CNN will soon begin airing the post-show of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” as part of CEO Chris Licht’s efforts to increase the network’s appeal.
Maher’s “Overtime,” in which the host and guests answer viewers’ questions each week, airs at 11:30 p.m. EST during “CNN Tonight,” and will see Maher and guests discuss everything from politics to the day’s news .
Licht, 51, sat down with the Los Angeles Times to provide an update on how things have evolved at the network since its acquisition in May 2022 and said he’s working quickly to “expand the appeal of our prime time.” ‘ without hurting the ‘core audience.’
CNN will soon begin airing “Overtime,” the post-show for “Real Time with Bill Maher.”
The move is the latest from CEO Chris Licht, who is trying to increase the network’s appeal
However, the statement may feel contradictory to “Real Time” viewers, who in recent years have begun to slam Maher for not being liberal enough, a fact he has addressed.
“Let’s get that straight,” Maher said in 2022. “It’s not me that’s changed, it’s the left. A large contingent has gone mad and I am ready to summon them.’
The move to add the comedian comes as the network continues to struggle with ratings.
During the week of January 16-22, CNN averaged just 444,000 prime-time viewers.
Ratings for the network were their lowest in nine years, according to The Wrap.
It was also the first time since May 2014 that CNN failed to reach 450,000 viewers.
For comparison, Fox saw 1.4 million viewers and MSNBC saw 629,000.
Just two weeks ago, reported that CNN had hired a comedian to host one of its stricken prime times.
Among the names that had been pitched were Maher, Trevor Noah and Jon Stewart.
The comedian would fill the 9 p.m. slot left by Chris Cuomo, according to insiders.
Fox has found massive success after launching Gutfeld!, the late-night comedy show hosted by Greg Gutfeld.
Licht said he’s not currently focused on the competition, however.
“I deal with what makes us special and what will differentiate us from our competitors,” said the CEO.
The numbers are just one of many reasons why Licht is focused on bringing viewers back and opening the network to new viewers.
Maher’s “Overtime,” in which the host and guests answer viewer questions each week, airs at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time during “CNN Tonight.”
During the week of January 16-22, CNN averaged just 444,000 prime-time viewers
CNN reportedly wanted to recruit Jon Stewart or another comedian for a primetime comedy show to follow in Fox News’ footsteps
Brass at the famously progressive news network has also reportedly brought up the likes of Arsenio Hall and Trevor Noah as candidates
However, Licht denied this rumor, stating that comedy shows were too much work.
“I worked on a comedy show. And it took over 200 people to produce a true comedy show. So no, I wouldn’t be so stupid as to hurt the comedy and news brand in one fell swoop by trying to do a comedy show on CNN,” he said.
He noted that the network is “in talks” with some culturally relevant individuals from the entertainment, sports and comedy worlds.
When asked how he plans to stay balanced if the network were to hire a comedian, he replied that he’s okay with disagreements, but not “partisan hackers.”
“There’s nothing wrong with opinions or perspectives, especially in prime time, but they have to be authentic,” Licht said. “We are completely uninterested in partisan hacking and ideological talking points.”
The numbers are just one of many reasons why Licht is focused on bringing viewers back and opening the network to new viewers
The move to add Maher is far from controversial given the comedian’s recent track record on the left.
Though he still describes himself as a liberal, the late-night host has become a target for some members of the Democratic Party for his “call it what you see it” mentality.
Last week, the comedian and podcast host fell out with actor Bryan Cranston over critical race theory after the ‘Breaking Bad’ star said the subject should be taught in schools.
The topic came up after the couple discussed slavery, in which Maher expressed his belief that historical figures like former presidents shouldn’t be “cancelled” for owning slaves.
In 2022, Maher made headlines when he called out the hyper-awake left for extremism on their side of the aisle.
“You have to get involved in everything,” Maher said. “That’s why so many have been triggered by COVID policies. They were fed up with the rules.’
“But the Democrats are becoming a parody of themselves, making rules to make rules … making sure nothing bad ever happens again,” the comedian said. “It just makes everything a burden.”
Actor Bryan Cranston, pictured, said he believes critical race theory in schools is essential to understanding systemic racism in the country
But Bill Maher, pictured, argued that CRT is a catch-all term and that teaching children that they are oppressors introduces ideas that are inappropriate for their age
The teaching of CRT in schools has proved controversial, often leading to protests
It may be Maher’s ability to reach across the aisle in his viewership and ideals that sparked Licht’s interest in bringing “Overtime” to CNN.
“I think we need to restore confidence. It’s that simple. You can talk to a lot of different people about why that’s eroded, but in hindsight, I’ll say that one of our missions is to restore our reputation as the most trusted name in the news,” said the CNN Boss.
“We certainly have research showing that [trust] has eroded,” Licht said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
Licht has also been working overtime to bring down costs on the embattled network.
In December, CNN laid off hundreds of employees, including on-air talent and contributors such as Brian Stelter, John Harwood, Preet Bharara, Dan Merica, Alison Kosik and Chris Cillizza.
Licht has also been working overtime to bring down costs on the embattled network
In December, CNN laid off hundreds of employees, including on-air talent and contributors like Preet Bharara, Dan Merica, Alison Kosik and Chris Cillizza
At the time, it was reported that the CEO had brought in additional security guards who were not only stationed outside the executive boardroom where he positioned himself, but also followed him throughout the day.
The network chief apparently hoped to avoid backlash or confrontation from recalcitrant employees who fell victim to the cost-cutting measures.