Bill Maher: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor | Official Trailer | Netflix

Honoring iconic comedian Bill Maher, The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony arrives on Netflix July 21.

Featuring Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Matt Friend, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno, John Mellencamp, and Stephen A. Smith.

Watch on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/82841637

Official Trailer, Key Art & BTS Photos Debut The 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Celebrating Bill Maher

PREMIERES JULY 21 | ONLY ON NETFLIX

The 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor celebrating Bill Maher will stream only on Netflix beginning July 21, 2026.

Sunday, June 28, 2026 - a star-studded cast spanning comedy and culture, including Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Matt Friend, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno, John Mellencamp, and Stephen A. Smith, saluted recipient Bill Maher at the 27th Annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in Washington, D.C. A red carpet was held in advance of the program.

With music direction by Cheche Alara, the program paid tribute to the humor and accomplishments of Maher and featured a host of his admirers, friends, and collaborators. Watch the trailer now for the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Celebrating Bill Maher.

ABOUT  THE MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR AMERICAN HUMOR

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, colloquially known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society who delighted and informed onlookers with his uncompromising perspective on society and personal folly.

ABOUT  BILL MAHER

For more than twenty-five years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on "Politically Incorrect" (Comedy Central, ABC, 1993-2002), and for more than twenty years on HBO's "Real Time," Bill's combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 42 Emmy nominations. Bill won his first Emmy in 2014 as executive producer for the HBO series, "VICE."

Most recently, Bill released his blockbuster, New York Times bestselling book "What This Comedian Said Will Shock You." (Simon & Schuster) A brilliantly astute and acerbically funny vivisection of American life, politics, and culture, it is Maher's first book in more than a decade. He has written five bestsellers: "True Story," "Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect's Greatest Hits," "When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden," "New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer," and, "The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody But Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass."

In 2022, Bill launched a new podcast, "Club Random with Bill Maher." The podcast records at the bar on his property in Los Angeles, called Club Random, where he hosts hour-long, one-on-one interviews with a wide range of eclectic guests. Each episode features free flowing, long-form conversations about anything and everything.

He started his career as a stand-up comedian in 1979 and has been recognized with numerous Emmy nominations for his stand-up specials for HBO. He's done 13 solo specials for the premium cable channel including, "Bill Maher: Be More Cynical" (2000), "I'm Swiss" (2005), "Bill Maher ... But I'm Not Wrong" (2010), "Bill Maher: Live From Oklahoma" (2018), #Adulting"(2022) and the Golden Globe-nominated "Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This?" which is available to stream on HBO Max.

He was born in New York City, raised in River Vale, N.J., and went to Cornell University. Bill now resides in Los Angeles.

ABOUT CHECHE ALARA

Cheche Alara is a Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning producer, composer, conductor, arranger, and musical director known for work across major recordings, television, film, and live events worldwide. He has composed and produced many legendary artists, while serving as music producer, music director, and conductor for the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, Grammy Hall of Fame, The Voice, Latin Grammys, and numerous internationally televised productions.

ABOUT THE KENNEDY CENTER

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is America's living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, attracting millions of visitors each year to more than 2,000 performances, events, and exhibits. With its artistic affiliate, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Center is one of the nation's most prestigious performing arts centers, dedicated to providing world-class art, powerful education, and outstanding memorial experiences to the broadest possible constituency. To learn more about the Center, please visit our website.