A great talk show guest elevates an established show without breaking the rules of its world. They have to be the right fit for the format. And Real Time With Bill Maher's format is exceptionally specific. It's an interview show, a political chat show, and a comedy show all at once. While this seems like it's flexible for anyone, it's actually not. A guest has to have certain traits to be able to fit in. But that doesn't mean that Bill only has the same personality on Real Time. Far from it. He actually has one of the most dynamic and interesting arrays of guests in all of television.

Some of Bill's best guests have been on the show numerous times. Others have only been on once, and they've left their mark. Each of these guests has contributed something truly memorable, funny, interesting, or controversial to Real Time. They may come from the realm of show business, philosophy, literature, comedy, music, or, of course, politics, but they've made Real Time truly, truly memorable.

14 Sam Harris

The neuroscientist, philosopher, author, and podcast host has become one of the most beloved and sought-after intellectuals of his time. And there's no doubt that part of his success was gained after his first couple of appearances on Real Time With Bill Maher. Of course, his argument about religion with a very grumpy Ben Affleck gained a ton of media attention. While it surely turned some people away from Sam, it also cemented him as a truly nuanced and daring voice in the intellectual landscape. On top of this, Sam makes for great television.

13 Donna Brazile

The former head of the DNC and political strategist Donna Brazile is easily one of the best recurring guests on Real Time. For one, she is a wealth of information and, thanks to her time on CNN, a brilliant orator. But she's also downright funny and fun to watch. Particularly when she straight-up flirts with Bill Maher on air. He usually doesn't know what to do with her flirtations, but Donna makes it clear that she's into him somewhere in each of her many appearances.

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12 Ann Coulter

Without a doubt, Ann Coulter is one of the most loathed political commentators and TV personalities out there. She is simultaneously disliked by those on the left and by those on the right, the latter believe she gives them a bad name. But Bill Maher is actually friendly with her in real life and is happy to give her a platform. While Bill makes it clear that he disagrees with everything that comes out of her mouth, he knows she makes for good television. And the audience knows this too as they clearly love to hate her.

11 Michael Steele

Bill always wants to have someone on his panel who can make a legitimate argument for the other side. While former RNC chair Michael Steele may be a unicorn on the other side nowadays, he still offers a more balanced conservative voice to the panel.

10 Seth McFarlane

The creator of Family Guy is particularly observant when it comes to humans and society at large. It's one of the reasons all of his animated shows are so beloved... and so freaking funny. Without missing a beat, he accurately sheds light on the truth that dwells underneath everything we see and touch. Sometimes with a Nostrodamos-like precision. He even predicted Harvey Weinstein's downfall. So, naturally, he's a good guest on Bill Maher. But Seth has also shown the Real Time audience that he's a political junkie and can really talk the talk while still occasionally breaking out into his Stewie Griffin voice.

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9 Andrew Sullivan

The Weekly Dish's Andrew Sullivan is one of the longest-running Real Time guests. He's also one of the most influential journalists of the past three decades, according to The New York Times. While he's seen as controversial by some, others are impressed by his multiplicity of seemingly conflicting ideas.

8 Ben Shapiro

To many, Ben Shapiro is one of the most controversial figures in the intellectual landscape. To others, he is the sharp voice of reason. Bill Maher seems to have many disagreements with Ben, but always welcomes him as he never wants to shut down a debate. Ben clearly appreciates this and is happy to share his outlandishly impressive debating skills with Bill and his more left-of-center audience.

7 Howard Stern

Few guests on Bill Maher received the type of applause that Howard Stern did when he made his Real Time debut in 2019 to promote his book "Howard Stern Comes Again". The reason why Howard was one of Bill's best guests is that he did what he always does... flip the switch and take total control. It may have been Bill's show but Howard is the King Of All Media. He asks the questions and yet he's always willing to be unflinchingly honest.

6 Michael Eric Dyson

When it comes to world of civil rights, Michael Eric Dyson is one of the biggest names. He's also one of the most frequent and best guests on Bill Maher.

5 Quentin Tarantino

The Once Upon A Time In Hollywood director is a great guest on Bill Maher for obvious reasons. He's one of the most sought-after filmmakers of his generation and inspires a fanbase like no other. This is partly because the man can talk. He is always engaging, even when he speaks as though his lips are tired to two Lamborghinis at max speed. But Quentin's also really political. Not only has he been wrapped up in a controversy with the police after he stood against their treatment of people of color but he's also been an advocate for free speech in the age of wokeism.

4 Michael Moore

Not only is Michael Moore the most influential liberal documentary filmmakers, but he's also a personal friend of Bill's. Their conversations are always lively, informative, and they are t afraid to challenge each other, particularly on the topic of religion.

3 Jim Carrey

Jim is another A-list celebrity that can talk politics with Bill. But the reason he was such a great guest is due to his ability to be deeply inspirational and outrageously funny.

2 Jordan Peterson

There's no Real Time interview on Youtube that has as many views as the one featuring Jordan Peterson. The author and intellectual is regarded as one of the most influential of our time. At the same time, his views have earned him quite a few critics. Nevertheless, he's a master orator, asks engaging and thought-provoking questions, and is totally unafraid of any comment that comes his way. No wonder he worked so well alongside Bill.

1 Barack Obama

Bill Maher tried to get former President Barack Obama on his show for years. Unfortunately, it took until the end of his presidency to go on Bill Maher. But the interview was worth the wait. Bill even got the former President to talk about atheism, a topic presidents have done backflips to avoid.

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