Real Sports Presents New Comedy Segments, Beginning Tonight

Marking its 20th anniversary season, REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL, TV's most honored sports magazine series, will debut a new programming segment featuring comedy talents from the HBO entertainment family when the show returns with a new edition TONIGHT, FEB. 24 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Running periodically for the 2015 season only, each three-to-four minute segment will be delivered by a different comedy star from the HBO family, who will close each show with a personal, unfiltered take on some element of sports.

Launching the new feature will be Bill Maher, host of HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," who will present his "New Rules for Real Sports" on the Feb. 24 edition. Upcoming installments will feature stand-up comedian Lewis Black and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" co-star Susie Essman. Chris Rock, who has a rich history with HBO, is expected to appear later this year.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate with some of the most talented personalities in the HBO family," says Joe Perskie, senior producer of REAL SPORTS. "The comedy segments will provide a unique, refreshing and opinionated take on different hot-button issues in the world of sports. We are grateful to all the exceptional individuals - beginning with Bill Maher - who have agreed to participate."

Debuting April 2, 1995, REAL SPORTS has captured the Sports Emmy® for Outstanding Sports Journalism 15 times, receiving 26 Sports Emmys® overall. The show has also been honored with George F. Peabody Award and twice has been recognized by Columbia University's duPont Broadcast Awards.

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