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

Featured in Primary Colors (1998)

User Reviews

Entertaining, thought-provoking, aggravating

As far as late-night shows go, this is the most interesting and original of them all. It's the only late-night talk show that doesn't engage their guests in scripted, self-serving dialogue. Instead, it puts the guests in heated discussion over current events and social issues, throwing self-promotion aside.

Aside from concept and originality, in execution it works pretty well. The host is very opinionated and given his control it sometimes curbs the life of the argument. Naturally, it can get frustrating watching a conversation and not being able to shout at some of the guests. Generally, it's great fun to watch.