HBO is partnering with VICE on an innovative news magazine show to be hosted by VICE founder Shane Smith, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. The weekly series will be executive produced by Bill Maher, Shane Smith and Eddy Moretti, VICE’s chief creative officer, with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria serving as consultant.

“VICE has emerged as a premier new media brand through a savvy combination of irreverence, smarts and fearlessness,” said Lombardo. “We are excited to offer a forum for their groundbreaking style of news coverage and look forward to a show that’s like nothing else on TV.”

Titled VICE, the HBO series will showcase a mix of stories from around the globe. Among the segments in production for possible inclusion in the show are: Taliban child suicide bombers; North Korean slave labor camps; New York’s underground voodoo heroin clinics; Somalian pirates; and Satanic dentists in the Pacific Northwest.

VICE is a leading youth entertainment company operating in over 34 countries, and includes vice.com, the world’s premier original online video destination; an international network of digital channels; a television production studio; a print magazine; a record label; an in-house creative services agency; and a book publishing division. VICE’s digital channels include: The Creators Project, dedicated to arts and creativity; Motherboard, covering cultural happenings in technology; and Noisey, a music discovery channel.

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HBO has renewed ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ for its 11th and 12th seasons, it was announced recently by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO programming. Currently in its tenth season, the talk show has been picked up through 2014 as part of Maher’s new three-year deal with the network.

“Bill Maher’s irreverent wit and fearless insights make him the perfect observer for these unpredictable times,” noted Lombardo. “I’m delighted that we can continue to offer an uncensored forum for his original and thoughtful humor.”

Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ debuts new editions on Friday nights (10:00-11:00 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT). The show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests, and was hailed as “hands down the funniest show on TV” in Rolling Stone by “Family Guy” creator Seth McFarlane, who added, “It surprises me more than any other show I watch.” At 4.1 million viewers per episode this season, ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’s gross audience is the highest for the series in three years.

Bill Maher has been favorite of subscribers since his first special on the network in 1989, starring in nine solo specials, including the hour-long presentations “Bill Maher…But I’m Not Wrong,” “The Decider” and “I’m Swiss” (both nominated for an Emmy^® in the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special category), “Victory Begins at Home,” “Be More Cynical,” “The Golden Goose Special” and “Stuff That Struck Me Funny,” and two half-hour stand-up specials, plus the specials “30 Seconds Over Washington” and “Comic Relief VI™.”

He was the creator and host of “Politically Incorrect,” which was produced by HBO Downtown Productions and debuted on Comedy Central in 1993. The series moved to ABC in 1997 and ran through 2002.

His latest book, “The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody but Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass,” was published in November and made the New York Times bestseller list. Maher’s 2006 book, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer,” also made the New York Times list, as well as bestseller lists across the country.

He is also author of the books “When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden: What the Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? The Best of Politically Incorrect” and the novel “True Story.” Maher produced and starred in the 2008 feature film “Religulous,” the seventh most successful documentary of all time.

‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ will continues its tenth season Friday, April 27 (10:00-11:00 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT), exclusively on HBO, with an instant replay at 11:00 p.m. following the live presentation. Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, the show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.

The roundtable guests this week are political strategist Paul Begala, columnist S.E. Cupp and journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin; political scientist Charles Murray and veterans’ affairs advocate Paul Rieckhoff are interview guests.

Image Courtesy of  Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

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Former senator Selina Meyer was a rising star in her party, a charismatic leader who seemed to have unlimited potential. Some pundits thought she might even occupy the White House some day.

Then she became vice president.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Emmy winner for “Seinfeld” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine”) stars as Selina Meyer in ‘Veep’, the story of a woman who becomes vice president, only to discover the job is nothing like she expected, but everything she was warned about. Created by Armando Iannucci (Oscar nominee for co-writing “In the Loop”), the new comedy series kicks off its eight-episode season Sunday, April 22, exclusively on HBO.

Veep follows the whirlwind day-to-day existence of Vice President Meyer as she puts out political fires, juggles a busy public schedule and demanding private life, and defends the president’s interests, even as she tries to improve her dysfunctional relationship with the chief executive.

The ensemble cast of the show also includes Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) as Gary, her right-hand man; Anna Chlumsky (“In the Loop”) as Amy, her chief of staff; Matt Walsh (HBO’s “Hung”) as Mike, Vice President Meyer’s weathered spokesperson; Reid Scott (“My Boys”) as Dan, an ambitious political aide; Timothy C. Simons (“Days Together”) as Jonah, a young and somewhat clueless White House liaison; and Sufe Bradshaw (“Overnight”) as Sue, Vice President Meyer’s executive assistant.

In addition to Armando Iannucci, directors include Chris Morris and Tristram Shapeero; other writers besides Armando Iannucci include Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, Sean Gray, William Smith, Roger Drew and Ian Martin.

April’s episodes:

Episode #1: “Fundraiser” – Sunday, April 22 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Vice President Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and her staff – chief of staff Amy (Anna Chlumsky), spokesperson Mike (Matt Walsh), right-hand man Gary (Tony Hale), and executive assistant Sue (Sufe Bradshaw) – are still finding their footing in Washington D.C. Selina decides to make the Clean Jobs Commission a pet project, but a series of missteps requires her staff to work damage control.

Teleplay by Simon Blackwell & Armando Iannucci; story by Armando Iannucci; directed by Armando Iannucci

Episode #2: “Frozen Yoghurt” – Sunday, April 29 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

The veep’s office is revived by good news that her task force is likely to be green-lit. With the president (conveniently) out of the country, Selina looks to make headway on filibuster reform and meet some “normal” people.

Teleplay by Simon Blackwell & Armando Iannucci; story by Simon Blackwell; directed by Armando Iannucci.

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War is coming to Westeros. As the cold winds rise and five kings vie for power, bonds are forged and broken, identities are challenged and romance blossoms. With the stakes higher than ever before, who will survive the chaos to claim the Iron Throne?

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, ‘Game of Thrones’ is an epic drama set in the world of Westeros, where ambitious men and women of both honor and ill-repute live in a land whose summers and winters can last years. The Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning fantasy series begins its second season Sunday, April 1, exclusively on HBO, followed by other episodes on subsequent Sundays.

Created and executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the ten-episode second season of ‘Game of Thrones’ plays out against the backdrop of a fast-approaching winter – the season of the white raven. In King’s Landing, the coveted Iron Throne is occupied by cruel young Joffrey, counseled by his conniving mother Cersei and his uncle Tyrion, who has been appointed Hand of the King.

But the Lannister hold on the Throne is under assault on many fronts. Robb Stark, son of Ned Stark, the slain Lord of Winterfell, seeks autonomy in the North and has taken Cersei’s brother Jaime prisoner in battle. Daenerys Targaryen looks to shore up her depleted power in the East with her three newborn dragons. Stannis Baratheon, brother of the late King Robert, rejects Joffrey’s legitimacy and aligns with a powerful priestess to raise a naval attack. And Renly, Stannis’ charismatic brother, has maintained his own claim since fleeing King’s Landing.

In the meantime, a new leader is rising among the wildlings North of the Wall, adding fresh perils for Jon Snow and the order of the Night’s Watch. With tensions and treaties, animosity and alliances, the second season of ‘Game of Thrones’ will be a thrilling journey through an unforgettable landscape.

April’s episodes

Episode #11: “The North Remembers” – As Robb Stark and his northern army continue the war against the Lannisters, Tyrion arrives in King’s Landing to counsel Joffrey and temper the young king’s excesses. On the island of Dragonstone, Stannis Baratheon plots an invasion to claim his late brother’s throne, allying himself with the fiery Melisandre, a strange priestess of a stranger god. Across the sea, Daenerys, her three young dragons and khalasar trek through the Red Waste in search of allies, or water. In the North, Bran presides over a threadbare Winterfell, while beyond the Wall, Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch must shelter with a devious wildling.

Episode #12: “The Night Lands” – In the wake of a bloody purge in the capital, Tyrion chastens Cersei for alienating the king’s subjects. On the road north, Arya shares a secret with Gendry, a Night’s Watch recruit. With supplies dwindling, one of Dany’s scouts returns with news of their position. After nine years as a Stark ward, Theon Greyjoy reunites with his father Balon, who wants to restore the ancient Kingdom of the Iron Islands. Davos enlists Salladhor Saan, a pirate, to join forces with Stannis and Melisandre for a naval invasion of King’s Landing.

Episode #13: “What Is Dead May Never Die” – At the Red Keep, Tyrion plots three alliances through the promise of marriage. Catelyn arrives in the Stormlands to forge an alliance of her own. But King Renly, his new wife Margaery and her brother Loras Tyrell have other plans. At Winterfell, Luwin tries to decipher Bran’s dreams.

Episode #14: “Garden of Bones” – Joffrey punishes Sansa for Robb’s victories, while Tyrion and Bronn scramble to temper the king’s cruelty. Catelyn entreats Stannis and Renly to forego their ambitions and unite against the Lannisters. Dany and her exhausted khalasar arrive at the gates of Qarth, a prosperous city with strong walls and rulers who greet her outside them. Tyrion coerces a queen’s man into being his eyes and ears. Arya and Gendry are taken to Harrenhal, where their lives rest in the hands of “The Mountain,” Gregor Clegane. Davos must revert to his old ways and smuggle Melisandre into a secret cove.

Episode #15: “The Ghost of Harrenhal” – The end of the Baratheon rivalry drives Catelyn to flee and Littlefinger to act. At King’s Landing, Tyrion’s source alerts him to Joffrey’s flawed defense plan and a mysterious secret weapon. Theon sails to the Stony Shore to prove he’s worthy to be called Ironborn. In Harrenhal, Arya receives a promise from Jaqen H’ghar, one of three prisoners she saved from the Gold Cloaks. The Night’s Watch arrive at the Fist of the First Men, an ancient fortress where they hope to stem the advance of the wildling army.

Critically acclaimed

In September 2011, ‘Game of Thrones’ received two Emmys, including Outstanding Main Title Design and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Peter Dinklage, who also received a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

The first season of ‘Game of Thrones’ inspired critical raves. TV Guide called the show “a crowning triumph” and “brilliant,” while the Los Angeles Times termed it “a great and thundering series,” as well as “wild and bewitching.” The Hollywood Reporter praised the “excellent storytelling, superb acting and stunning visual effects,” and the New York Post observed that the “art directing, acting and incredible sets are as breathtaking as the massive scope of the series.”

Episode #15: “The Ghost of Harrenhal” – The end of the Baratheon rivalry drives Catelyn to flee and Littlefinger to act. At King’s Landing, Tyrion’s source alerts him to Joffrey’s flawed defense plan and a mysterious secret weapon. Theon sails to the Stony Shore to prove he’s worthy to be called Ironborn. In Harrenhal, Arya receives a promise from Jaqen H’ghar, one of three prisoners she saved from the Gold Cloaks. The Night’s Watch arrive at the Fist of the First Men, an ancient fortress where they hope to stem the advance of the wildling army.

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He’s a self-aggrandizing actor who’s appeared in some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. But now his career is on the wane, and he’ll do anything to reverse his fortunes.

From Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, Life’s Too Short is a faux documentary starring Warwick Davis (“Willow,” the “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” films) as a fictionalized version of himself: a little person who’s down on his luck, desperately trying to hustle and connive his way back into the spotlight. The comedy series kicks off its seven-episode season Sunday, February 19, following the third-season debut of the comedy series “Eastbound & Down,” with other episodes debuting subsequent Sundays at the same time, exclusively on HBO.

In Life’s Too Short, actor Warwick Davis is struggling to jumpstart his fading career and maintain his status as Britain’s “go-to” little person. He runs a talent agency for fellow showbiz little people called “Dwarves for Hire,” though he often takes the best roles for himself, and serves as vice chairman of a society for small people, though he’d rather be chairman.

Davis also seeks advice from his old pals Gervais and Merchant (playing versions of themselves) in hopes that their A-list celebrity connections will aid his career.

Each episode features cameos by top stars, including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell and Kat Deeley. Other cast regulars include Jo Enright as Davis’ soon to be ex-wife Sue, Rosamund Hanson as his dim-witted assistant Cheryl, Steve Brody as his incompetent accountant and “EastEnders” actor Shaun Williamson as himself.

February’s episodes

Episode #1: For more than two decades, Warwick Davis was Britain’s “go-to dwarf.” Now, with his career on the slide, a massive tax bill caused by his useless accountant and a wife who’s divorcing him, he decides to open his doors to a reality TV film crew. After interviewing a new assistant, he drops by unannounced to see old pals Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, but Liam Neeson already has an appointment to pitch himself as a serious actor who is serious about breaking into comedy.

Episode #2: While selling autographs at a sci-fi convention, Davis agrees to be the special guest at a “Star Wars”-themed wedding. His fortunes appear to rise when Johnny Depp hires him to help research a new movie role, but Depp ends up having a bone to pick with Ricky Gervais.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are the creators of the Golden Globe-winning BBC comedy series “The Office” and the HBO series “Extras” and “The Ricky Gervais Show.” In addition to his feature film credits, Warwick Davis guest-starred on the series “Extras.”

Life’s Too Short was created by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant & Warwick Davis.

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Real Time With Bill Maher kicks off its tenth season tonight Friday 13, exclusively on HBO, with an instant replay at 11PM following the live presentation. Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, the show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.

The roundtable guests this week are commentator David Frum, director Rob Reiner and Fla. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz; documentary filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi is an interview guest.

A favorite of subscribers since his first special on the network in 1989, Maher has starred in nine solo specials on HBO, including the hour-long presentations “Bill Maher…But I’m Not Wrong,” “The Decider” and “I’m Swiss” (both nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special category), “Victory Begins at Home,” “Be More Cynical,” “The Golden Goose Special” and “Stuff That Struck Me Funny,” and two half-hour stand-up specials, plus the HBO specials “30 Seconds Over Washington” and “Comic Relief VI™.”

Maher was the creator and host of “Politically Incorrect,” which was produced by HBO Downtown Productions and debuted on Comedy Central in 1993. The series moved to ABC in 1997 and ran through 2002.

His lastest book, “The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody but Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass,” was published in November and made the New York Times bestseller list. Maher’s 2006 book, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer,” also made the New York Times bestseller list, as well as bestseller lists across the country.

He is also author of the books “When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden: What the Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? The Best of Politically Incorrect” and the novel “True Story.”  Maher produced and starred in the 2008 feature film “Religulous,” the seventh most successful documentary of all time.

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The widely acclaimed HBO series Boardwalk Empire opened a second season on HBO and will continue its tale of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a politician and a gangster who reigned prohibition era Atlantic City this coming November.

The first episode of the Emmy Award-winning show was the most expensive pilot in television history and directed by the careful hands of Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese.

Fans and critics have praised the show for its visual and historical accuracy and audiences can look forward to more character-driven drama by Steve Buscemi as the corrupt treasurer of Atlantic County, Michael Pitt as Nucky’s protege Jimmy Darmody and Kelly MacDonald as Margaret, Nucky’s mistress. Also starring is Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham and Paz de la Huerta.

Episode #19: “Peg of Old” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

While Nucky enlists heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey (Devin Harjes) to promote the wireless broadcast of his upcoming fight, Jimmy faces a decision that could shape the future of Atlantic City. Margaret travels to Brooklyn for a bittersweet reunion with the family she left behind in Ireland.

Irked by the arrival of Daugherty’s (Christopher McDonald) new federal prosecutor, Esther Randolph (Julianne Nicholson), Nelson (Michael Shannon) weighs his options as his personal and professional problems converge. Badly in need of support, Lucy (Paz de la Huerta) visits an old flame for a handout. Owen (Charlie Cox) settles one score, and sets his sights on a new conquest.

Episode #20: “Two Boats and a Lifeguard” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

In the wake of a personal loss, Nucky solicits advice on his political situation from Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg), while Eli (Shea Whigham) remains suspicious of his brother’s actions. Nucky finds himself in the unfamiliar position of showing gratitude toward a federal agent; Angela (Aleksa Palladino) meets a new friend at the beach, and eavesdrops on her husband’s treachery;

Nelson gets a nanny; Nucky approaches Owen with an overseas proposition; Jimmy flexes his muscles, at Mickey Doyle’s (Paul Sparks) expense.

Episode #21: “Battle of the Century” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Arriving in Belfast, Nucky and Owen meet with IRA leaders with a barter proposition.  Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, Jimmy and his partners broker a deal with George Remus (Glenn Fleshler) for his “medicinal” alcohol before taking a break to see/hear the Dempsey fight. Margaret frets when Emily’s (Josie and Lucy Gallina) illness takes a turn for the worse;

Dunn Purnsley (Erik LaRay Harvey) orchestrates a worker’s strike at the Ritz; Waxey Gordon (Nick Sandow) takes action against Manny Horvitz (William Forsythe) in Philadelphia; Randolph and Clifford Lathrop (Curt Bouril) grill Halloran about Nucky’s past.

Episode #22:  “Georgia Peaches” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Undercut by Nucky, who has a new source for alcohol, Jimmy and his partners look to cultivate a new revenue stream in Atlantic City. With the peak tourist season approaching, the Commodore’s (Dabney Coleman) crew faces a choice in dealing with the city’s striking workers: negotiate or fight back.

Fearing that sin has led to misfortune, Margaret approaches Father Brennan (Michael Cumpsty) with an “act of devotion.” Nucky gets a new lawyer; Van Alden faces an uncertain future; Manny Horvitz takes exception to a debt payment.

Created by Terence Winter, Boardwalk Empire is executive produced by Terence Winter, Martin Scorsese, Tim Van Patten, Stephen Levinson and Mark Wahlberg.

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