Maher, HBO agree to show’s terms

HBO and Bill Maher have reached terms on a weekly, hourlong talk show that is scheduled to debut on the pay cable network Feb. 21.

The show’s title and format are still being determined, but Maher probably won’t be duplicating the discussion format of his former Comedy Central and ABC late-night series, “Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher.” Scott Carter, a former executive producer of “Politically Incorrect,” is expected to be named producer of Maher’s HBO show, which has been given a 20-episode order.

ABC canceled “PI” earlier this year and announced a talk show starring comedian Jimmy Kimmell would replace Maher weekdays at 12:05 a.m. in January. Maher, meanwhile, has been on tour for his new book, “When You Ride Alone, You Ride With Bin Laden: What the Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism.”

-- Paul Brownfield