If you like your comedy laced with strong and sharp observations about our current politics and culture, look no further than Bill Maher who has made a career out of serving up just that. After early work as an actor, Bill really found his path doing standup comedy. He turned that into a long-running series ("Politically Incorrect"), another longer-running series ("Real Time"), a hit documentary ("Religulous"), and best-selling books and standup tours. Along the way he has become a vocal proponent and consumer of cannabis as well as an animal rights activist. Maher's gift for stirring up controversy on both sides of the aisle has made his show a magnet for people wanting smart conversations laced with acerbic wit. (To be fair, Maher's other gift for stepping over the comedy line has also come back to bite him on occasion). The recipient of this year's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Bill shows no signs of slowing down -- good news indeed for comedy fans. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

Want more Maher?

Does Bill have something to say about Ronald Reagan? Of course he does -- as in this bit from 2007's HBO special The Decider. https://youtu.be/j8FrNEGO7q8?si=SBbfrYZcndlUppFK

Bill's first Carson spot showed the outlines of the career that was to come. (And it reinforced Carson's enormous role in highlighting new comedians). https://youtu.be/V__wp4xvTjI?si=wzjq8d2vxrs7XXah

Since 2003 Bill has hosted Real Time on HBO. One recurring segment (and one spun off into best-selling books) is New Rules where Bill provides helpful suggestions for the nation. https://youtu.be/6dMOfwUP0F0?si=x9dujP71LLfyO4GZ

Happy September comedy fans -- we have a treat for you this week. You may not know the name John Paragon but you sure know his work. Paragon was part of the Groundlings Improv Troupe that spawned such huge stars as Paul Reubens and Cassandra Peterson. He helped Paul turn into Pee Wee Herman and Cassandra into Elvira, Mistress of the Night. For Pee Wee he also played Jambi the Genie, a character carried over to the television version of the Pee Wee Herman Show. For Elvira, Paragon wrote many of her most famous lines and on her Movie Macabre show he appeared as a phone-in fan called "The Breather." John also had his own comedy special and worked steadily as an actor, writer and director. No wonder his special called him "The Paragon of Comedy." As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

Want more John Paragon?

For Pee Wee Herman John played Jambi the Genie who would lead everyone in a very special chant -- all together now! https://www.reddit.com/r/Xennials/s/45EKQIxFKB

We frequently say that "comedy keeps you young" and today we present exhibit #1 -- George Burns -- who went from vaudeville to radio and tv, to movies (often with his comedy and life partner Gracie Allen). Then, at an age when most of us are looking for a rocking chair, George managed to score a hit country song, win an Academy Award, play God, and headline top clubs across the nation. One of the best-loved of the old school comedians, George killed with sly wit and timing rather than bluster. And famously, George signed a lifetime contract in Vegas ensuring he would have a show on his 100th birthday. That didn't quite happen, though George lived past 100 and when he passed Hollywood paid tribute and Vegas dimmed its lights in his honor. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

Want more George Burns?

In 1980 George climbed the country charts (in his early 80s) with this nostalgic classic. https://youtu.be/vxuvFGbh9TI?si=dZ_FPSFtgFEvyi0l

George Burns and Gracie Allen were inseparable and their comic timing superb. Here they recreate an old vaudeville sketch for television. https://youtu.be/nfdS8c7Bj7o?si=jPVFtf2Ysp5NMTWV

When his close friend Jack Benny took ill, George stepped into his role in movie of Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys. This trailer has a bit of old Hollywood flavor. https://youtu.be/ZADVjV3_W_0?si=FtulkDPz0TQQDBMw

George was a favorite of Johnny Carson and this clip shows why with some great storytelling. https://youtu.be/gffET3fOJlo?si=kyCf9NA0SOHUWbsZ