Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) has exciting news for fans of HBO’s acclaimed podcast, REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER, as it made its much-anticipated return on September 29. The show continues to provide Bill Maher’s distinctive take on contemporary issues, featuring his renowned opening monologue, one-on-one interviews with prominent guests, lively roundtable discussions with panelists, and the beloved New Rules segment. You can catch the series on HBO or stream it on Max.
In an upcoming episode, viewers can look forward to a one-on-one interview with Governor Ron DeSantis, the Republican Governor of Florida, who is currently eyeing the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
This week’s panel discussion promises engaging conversations with notable guests. Sam Harris, host of the Making Sense podcast, and Mary Katharine Ham, co-host of the Getting Hammered podcast, are among the panelists. Joining them is the author of “End of Discussion: How The Left’s Outrage Industry Suppresses Debate, Influences Voters, and Diminishes Freedom (and Enjoyment) in America.”
Bill Maher has a long history with HBO, having headlined his first special on the network back in 1989. He has since starred in a total of 12 solo specials on HBO, cementing his status as a featured star on the platform.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s Podcasts Compete with Industry Giants
Warner Bros. Discovery has garnered acclaim for its recent podcasts, including Succession, Last Call, and The Last Of Us, which have resonated well with subscribers. These offerings are expected to pose a strong challenge to industry giants like Spotify, Apple, and Alphabet.
Spotify, renowned for its prowess in the podcasting arena, features exclusive stories from artists and creators, along with insights on culture and community. Recent additions to Spotify’s podcast roster include Discover This, Mic Check, and For The Record.
Apple Podcasts, pre-installed on all Apple devices, offers a wide array of audio content. It includes weekly podcasts from The Economic Times, Money Control, and Finshots.
Google Podcasts, initially a standalone app, is set to migrate to YouTube in the near future. It offers popular podcasts like Stuff You Should Know, 3 Things, and The Daily.
HBO podcasts cater to avid fans, providing immersive experiences related to HBO shows. These podcasts delve into the creative process, explore theories, provide answers, and offer insights from cast and crew members, enhancing the viewer experience for HBO series enthusiasts. This strategic move is expected to bolster Warner Bros. Discovery’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscribers and revenue in the coming quarters.
According to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, total DTC subscribers for 2023 are projected to reach 96,562, indicating a year-over-year growth of 0.48%. Additionally, revenue estimates stand at $41.94 billion, reflecting a robust year-over-year growth of 24.01%.
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