Bill Maher is a political satirist, comedian, author and actor that was trained at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. His present weekly comedy/news program is called Real Time. In this program, which lasts about an hour a show features guest and a question and answer slots. The guests, and Mr Maher discuss some of the top political concerns that are in the daily news. These guests aid Mr Maher in poking some fun at serious situations, and add a twist as to how they should be resolved.

Real Time, that is aired on the HBO network is not that drastically different from Maher's last show Politically Incorrect on the ABC network. Maher holds a variety of political and religious views that he claims puts him in the social democratic line of political agendas.

Maher has been nominated for many Emmy Awards, 22 in total, and has yet to capture one. He is a highly criticized and controversial figure that likes to stir things up. One of his more controversial comments was when he compared retarded children to dogs. His controversial nature has paid off in the ratings racket though. It seems the more detestable his comments get, the more viewers he tends to attract.

Maher is also a member of many political and ethical groups. One such group os PETA where he serves on the board of directors. Maher is also known to speak against corporate welfare policies and industrial pollution. He is also all for the controlled legalization of marijuana.