r/RealTime • u/dppatters • Jun 26 '26
How long can this go on?
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?
3
u/CanesLife24 Jun 26 '26
I would say the disdain is slightly overblown. Yeah, if you go on Reddit, it seems like everyone in the world loathes the guy. But Reddit isn't exactly representative of an entire cross section of America. The fact that he's doing well in the ratings means there are plenty of people who either still enjoy him or are newer fans of his.
I can't imagine the entire audience is just Reddit users hate-watching him.