Bill Maher: Live from Oklahoma (2018) Online

Bill Maher is a phenomenal talent and I've been a fan for a long time. This performance was not up to Maher standards. His jokes didn't "flow" like they normally do when Bill is at the top of his game, and the delivery was just subpar. Also a lot of the material was just unoriginal and overly predictable. "Trump sucks, Trump's a dictator, Trump's crazy, Republicans are crazy, blah blah blah". I know the anti-trump thing is his schtick these days so maybe I shouldn't be surprised, but was just hoping he would tackle some new material for a major new standup special.

Mostly Trump this, Trump that. Old stuff, not funny nor imaginative. You could feel the crowd was just enjoying being present at such an eminent (I guess) show, not really enjoying the "jokes". You could also see that it was clear to Maher that he wasn't getting through (no surprise there though). he was sweating something awful.

Just watched this latest HBO stand up special from Bill Maher which was his 11th and I must say that it was typical Maher a committed left wing liberal it was mostly a lot of jokes and a fun bashing of current president Trump. Still Bill has guts by making a trip into a red state like Oklahoma, it still was a funny show that even challenged the left to be better. And of course Maher attacked religion and he spoke on topics like marriage, kids, and had plenty of jokes about masturbation even! Overall a good special for "HBO" as if you like Bill Maher you will enjoy this special so catch it sometime.

Bill Maher: Live from Oklahoma is nothing more then a recap of his Trump jokes already told on his monologues on Real Time. He did throw in some extra Trump bashing for those who just cannot get enough. I personally like Bill Maher, but, this is a total Fail.

I remember when he had some insight into society with his "making women nod" observations, that took a little bravery. Now he's become the mouth piece of corporate leftism, zero self reflection, half the things he says would apply to himself if he had any sense of self awareness. He makes some empty criticisms of left wing safe spaces, but doesn't really delve into why they exist. He like most of these comics no longer understands that humor comes from insight into unacknowledged societal truths, and at this point there is no insight to be had, its all superficial. So really, what you are watching here is an 1 hour political rally, it isn't stand up, and If you've seen the humorless opening stand up of late night tv these days, or even Mahers own show, this is completely redundant, not just lame, but stale.

I really hope Berkley lets him speak just so we don't have to hear about it anytime he has a microphone in front of him. A lot of same old Anti Trump jokes, xenophobia, and self-serving philosophies about topics he knows nothing about, like he characterizes Islam.

I watch his show on HBO every week but anytime he speaks about Islam, I have to fast forward because it makes him sound so ignorant.

Also the special is pretty much about how he is frustrated with liberals and then turns around and calls himself a liberal. I think Maher is really conflicted with his identity and it shows in this special. He supposedly hates Donald Trump but then defends people like Roseanne.

I will spell it out... pa-the-tic..... old, desperate divorcee/grandpa trying to earn a buck making fun of religion and politics he doesn't understand. Can't afford a tailor, in the closet, probably why he's on his 5th wife and 14th grandchild. Only people who are amused by you are hillbillies and satanists....

Bill, because I have a tremendous amount of admiration, respect, and love for you, I offer this critique in a style I'm positive you'll appreciate.

New Rule: "If your comedy blows, stick to the talk shows." Very similar to your saying: "Don't be funny, guard the money." You said this to an unruly political guest who deserved it. As I recall, his bomb was a comedic attempt while insulting another guest. He fully deserved the negative reactions as well. But good advice goes both ways so, I'm glad to help.

New Rule: "We get it . . . more or less" You don't have to explain your references. When you use a good reference and we're laughing, ride the wave. No further explanation is required. Otherwise it's like a form of reverse-heckling. Or, like watching the narrated version of Bladerunner at the peak of a beautifully crafted scene, to have it destroyed by a voice-over. (That's a reference by the way).

New Rule: "Truth in advertising." For example, any of your guests, the politicians, scientists, doctors, not in the entertainment industry, don't have to be entertaining. However, I have every expectation for you to be. If you want to stick to your rant on a singular topic or do an impromptu roast on someone in absentia, then say so upfront. Wait! I may be wrong. The title does say Live from Oklahoma, not Live Comedy from Oklahoma. Sorry, please feel free to disregard this one.

New Rule: "Read the room." Actually this is an old rule. For, every good comedian knows when to pivot to the funny stuff. If you don't remember how, just watch some of your past show's political guests as they try "not" to answer a question. With all those writers, couldn't you spare one to help with some alternate jokes? I haven't seen someone bomb this bad since your gal-pal Ann Coulter on the Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe. (That's ref number two).

New Rule: "Network." I'm sure there's an excellent support system for you, so use it. For example, do the LA Show-biz lunch thing with Dennis Miller and Eddie Murphy. They too used to be funny. However, they don't come off looking like a douche. Perhaps they can give you some tips.

Bill, you have one of the most topical and important shows on TV with Real Time. Even when comparing to Jon Stewart and your immediate neighbor, John Oliver. You have an eclectic and stellar collection of guests such as, Seth MacFarlane, Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and one of my favorites, the late Werner Klemperer (Colonel Wilhelm Klink) who had several appearances on Politically Incorrect, and even guest hosted like Seth did. But unlike Jon and John, your talk/news show skills didn't translate to a solo performance. Are you just better with guests that effectively punctuate your run-on rants?

Lastly, 5 starz to Amazon for refunding my purchase of this vid. Excellent service as always. If only I could get that kind of service from theatres.