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Bill Maher Explains Why ‘Real Time’ Will Return as WGA Strike Continues on September 14, 2023 at 5:22 pm Us Weekly

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Bill Maher — a member of the Writers Guild of America — announced that his HBO talk show is returning despite the fact that the guild is still on strike.

Real Time is coming back, unfortunately, sans writers or writing,” Maher, 67, began in a statement shared via X on Wednesday, September 13. “It has been five months, and it is time to bring people back to work.”

Maher claimed he sympathizes with some of the “important issues” the writers want addressed, though he didn’t specify which ones. “But they are not the only people with issues, problems and concerns,” he continued. “Despite some assistance from me, much of the staff is struggling mightily. We all were hopeful this would come to an end after Labor Day, but that day has come and gone, and there still seems to be nothing happening. I love my writers, I am one of them, but I’m not prepared to lose an entire year and see so many below-the-line people suffer so much.”

The late-night personality, who has hosted Real Time With Bill Maher since 2003, said he will “honor the spirit of the strike” by not including monologues or written segments like “New Rules.”

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Related: Which TV Shows Are Impacted by the 2023 WGA Strike?

After the Writers Guild of America officially authorized a strike in May 2023, many TV shows were affected as a result. Writers and studios attempted to reach a new wage agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers in April 2023 before the WGA contract expired. Negotiations, however, broke down as the WGA […]

“And I’ll say it upfront to the audience: the show I will be doing without my writers will not be as good as our normal show, full stop,” he wrote. “But the heart of the show is an off-the-cuff panel discussion that aims to cut through the bulls–t and predictable partisanship, and that will continue. The show will not disappoint.”

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The WGA, meanwhile, slammed Maher’s decision to return without writers. “Bill Maher’s decision to go back on the air while his Guild is on strike is disappointing. If he goes forward with his plan, he needs to honor more than ‘the spirit of the strike,’” the union said in a statement shared via X on Wednesday. “As a WGA member, @BillMaher is obligated to follow the strike rules and not perform any writing services. It is difficult to imagine how @RealTimers can go forward without a violation of WGA strike rules taking place. WGA will be picketing this show.”

Related: Celebrities Who’ve Joined the SAG-AFTRA Strike Picket Lines

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The biggest names in Hollywood are showing their support for the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike by joining their fellow union members on the picket lines. In July, the labor union — which represents more than 160,000 TV and film actors — voted to go on strike after the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) […]

The WGA has been on strike since May because of stalled negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers over issues including streaming residual payments and the use of artificial intelligence in film and TV projects. Two months later, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists also went on strike for many of the same reasons.

Earlier this month, Maher spoke out about the WGA strike on his podcast, “Club Random.” During an interview with Jim Gaffigan, Maher used the word “kooky” to describe some of the writers’ demands and said no one is “owed a living” as a writer.

“This is show business,” he continued. “This is the make-or-miss league.”

Real Time will be the first late night show to return during the strikes. Last month, late night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers launched a podcast called “Strike Force Five” to benefit striking writers.

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Bill Maher — a member of the Writers Guild of America — announced that his HBO talk show is returning despite the fact that the guild is still on strike. “Real Time is coming back, unfortunately, sans writers or writing,” Maher, 67, began in a statement shared via X on Wednesday, September 13. “It has 

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‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Steals the Show at SXSW

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Matthew McConaughey made a triumphant return to the big screen at SXSW with the world premiere of “The Rivals of Amziah King” on Monday, March 10, 2025. The film, which marks McConaughey’s first live-action role in six years, received a rare standing ovation at Austin’s Paramount Theatre.

Credit: Roselyn Omaka

Directed by Andrew Patterson, “The Rivals of Amziah King” is a multifaceted narrative that blends elements of crime drama, beekeeping, musical, and character-driven storytelling, set against the backdrop of rural Oklahoma. The film follows Amziah King, played by McConaughey, a charismatic beekeeper and bluegrass musician who runs the town’s top honey-making operation. When Amziah’s estranged foster daughter, Kateri (played by newcomer Angelina LookingGlass), returns to his life, they attempt to rebuild their relationship and create a family business, but face threats from ruthless rivals in the honey industry.

The film’s cast, including Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Jake Horowitz, and Tony Revolori, joined McConaughey on the red carpet at SXSW. The ensemble cast brought a diverse range of characters to life, adding depth to the film’s complex narrative.

McConaughey introduced the film to the SXSW audience, praising its originality and describing it as a blend of humor, innocence, and spirit. The actor’s performance in the film showcases his musical talents, as he sings and plays instruments in several live musical numbers, which contributed to the film’s standing ovation.

In an interview, McConaughey reflected on his return to acting, highlighting the film’s unique blend of genres and his character’s journey with Kateri. “It’s a remarkable love tale,” he said, emphasizing the reconnection between Amziah and his foster daughter.

The film’s world premiere at SXSW was met with a rapturous response, with many praising its electrifying vision and invigorating music. Andrew Patterson’s bold creativity and innovative storytelling have positioned “The Rivals of Amziah King” as one of the standout films of the festival. As the festival continues, it remains to be seen how the film will fare in the competitive marketplace, but early reactions suggest it could be a significant player in the coming months.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

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 “A Simple Favor” Sequel: Cast Reunites at SXSW

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The cast of “A Simple Favor” recently reunited at SXSW to discuss the upcoming sequel. The excitement was palpable as they shared insights into revisiting their iconic characters and what audiences can expect from the new installment.

Returning to Familiar Roles

Director Paul Feig expressed his initial hesitation about sequels, stating, “I’ve always shied away from doing a sequel because I think they’re really terrifying, and I haven’t seen many sequels that I like.” However, his love for the characters and the first film’s success on streaming platforms ultimately convinced him to revisit the story.

Anna Kendrick, who plays Stephanie, shared her enthusiasm for embracing a more unkempt version of her character. “I was really excited to play Stephanie but in sneers,” she said, hinting at a humorous evolution for her character.

Blake Lively, returning as the enigmatic Emily, expressed her love for the character, calling her “probably my favorite character I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play.” She also teased a “curveball idea” from Feig that upped the ante and made things “very uncomfortable to watch.”

Glamour and Intrigue in Capri

The sequel takes the characters to the glamorous island of Capri, a setting that Feig was determined to use despite budgetary concerns. Lively raved about the location, saying, “I want to live there, I love it so much…it’s just magical.”

New cast members Alex and Mel also shared their excitement about joining the project and filming in Capri. Mel humorously stated, “Who doesn’t want to get paid to film in Capri while working with Paul [Feig]?”

Spoilers and Twists

The cast was careful to avoid spoilers, emphasizing the many twists and turns in the film. Kendrick jokingly warned, “Stephanie stand the up dude…this is your tormentor, stab her in the neck bro, grow up here.” This comment hints at the complex and potentially dangerous relationship between Stephanie and Emily in the sequel.

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A Collaborative Spirit

Andrew Rannells and Bashir Salahuddin, who are also returning for the sequel, praised Feig’s collaborative directing style. Rannells noted that Feig is “very open to letting actors improvise but also knows when to tell them that’s enough.”

Overall, the cast and director conveyed a sense of excitement and camaraderie, promising a sequel that will be both thrilling and hilarious.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

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Issa Rae: Giving Flowers and Calling Out History in “Seen and Heard”

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Issa Rae, the creative force behind the groundbreaking series “Insecure,” is back with a new project that’s already generating buzz: “Seen and Heard.” This HBO docu-series is a deep dive into the history of Black television, celebrating the triumphs, acknowledging the struggles, and examining the lasting impact of representation on screen. During a conversation at SXSW, Rae discussed the making of “Seen and Heard,” her early influences, and her complicated relationship with reality TV.

Chronicling Black TV History: A Comprehensive Look

Rae emphasized the importance of creating a “comprehensive, rich history of Black television,” particularly during a time when Black creators are experiencing a renaissance in the industry. The series features interviews with television icons like Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen, Mara Brock Akil and Tyler Perry, who share their personal journeys and insights. Rae credits executive Montrell McKay and director Giselle Bailey for bringing her vision to life. She praised Bailey’s “cinematic” approach, which elevates “Seen and Heard” beyond the typical documentary format.

One of the most impactful aspects of the docu-series is its exploration of how Black audiences were used to build up networks, only to be abandoned later. Rae notes that having creators and showrunners recount this history firsthand makes the experience undeniable and is a critical part of understanding the full picture of Black television’s evolution.

Reality TV: A Villain Origin Story

Rae revealed that reality television played a significant role in shaping her desire to create meaningful content. As a child of the ’90s, she grew up watching shows like “Moesha,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “A Different World,” which made her feel like she wanted to be a part of the television landscape. However, the rise of reality TV, particularly the portrayal of Black women, left her feeling frustrated and underrepresented.

Rae described her relationship with shows like “Flavor of Love” as “hate-watching.” She explained a specific incident during the show’s second season premiere when a contestant was denied access to the restroom and ended up urinating on the floor on TV. This moment, she said, sparked a realization that “there has to be more than this,” and motivated her to start film blogging and eventually create her own content. Rae even jokingly gives “shout out to my haters” for inspiring her to “make something” instead of just complaining.

“Insecure” and the LA Love Letter

The conversation also touched on the lasting impact of “Insecure,” particularly its connection to Los Angeles. Rae expressed her appreciation for fans who visit landmarks featured in the show, creating their own “Insecure” LA tours. She shared a story about meeting a fan who was introduced to Worldwide Tacos through the show, highlighting how “Insecure” served as a love letter to the city. Ultimately, Rae finds it incredibly rewarding when people tell her that “Insecure” has inspired them to “do their own thing.”

Issa Rae’s “Seen and Heard” promises to be a powerful and insightful exploration of Black television history, filled with both celebration and critical analysis. By examining the past and present of representation on screen, Rae continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers and push the boundaries of what’s possible in television.


Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

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