diverse and it didn’t disappoint on this particular evening.

Eliot Spitzer, Reza Aslan, Robert Ney and Jim Wallis made up the panel with Sara Slamen sitting down with Maher for a one-on-one interview.

It must have been a long week for Spitzer. The former Governor of New York, and current candidate for Comptroller of New York City, has had his own share of scandal in the past and was scheduled to appear before the Weiner story broke.

And, as he took his seat, Maher wasted no time.

“Let’s just start with Weiner,” he said, before turning to the audience. “You know you want it, and Eliot, this way you can relax for the rest of the show.”

The audience and the guests - including Spitzer - cracked up.

This is precisely what makes Maher so good at what he does. He refuses to tiptoe around any issue, but keeps everyone onside with his biting, yet good-natured humour.

After the Weiner scandal, the panel tackled the US economy, race and women’s reproductive rights before Maher got onto one of his favourite topics: Religion. It almost got heated with Jim Wallis, until Maher, frustrated with his guest’s deflecting, turned to Spitzer and Ney and said: ‘This guy’s a better politician than you two.”

Real Time traditionally closes with the infamous ‘New Rules’ - a cynically comic take on the week’s events. Judging by the reaction around me, this is a popular segment, and Maher didn’t disappoint the faithful.

He got the biggest laughs of the night before ending the live broadcast on a serious note about the NSA issue.

The audience gave Maher and his guests cheers and applause before settling down to a slightly less formal 20 minutes of ‘Overtime’ - an extra segment broadcast live on HBO.com where viewers’ questions are put to the panel.

The guests showed no signs of flagging and the audience gave them a storming reception as the show wound down.

Real Time on TV always makes for riveting viewing, but seeing it live in the studio was positively thrilling.

Maher’s ability to keep the discussion fluid while effortlessly jumping topics and tone is something to behold.

Yet, as he stepped out from the set to thank everyone, he looked like he’d barely broken a sweat.

On this form we could easily see him enjoying another 20 years of being ‘politically incorrect’.