MSNBC's Newest Host: Bill Maher? Could Happen

[NYCGirl]

I think this would be a great move.

http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/mixed-media/2009/01/22/msnbcs-newest-host-bill-maher-could-happen

MSNBC wants to create a new show to fill its 10 p.m. hour. Might Bill Maher be its host?

It's widely known in the cable news world that the third-place network has a longstanding interest in Maher, who now hosts a weekly current-events chat program, Real Time, on HBO. He's an obvious choice, having hosted his own daily talk show, Politically Incorrect, until ABC canceled him in 2002, a few months after the comedian made some poorly-received remarks about the Sept. 11 hijackers.

Though more libertarian than strictly liberal, Maher's politics make him a good fit with MSNBC's audience, which has grown in direct proportion to the network's enthusiasm for the Democratic party. One caveat: Maher would probably be expensive (although Chris Matthews's recent pay cut, from $5 million a year to around $2 million, frees up some cash for that).

I reached out to reps for Maher and MSNBC to ask whether anything's in the works. Nothing yet. In the meantime, let's think about the other possibilities: MSNBC could create a show for Chuck Todd, the boyish political whiz who, though lacking polish, nevertheless was a strong contender for replacing the late Tim Russert at Meet the Press. It could move Chris Matthews's Hardball from its berth at 5 p.m., although that would create a double vacuum earlier in the evening (Hardball repeats at 7). It could lure away Alan Colmes from Fox News, where he's just marking time now that Sean Hannity's gone solo. Or it could just do what it did last time and let Keith Olbermann install the protégé of his choice.

[ThomWV]

1. Dear god, I hope not.

I can't stand him.

[KingOfLostSouls]

2. eh...not to thrilling

Maher on HBO lets him say what he wants to say without editing for language.


Maher not being able to say the F-bomb is like K.O. without sarcasm.

[NYCGirl]

5. He did fine on ABC (which is stricter than MSNBC) for years. NT

[KingOfLostSouls]

9. "Real Time" is sooooo much funnier though

especially when joy behar has been on.


when she says the stuff she REALLY wants to say on The View, I fall over laughing.

[beac]

28. I agree. I'd hate to see him have to dial it back for MSNBC. I'd prefer to see Cenk of TYT get the

slot. Maher is great just where he is.

[Dennis Donovan]

3. Maron v Seder!

:thumbsup:

[OnyxCollie]

15. Maron V Seder is great!

I loved the Christmas shows.

[dysfunctional press]

4. i'd rather see greg palast get a show.

maher already has a gig on hbo.

[NYCGirl]

6. I'd say the chances of that are slim to none. NT

[rurallib]

7. I like Thom Hartmann. There are so many good candidates.

[bdamomma]

8. no he won't leave HBO, he's good there.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

10. I've always enjoyed him since the days of Politically Incorrect

I think he is well-informed and articulate and funny. I don't agree with all of his viewpoints, but he is always engaging. Also, he has always made a point of being able to converse intelligently with most people. Who doesn't love New Rules?

My only concern is that he will be too constrained by MSNBC and his regular fans will be disappointed to get a diluted version of him.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

11. Blech.

Maher is a smug, smarmy a-hole. I don't get his appeal.

[FLAprogressive]

12. Alan Colmes is actually not bad on his own

http://www.alan.com/

I know he gets a bad rap for working with Hannity but he's not a bad guy.....

[Historic NY]

17. no body takes him serious....not even Colbert.

Alan was Hankey's...whipping boy.

[ProfessorGAC]

13. Chuck Todd?

Somebody must have bumped their head if they think that smarmy conservative hack is suitable for his own show.
GAC

[Dennis Donovan]

18. If they want to keep Keith & Rachel's audience, they need to put another progressive in the slot...

Chuck is NO progressive.

[ProfessorGAC]

23. He's An Atwater Worshipper

He was a dirty trickster for the repubs LONG before he went to Hotline.
GAC

[beac]

29. Chuck Todd should only get the gig if the name of the show is

"Throwing Shoes and Pies at Chuck Todd"-- featuring a rotating panel of ordinary Americans armed with lemon meringues and stilettos.

[ProfessorGAC]

30. Great Idea! I'd Watch!

That would be a hoot!
GAC

[Poll_Blind]

14. Put The Young Turks in that spot! Cenk's better than Maher!

:)
PB

[Snotcicles]

24. I like this idea. Cenk has grown into a great host. And he knows all the Conservative angles.nt

[cynatnite]

16. I like him on HBO because he can say 'fuck'....

I'd rather see a better morning show than Scarborough.

[dbonds]

19. Not a good fit.

He has a decent show on hbo because he doesn't have language censors. Also, it is more the guest that make his show interesting, although he is setting the agenda for the conversations. I would much rather see TYT in that slot.

[kentuck]

20. Bill Maher may be an asshole...?

But he is a funny and insightful asshole. He is entertaining. Either you love him or you hate him. But the quality MSNBC is most looking for is probably entertaining. Pure knowledge of the issues and intelligence are not qualifiers to be a host of the show.

[NYCGirl]

22. I think you're right — the 10PM hour should be more entertaining albeit still

news oriented.

[stillcool]

21. I'd like Richard Wolffe

or Howard Fineman.

[Dr.Phool]

25. Katrina Vanden Heuvel, and maybe Eric Alterman. Call it TV Nation.

And maybe let them tag team Pat Buchanan.

[shireen]

26. it won't happen but I'd love to see

Mike Malloy! Wouldn't that be a hoot! Love the guy!

[babylonsister]

27. Nah. He wouldn't like the muzzle he'd have to wear. nt

[mmonk]

31. Interesting thought.

After losing his job in the mainstream, that is an interesting twist. Personally, returning Donahue would thrill me a little more but I would be OK with Maher and probably watch.