How to watch 'Real Time With Bill Maher' season 24 online from anywhere — stream

Bill Maher wearing glasses and dark suit in a portrait photo for Real Time With Bill Maher season 24
(Image credit: HBO)

"Real Time With Bill Maher" is HBO’s weekly, hour-long political debrief, built to put the week’s biggest stories through a sharper, funnier filter. Season 24 (2026) continues to focus on political polarisation, with guests Charlie Sheen, Mark Cuban, and Jesse Eisenberg.

Here's how you can watch "Real Time With Bill Maher" online around the world and from anywhere with a VPN.

'Real Time With Bill Maher' season 24 release date and time

Season 24 premieres on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with streaming on Max at the same time.
• U.S. — Watch on HBO / Max via Prime or YouTube TV (free trial)
• U.K. — Watch on Sky
• Canada — Watch on Crave
• Australia — Watch on Binge
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN risk-free

Each episode follows a familiar rhythm: a news-driven opening monologue, a sit-down interview with a headline maker (often a politician, author, or scientist), then a roundtable where three guests with clashing viewpoints argue it out before Maher closes with New Rules, his pointed, semi-serious take on whatever is breaking America’s brain that week.

If you still want more, Overtime is the 10 to 15-minute after-show where the panel tackles viewer questions, streamed live for free on the official Real Time YouTube channel right after the broadcast.

And it is not going anywhere soon: HBO has renewed the series through season 26, taking it to 2028. Here's where to watch "Real Time With Bill Maher" online and in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India and beyond.

Watch 'Real Time With Bill Maher' in the U.S.

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(Image credit: Shutterstock)
HBOMax
US Stream

In the U.S., "Real Time With Bill Maher" airs on HBO at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Fridays, and streams on Max at the same time.

Max prices start at $10.99/month for ad-supported and you can sign up through Prime Video.

FREE TRIAL? Max doesn't offer a free trial, but there's a sneaky way to get one: sign up to YouTube TV's free trial and add a Max free trial. A handy hack to get a couple of episodes of Bill Maher 2026 for nothing (provided you cancel before the trial ends). You'll also get to watch A Night of Seven Kingdoms for free!

Full audio episodes are released as podcasts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts the next day.

Traveling outside the States? You'll need to use a VPN to watch your usual services when abroad.

Watch 'Real Time With Bill Maher' from anywhere

If you are travelling and your usual streaming app is blocked, a VPN (virtual private network) can make your device appear to be back in your home country, allowing you to access the services you already pay for while abroad.

We have tested many options, and NordVPN is our top pick for streaming performance and device support. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is useful if you only need it for a short trip.

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Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a U.S. server from the location list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to your streaming service app — so Max, for example — and watch "Real Time With Bill Maher" season 24 online from wherever you are in the world.

Watch 'Real Time With Bill Maher' in Canada

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(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In Canada, "Real Time with Bill Maher" streams on Crave, which carries HBO programming under a licensing deal, and new episodes typically air in line with U.S. airtime. If your TV package includes HBO Canada, you can also watch live via that channel.

If you are only after highlights, Overtime and other clips are posted on YouTube, and the audio version is available as a free podcast the following day.

Don't forget: those on vacation outside Canada will need a top VPN to log in from abroad to access Crave, as it is geo-blocked outside Canada.

Watch 'Real Time With Bill Maher' in the U.K.

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(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The show is typically available via Sky, because Sky holds the U.K. rights to HBO content. New episodes generally air on Sky Comedy, with on-demand viewing via Sky Go for subscribers. Here's today' best Sky deals and discounts.

If you do not have Sky, Now is the usual streaming alternative. You will need a NOW Entertainment Membership, and episodes are added to the on-demand library after the Sky broadcast.

Notably, the show is not available on Max in the U.K. due to licensing arrangements.

On vacation in the U.K.? Don't worry. Use a reliable streaming VPN to log in from home to your usual provider.

Watch 'Real Time With Bill Maher' in Australia

Australian flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In Australia, your options depend on how you normally get HBO programming. New episodes are commonly available on Binge, while Foxtel and Foxtel Now also carry the show as part of relevant channel packs and on-demand.

If you are travelling, using a VPN like NordVPN is the most straightforward way to continue watching with the subscriptions you already have.

'Real Time With Bill Maher' — trailer

S24 Official Trailer | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO) - YouTube S24 Official Trailer | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO) - YouTube
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'Real Time With Bill Maher' — FAQs

How long will the show stay on the air? HBO has renewed "Real Time With Bill Maher" through 2028, so you can expect it to stick around for at least the next couple of seasons beyond season 24.

Is the show filmed live? Not usually anymore. "Real Time" used to go out live, but it is now typically taped at around 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday at Television City in Los Angeles, then airs at 10:00 p.m. ET on HBO.

What is Overtime? Overtime is the short, post show add on, usually 10 to 15 minutes, where Maher and the panel answer viewer submitted questions. It streams live for free on the official Real Time YouTube channel right after the main broadcast.

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Caroline Preece
Contributing Smart Home Writer

Caroline is a freelance writer and product tester, previously working in roles such as smart home editor across various titles at Future, including Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and TechRadar. As a technology and lifestyle expert, Caroline specializes in smart home tech, appliances, and more. She currently operates out of her cozy Suffolk apartment and is more dedicated than ever to helping people find the best products for their own homes.

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