I don't hate him. That documentary he made about religion was funny, I just got sick of seeing him on Real Time. I wish they didn't stick to the late-night format with monologues and the New Rule segment. I hated seeing him pretend to think that stuff was funny, but - then again - maybe he was so stoned he actually thought it was funny.
Take all that with a grain of salt. I'm always surprised by how much Americans like political comedians. I don't like politics in comedy - or fiction - much. Unless it's organic to the plot, of course. I mean politics that is inserted into the subtext of children's films and superhero films and zombie films.
I don't like stand up comedy mixed with politics. Bill Hicks was neither a great comedian or a great thinker, but somehow he carved out a place in history by simply blending the two together. I wonder if it has something to do with the audience wanting this sort of thing (political rants) but being unaware of it so seeking it out indirectly elsewhere? I don't know. It's odd.
I liked a lot of the interviews and guests on Real Time... and I respect Maher for holding strong to a couple of controversial opinions.
Jon Stewart is much worse. I can tolerate a bit of Colbert because I'm nostalgic to his Strangers with Candy days, but he's a pretty fucking cringe left-wing puppet with a bundle of cash shoved up his ass. I have to say though the weirdest of them that you guys embrace is that English guy from Community. I think - sometimes - having a funny accent and being in the right place at the right time can make miracles happen?
This response turned out to be much longer than I anticipated.