Bill Maher shocked fans when he announced that he would no longer be touring with his stand-up comedy act. The 70-year-old host of HBO’s Real Time revealed on his Club Random podcast that he made the decision to stay off the road due to the current political climate and the fear of potentially getting shot by extremists on either side.
“I could get shot by the left or the right. Itâs a good time to not be out there,” Maher admitted during a conversation with guest Patton Oswalt. The recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah served as a grim reminder of the dangers that public figures face in today’s polarized society.
While the fear of assassination was a major factor in Maher’s decision, he also cited other reasons for stepping away from touring. After completing his 13th HBO special, Maher felt that he had achieved a significant body of work and wanted to focus on other projects. He also expressed fatigue from the constant travel and competition with younger comedians who were selling out arena tours.
Despite his decision to stop touring, Maher continues to be a vocal critic of both the left and the right. He has been particularly critical of the Democratic party’s shift towards more extreme positions, calling out figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for being too radical. Maher’s willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and speak his mind has earned him both praise and criticism from viewers on all sides of the political spectrum.
In a recent interview, Maher even admitted that he could see himself casting a Republican vote under certain circumstances, highlighting his frustration with the current state of politics in America. While he acknowledged that President Donald Trump had some valid points on issues like the border and diversity, Maher also expressed concern about the president’s controversial actions and rhetoric.
As Maher continues to navigate the turbulent waters of American politics, fans can expect to see him continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo on Real Time and other platforms. Despite stepping away from the stand-up stage, Maher’s sharp wit and unapologetic commentary are sure to keep audiences engaged and entertained for years to come.

