Bill Maher pauses“ Real Time” return as studios and writers resume negotiations

Bill Maher is the latest host to walk back plans to return to TV without WGA writers amid the Hollywood strikes.

Maher credited reports that the AMPTP would soon return to negotiations with the striking WGA as the reason for this reversal. "My decision to return to work was made when it seemed nothing was happening and there was no end in sight to this strike," Maher tweeted on Monday. "Now that both sides have agreed to go back to the negotiating table I'm going to delay the return of Real Time, for now, and hope they can finally get this done."

After announcing last week that Real Time with Bill Maher would return to production "sans writers or writing," the host faced immense pushback. Keith Olbermann, for example, tweeted: "As somebody who's known you since 1978: F--- you, Bill."

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images Bill Maher

Real Time with Bill Maher joins The Drew Barrymore Show, The Talk, and The Jennifer Hudson Show in delaying their planned returns amid pressure from strikers.

Now that the unions have flexed their power and demonstrated the public's continuing sympathy with the strikers, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is returning to the negotiating table. Deadline reports that the AMPTP will resume bargaining with the WGA this Wednesday.

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Related content:

• Bill Maher slammed by Keith Olbermann for returning to late night without WGA writers: 'F--- you, Bill'

• The Talk pauses its plan to return amid writers' strike after backlash

• Drew Barrymore announces her show will not return until writers' strike ends after backlash