Comedian Bill Maher’s latest special, Is Anyone Else Seeing This?, has left some viewers feeling a bit underwhelmed. Georgetown University professor Jacques Berlinerblau, who’s no stranger to sharing his thoughts on controversial topics, took to discussing Maher’s special over the weekend. While Maher is known for his bold takes on politics and culture, Berlinerblau argues that this time around, his comedy falls flat.
Maher covers a range of topics — from Trump and “wokeness” to cancel culture, drag queens, and kids these days. But according to Berlinerblau, Maher’s takes on these issues are so familiar that the jokes just didn’t hit. “His punchlines failed to surprise,” the professor writes, pointing out that Maher’s views are so well-known that there’s no real shock factor. Instead of pushing boundaries or offering new perspectives, it feels like Maher is just going through the motions.
However, not all hope is lost for the comedian. Berlinerblau does give credit where it’s due, highlighting Maher’s strength in engaging dialogue. “His real genius,” he says, “is in conversation, not stand-up.” Whether he’s grilling a controversial guest or challenging a provocative topic, Maher shines when he’s in a back-and-forth discussion. But in Is Anyone Else Seeing This?, it’s just Maher, alone with his camera, and the comedy feels like a series of predictable rants rather than a thought-provoking performance.
Instead of opening minds, Maher’s latest set seems to celebrate his own views, and as a result, his monologue feels a bit smug. If he wants to truly engage and convince viewers, he might want to step out of his comfort zone and continue those lively, thought-provoking conversations — especially with people who challenge him. But for now, Is Anyone Else Seeing This? just might leave you wishing for something a little more… unexpected.
