Bill Maher is getting some more stage time in New York City before his upcoming retirement. The comedian will be one of the headliners of this year’s New York Comedy Festival, alongside some other familiar faces of late night.
The annual comedy fest—which is celebrating its 20th anniversary—has revealed its headliners, announcing the first round of shows for the 10-day, citywide event. As part of the festivities, the Real Time host will bring his “WTF? Tour” to NYC’s Beacon Theatre on Saturday, November 16.
Maher currently has 10 other shows scheduled on his standup tour, which is scheduled to run through December 7 in Chicago. In May, Maher revealed on his Club Random podcast that he plans to retire from standup at the end of this year—meaning these shows will be the last chance to see the 68-year-old comedian perform.
In addition to Maher, former Saturday Night Live writers J.B. Smoove and Dave Attell will perform separate shows at Town Hall on November 14, and former SNL cast member Tracy Morgan will play the venue the following night. Meanwhile, former The Daily Show correspondent Jaboukie Young-White will perform five shows over three nights at the Hard Rock Hotel New York.
“From up-and-comers to A-List stars, our diverse talent lineup brings laughter to a wide range of comedy fans at venues across all five boroughs of New York City, with even more shows to be announced soon,” NYCF founder Caroline Hirsch said in a statement.
With more than 200 comedians taking part in more than 100 performances of standup, improv, sketch comedy, and podcast tapings, it’s likely more late-night vets will be a part of those future announcements. (Yet to be announced is this year’s Stand Up for Heroes benefit, which typically sees involvement from Jon Stewart and other late-night hosts.)
The New York Comedy Festival runs November 8 through November 17 throughout New York City.
