Politically Incorrect (1993–2002)

Four guests from the worlds of politics and entertainment join host Bill Maher for a free-wheeling and humorous discussion of current events.

Creator:

Bill Maher

Stars:

Bill Maher, Christine O'Donnell, Lisa Ann Walter

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 4 wins & 24 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Bill Maher	...	Himself - Host (101 episodes, 1993-2002)
Christine O'Donnell	...	Herself (93 episodes, 1994-2002)
Lisa Ann Walter	...	Herself (81 episodes, 1996-2002)

Storyline

Political talk show based on the idea that debate is stifled by too much seriousness. Guests are chosen from the worlds of politics and entertainment, often with the goal of creating conflict (ultra-sensitive special-interest groups matched with outrageous comedians). Nevertheless, a relatively friendly atmosphere is maintained, with none of the swearing or chair-throwing common on 'shock-talk' shows. Regular features have included the "Get Over Yourself" award, given to the week's most self-absorbed public figure.

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Plot Keywords:

politics | comedian | two word title | live audience | actor playing himself | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Talk-Show

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Details

Official Sites:

ABC

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Also Known As:

P.I.

Filming Locations:

CBS Television City - 7800 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Brad Grey Television, Brillstein-Grey Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

ABC cancelled the show even though its ratings were strong, and in some markets it was beating out The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Host Bill Maher has been quoted as saying it was because the politically conservative Walt Disney Corp., which owned ABC, didn't like his criticisms of the government of President George W. Bush.

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Quotes

Bill Maher: [the quote that some say got the show canceled] We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly.

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Connections

Referenced in The 70th Annual Academy Awards (1998)

User Reviews

Format Is Not Original, Better on PBS

The concept of having a round table of people with different backgrounds, different opinions, and different social classes coming together to discuss issues is not new. Several programs on PBS do this or have done this. The diverse backgrounds of the panelists are necessary to initiate debate, to cause chaos, to formulate new ideas and perspectives, and for the panelists to, hopefully, learn from each other. If everyone shared the same views, the discussions would not be interesting to either the panelists, the moderator, or the TV viewers. It would not be interesting television. On PBS, the panelists are extremely stimulating on an intellectual level. They are well-established and well-respected in their fields. Usually, they are not mainstream celebrities. Usually, one must have a decent intellectual disposition to enjoy these panel discussions on PBS.

Bill Maher brought this concept to Comedy Central, and he fueled a fire! He brought this concept to the less intellectual of America who would usually have never paid attention. It was funny, of course, a little looser in language and format, lightweight to appeal to younger viewers. It became successful to where it moved to the big time, NETWORK TV.

Though I did not watch it on a regular basis, I became tired of the oversaturation of well-groomed, well-dressed celebrities. A sparkling appearance does not make their opinions more insightful. However, because it was a major network concerned with advertising dollars, ABC had to continue with these celebrities, even if they didn't have much to say.

The show, as of the time I wrote this, has been canceled. This was, most likely, caused by Maher's comments after September 11, 2001 when he referred to the American Armed Forces as "cowards". It was probably taken out of context.

Anyway, the show was fun, while it lasted. However, just because his show is dead, does not mean that this discussion format is dead.