"Politically Incorrect" (1994)TV series 1994-2002

Directors:

Nancy Cohen
Michael Dimich

Writers:

Doug Abeles (writer)
Gabe Abelson (writer)

Seasons:

unknown

Genre:

Talk-Show

Plot:

Four guests from the worlds of politics and entertainment join host Bill Maher for a free-wheeling and humorous discussion of current events.

Plot Keywords:

Political | Politics | Non Fiction

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 3 wins & 22 nominations

Cast

Michael McKean	...	Himself / ... (16 episodes, 1997-2002)
Bill Maher	...	Himself / ... (7 episodes, 1997-2002)

Also Known As:

P.I. (USA) (short title)

Runtime:

30 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

CBS Television City - 7800 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Trivia:

ABC cancelled the show even though its ratings were strong, and in some markets it was beating out "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (1992). Host Bill Maher has been quoted as saying it was because the politically conservative Walt Disney Corp., which owned ABC, didn't like his criticisms of the government of President George W. Bush.

Quotes:

Bill Maher: [the quote that some say got the show canceled] We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Just Shoot Me!: For the Last Time, I Do (#7.21)" (2003)

great concept, hollow execution, but I watch anyway...

Politically Incorrect has a terrific concept: put together an eclectic panel of guests to debate politics and current events in an informal, loose manner. I usually watch the show if I'm watching TV when its on, but I still rarely find an episode very satisfying. The length of it is a problem... perhaps an hour would be too long for ABC but the half hour long format and frequent commercial breaks rarely allows the guests enough time to discuss anything in depth and they are constantly making half-points or no points. Of course the mix of entertainers and political figures unfortunately creates some bottle necks. The producers usually try to get at least one conservative on the show... since there are very few conservative entertainers, the episodes usually features entertainers representing the "liberal" side while politicians, consultants or radio talk show hosts represent the conservative. Not that this makes the debates slanted always, but the entertainers are usually more interested in sound bites than making valid points. I think the producers should make a better effort to get liberal guests who are more suited to political debates. There should also be more of an effort to get guests with different views. Bill Maher himself is too into himself to be focused on keeping the discussions focused and lively... there are way too many screaming fits. That all said, the show is pretty entertaining and worth watching... but the show has the potential to be a lot better... too bad Mahler isn't old enough to retire... the show could use a better host.