A Modern Classic: Politically Incorrect (1993)

PBS' McLaughlin Group has spawned a few imitators over the years, chief among them ESPN's recently ended Sports Reporters and Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect.

Actor-comedian Maher presided over a half-hour roundtable talk show that aired in late night, first on Comedy Central, then on ABC, from 1993-2002. Guests ranged from musicians, actors, athletes, and politicians, discussing various topics and headlines du jour.

After Maher's curious, seemingly insensitive remarks post-9/11/01, ABC would pull the plug on Incorrect, largely because of declining ratings more so than advertiser backlash from the imbroglio Maher had created. Today, Maher continues with HBO's Real Time, and being on the pay-cable giant enables Maher to turn the air blue if necessary.

We'll take a look at a 1997 ABC episode with Geraldo Rivera, Garry Shandling, & Justine Bateman (ex-Family Ties):

When Maher left Comedy Central, the cabler tried to fill the void with Colin Quinn (Saturday Night Live, ex-Remote Control) hosting a similar series, Tough Crowd, which lasted just 2 seasons. CC has found its niche in late night, though, with The Daily Show and a succession of spinoffs.

Rating: A.