CNN announced Monday that it would include comedian Bill Maher’s “Real Time With Bill Maher” Friday night lineup.
According to the network, the new programming will be available on “CNN Tonight” starting February 3.
Semafor reported previously, based upon sources familiar with the matter that network executives were looking into comedy hosts for a non-traditional program to air in the 9 p.m.-11 p.m. slot. Maher was reportedly one of many people being considered.
The CEO Chris Licht stated to the Los Angeles Times that the network would not create a “topical comedy program in prime time”.
Licht stated that he was “casting wide to broaden the appeal and our prime time” but not offending “our core audience, news junkies”.
Licht said that the network would be in “conversations [with culturally relevant people from the entertainment, sports, and comedy worlds who can offer fresh perspectives to the news]”.
