Bill Maher will be working in 'Real Time' at least through 2011. HBO announced today they have signed the political comic and host to a ninth season of 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' which will launch in early 2011 and include 35 episodes, rather than the usual order of 24.

HBO added two years to his contract, one year of which includes 'Real Time,' and the other year is content to be determined. His contract had been set to expire at the end of this season.

In all likelihood, Maher will at least film another stand-up special for HBO. He's already done seven hour-long specials for them, including 'Bill Maher... But I'm Not Wrong,' which premiered in February, and two half-hour specials. And considering the topical nature of his material, he has to burn it and move on before it gets to be old news. There are few things sadder in comedy than a supposedly topical comedian who won't let go of his Lewinsky jokes (it's rare now, but every so often, you do hear one).

Though the schedule has yet to be set for a ninth season, a 35-week run will probably mean fewer hiatuses for the show and may allow him to devote more time to fall elections, which should be increasingly contentious the next couple of years and good fodder for material and conversation. That also bodes well for a tenth season of 'Real Time' for 2012, barring an apocalypse or finding some sort of magic ring that makes us all love each other.

'Real Time' is currently in its eighth season, with new episodes airing Fridays at 10 PM.