On the latest episode of Real Time, a reversal of roles occurred, with Martin Short‘s iconic character Jiminy Glick making a comeback from retirement to pose challenging questions to Bill Maher.
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| Martin Short as Jiminy Glick and Bill Maher IRGINIA SHERWOOD/NBCU PHOTO BANK/NBCUNIVERSAL VIA GETTY IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES; RONALD MARTINEZ/GETTY IMAGES |
Traditionally, the host conducts one-on-one interviews with guests at the start of the show. However, on Friday, Maher opted to step into the interviewee's shoes to discuss his latest book, What This Comedian Said Will Shock You.
“Over the years, I've hosted authors in our opening one-on-one interview segment, but now I find myself in the unique position of being the author of a bestseller,” he remarked before introducing former talk show host Glick. “Since I can’t interview myself, I needed someone to take on the task, and tonight we are fortunate to have a master, quite possibly the master of this art form.”
Once seated, Glick humorously remarked, “This is going to be so exciting for me! I'm used to interviewing celebrities, so this is a nice change of pace.” The ensuing 10 minutes of the show saw Maher reduced to tears of laughter as Glick posed questions, often interrupting Maher mid-answer.
“I'm eager to delve into your book, which I love, by the way,” Glick exclaimed. “I haven’t actually read it. Well, I've seen the cover, but I haven’t delved into the contents. However, word has it that it’s delightful.”
Some of Glick’s questions (or playful jabs, as some might interpret them) during the segment included, “Your book is a triumph! What do you attribute your success to, low expectations?” / “Aside from not having one, what do you envision as your comedy legacy?” / “Are there any subjects off limits for you, besides foreplay?”
During certain moments, Maher's extensive responses appeared to lull the interviewer to sleep. "It's quite an achievement to write a book, indeed it is," Glick remarked upon being awakened. "And to excel in a field because not many people [do]. Next thing you know, you'll probably strike a deal with Blockbuster Video. And you're brimming with opinions. I adore that because I've always valued Bill Maher's opinions, you know, like your views on COVID, the entire COVID situation. I love receiving my medical guidance from a stand-up routine."
As Maher chuckled, Glick concluded the conversation, stating, "Your book is truly the finest book I've ever not read. And you know, thank you, because I've always believed — and I genuinely mean this, I'm not going to shed a tear — that the dull and long-winded guests make me a better interviewer, so thank you."
The other guests featured on Friday’s show were former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger.
