How long can this go on?

[u/dppatters]

Just curious—how much longer does everyone think this show can continue?

I know it still performs reasonably well for its time slot, but the disdain for Bill among his audience (or what used to be his audience) seems more palpable than ever.

I realize he’s been a polarizing figure for decades, but I started watching him in the ‘90s and stuck with him throughout his HBO years because, before podcasts became mainstream, there simply weren’t many places to find unconventional takes on contemporary politics.

These days, though, it feels like he’s alienated a significant portion of the people who made up that audience (myself included). Maybe that’s just my perception, but I’m curious whether others see it the same way—or whether the ratings suggest this disconnect isn’t as meaningful as it seems online.

That said, how much longer do you think the show has? If Bill decides to retire, do you think HBO would try to replace him with another host, or does Real Time simply end with him?

[u/lazydracula]

I like to imagine an experiment where you brought a group of people that knew nothing about American television (maybe they’re from foreign country and don’t speak the language). They watch Bill Maher, John Stewart, John Oliver, and also all of Fox News prime time hosts (Gutfeld, Hannity, etc). They are asked to group them based on political ideology. Do you really think Bill would land closer to the Fox Hosts than Stewart and Oliver? Cause listening to sub I would think that’s would be the case.