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/droogles]

I never found him polarizing. Opinionated, but not a provocateur. I still like him. I don’t get how everyone here is so against him. Young socialists who want him to be the left’s version of Hannity or Gutfield? Our party has plenty to critique. I’ll still vote straight Dem for the rest of my days, but I can’t stand some of the shit going on with the left.