Exclusive: The Highly Anticipated Return of a Talk Show Sparks Controversy - WGA Set to Picket!
The Drew Barrymore Show is set to return without writers, sparking controversy as the WGA plans to picket its resumption Bill Maher's decision to resume Real Time will surely ignite further debate
Summary
Real Time with Bill Maher is returning without writers, sparking controversy and disappointment among the Writers Guild.
Maher recognizes the raised concerns of the writers, but he believes it is essential to focus on getting people back to work, including those who are facing difficulties. Despite Maher's assurance that the show will respect the strike's principles, the Writers Guild intends to protest Real Time due to possible infractions of strike regulations.
Real Time with Bill Maher intends to proceed without the assistance of writers, leading to a picket by the Writers Guild of America upon its return. Hosted by comedian and commentator Bill Maher, this late-night talk show debuted on HBO in 2003 and features monologues from the host as well as discussions on current political and media events with a panel of expert guests. Following the commencement of the Writers Guild strike on May 2, all late-night shows, including those hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel, immediately ceased airing. In a recent Twitter announcement, Bill Maher revealed the plan to resume production without writers, despite the strike continuing for over four months.
In the previous post, Maher shared an announcement regarding the return of Real Time:
Real Time is making a comeback, unfortunately, without the presence of writers or writing. It has been five months and it is time to get people back to work. While I understand and empathize with the important concerns of the writers, they are not the only ones facing issues, problems, and concerns. Despite my assistance, much of the staff is facing significant challenges. We were all hopeful that this would come to an end after Labor Day, but that day has passed and nothing seems to be happening. I have a great love for my writers, as I am one of them, but I am not willing to lose an entire year and witness so many individuals in the production suffering greatly. In order to respect the strike's principles, I will refrain from doing a monologue, desk piece, New Rules, or editorial – the written segments that I am so proud of on Real Time. I will announce to the audience directly that the show I will be presenting without my writers will not be as good as our normal show. However, the heart of the show lies in the spontaneous panel discussions that aim to cut through the nonsense and predictable partisanship, and those will continue. Rest assured that the show will not disappoint.
On Instagram, the Writers Guild of America West responded to the return of Real Time and said they will be picketing the show:
As seen in the post above, the WGA shared the following statement:
Bill Maher's decision to continue his show during the Guild strike is disheartening. Should he proceed, he must fully adhere to the strike guidelines and not engage in any writing services, as is expected of a WGA member. It is challenging to envision how Real Time With Bill Maher can proceed without breaching the WGA strike regulations. The show will be picketed by members of the Guild.
Bill Maher's Decision To Resume Real Time Will Be Controversial
Real Time with Bill Maher is the first late-night talk show to resume without writers since The Drew Barrymore Show, which airs during the daytime. Despite facing backlash and being labeled a "scab," Barrymore made the decision to return to air in compliance with the WGA and SAG strike rules. Now, Maher has followed suit, announcing that Real Time will also continue without writers in a move to "honor the spirit of the strike." Given Maher's recent criticism of the WGA strike and his description of their demands as "kooky," his decision is expected to spark controversy.
The WGA's response brings up important concerns regarding Maher's return to the air during the writers' strike. As a WGA member, Maher is obligated to adhere to the strike regulations and refrain from conducting any writing services throughout its duration. Maher pledges to "respect the strike's essence" by abstaining from delivering a monologue or scripted New Rules segment, limiting the show to solely the discussion panel portion with guests. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether Real Time with Bill Maher can continue without transgressing the WGA strike guidelines.
