Bill Maher scores ninth season of 'Real Time' for HBO

Punchline Magazine (blog) - Those dirty, godless, bleeding heart liberals will rejoice with this bit of comedy news: HBO has re-upped Real Time with Bill Maher for yet another season– and with more scoops of raisins episodes than before! That’s 35 episodes for Maher’s ninth season of his political chat show.

“Bill Maher is one of the most sought-after opinion makers on TV. [We're] delighted that this fearless and provocative observer will return to HBO next year,” the network said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. “By presenting an increased number of episodes in 2011, we’ll be able bring this live, topical show to our subscribers almost year-round.”

The new season, part of a two year contract, should start early next year, reports Deadline Hollywood.

We assume this means Maher will have to scale back ever so slightly on his yearly stand-up comedy touring schedule. We’ll have to wait and see.