HBO RENEWS "REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER" FOR TWO MORE SEASONS, EXTENDING THE SHOW'S RUN ON THE NETWORK THROUGH 2020; DEAL ALSO INCLUDES A NEW STAND-UP SPECIAL AND A RETROSPECTIVE SPECIAL

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2017 - Having already renewed the show for 2018, HBO has renewed REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER for two additional seasons, with season 17 scheduled for 2019, and season 18 scheduled for 2020, it was announced today by Casey Bloys, president, HBO programming. The deal also includes Maher's 11th stand-up special on the network and a retrospective special highlighting memorable moments from REAL TIME's previous seasons.

"We are incredibly proud to continue our longstanding relationship with Bill Maher," noted Bloys. "As part of the HBO family for nearly 30 years, Bill's distinctive point of view, coupled with his passion and commitment to insightful and informative entertainment, has remained unparalleled."

"I'm extraordinarily grateful to HBO for one of the great relationships of my life, and I applaud their efforts to fight ageism by signing me to this extended deal," says Maher.

Currently in its 15th season, REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER debuts new shows Friday nights (10:00-11:00 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT). Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, the show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists and interviews with guests.

Politico has hailed Maher as "a pugnacious debater and a healthy corrective to the claptrap of cable news," while Variety noted, "There may not be a more eclectic guest list on all of television."

Maher headlined his first special on the network in 1989 and has starred in ten HBO solo specials to date. He is also an executive producer of the innovative news magazine show "VICE," which is now in its fifth season on HBO.

Season 15 credits: The executive producers of REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER are Bill Maher, Scott Carter, Sheila Griffiths, Brad Grey, Marc Gurvitz, Dean E. Johnsen and Billy Martin; co-executive producer, Chris Kelly; producer, Matt Wood; director, Paul Casey.