Two Decades Later: Bill Maher & Jimmy Kimmel Reflect on the Explosive End of 'Politically Incorrect'

In a candid and revealing discussion on Bill Maher's 'Club Random' podcast, the veteran host, alongside guest Jimmy Kimmel, revisited the tumultuous period surrounding the cancellation of ABC's 'Politically Incorrect.' Twenty-two years after the show was abruptly pulled off the air due to controversial remarks Maher made post-9/11, both hosts offered fresh perspectives and emotional reflections on an event that significantly shaped their careers and the landscape of late-night television.

Maher's original comments, where he questioned the 'cowardice' of the 9/11 terrorists in comparison to the U.S.

military's actions in Afghanistan, immediately ignited a firestorm. This sparked a furious backlash from advertisers, affiliates, and even members of the Bush administration. The controversy ultimately led to the show's suspension and eventual cancellation, a decision that Maher openly admits still stings.

"It was the most emotional I've been about anything in show business in my life," he confessed to Kimmel, describing the devastating impact of losing a show he deeply cherished.

Kimmel, who served as the sports correspondent on 'Politically Incorrect' and has since become a late-night icon himself, offered a unique vantage point.

He recalled the palpable tension and fear within the show's staff as the controversy unfolded, noting how the network initially seemed to stand by Maher before succumbing to external pressures. Kimmel also shared an anecdote about a pre-taped segment where an audience member was removed for expressing agreement with Maher's controversial remarks, highlighting the immediate and intense pressure on ABC to distance itself from the comments.

The discussion delved into the broader implications of the incident.

Maher spoke of the double standard he felt was applied to him, contrasting his fate with that of figures like Don Imus, who was also controversial but was treated differently. He also mused on the timing, suggesting that if the comments had been made even a year later, the outcome might have been different as the initial shock and unity post-9/11 had begun to wane.

Both hosts acknowledged the profound shift in the media landscape since then, especially with the rise of social media and the accelerated nature of news cycles.

They reflected on how the 'Politically Incorrect' cancellation served as a precursor to the cancel culture phenomena that would become more prevalent in later years. Maher, ever the provocateur, still stands by the essence of his original remarks, maintaining that he was misunderstood and that his intention was to provoke thought rather than disrespect.

This re-examination serves as a potent reminder of a pivotal moment in television history, illustrating the delicate balance between free speech, public opinion, and corporate responsibility.

It's a testament to the enduring impact of those comments and the resilience of both Maher and Kimmel, who navigated the fallout to forge successful, albeit often controversial, careers in the spotlight.