Real Time is coming back, unfortunately, sans writers or writing. It has been five months, and it is time to bring people back to work. The writers have important issues that I sympathize with, and hope they are addressed to their satisfaction, but they are not the only people…

— Bill Maher (@billmaher) September 14, 2023

The Writers Guild of America said in a statement, “The Guild has, and will continue to, picket struck shows that are in production during the strike.”

“Bill Maher’s decision to go back on the air while his Guild is on strike is disappointing,” the WGA added in a lengthier statement posted to Twitter/X on Wednesday night. “If he goes forward with his plan, he needs to honor more than ‘the spirit of the strike.’”

“As a WGA member, Bill Maher is obligated to follow the strike rules and not perform any writing services,” the statement continued. It is difficult to imagine how Real Time can go forward without a violation of WGA strike rules taking place. WGA will be picketing this show.”