Which HBO late-night program hosted by Bill Maher first aired in 2003?

Real Time with Bill Maher first aired on HBO in 2003.

The program premiered on February 21, 2003, after Bill Maher’s earlier series Politically Incorrect had ended. Real Time centers on political discussion, interviews, commentary, and panel debates, with Maher acting as host and moderator.

Unlike a conventional nightly monologue-and-celebrity format, Real Time is primarily built around extended conversations about current affairs. Its guests have included politicians, journalists, authors, entertainers, and activists, giving the show a discussion-driven identity.

The program is sometimes confused with Last Week Tonight with John Oliver because both are HBO comedy series involving politics. Their formats differ: Real Time emphasizes live or near-live panel conversation, while Last Week Tonight is structured around researched editorial segments.