It's Bill Maher vs. Alec Baldwin for Friday's Far-Left Audience

Bill Maher has had the far-left celebrity field mostly to himself Friday nights.

Now, the Real Time with Bill Maher host has some serious competition for progressive viewers courtesy of MSNBC’s latest hire.

Up Late with Alec Baldwin, set to debut next month, will share the 10 p.m. EST time slot with Maher’s HBO show. Real Time blends celebrity guests with standard-issue pundits, and from the early description Baldwin’s show will cover similar terrain.

Maher is known for his outlandish political bromides and mean spirited attacks. Baldwin, a better performer, brings his combustible personality and the sense that he could lose his cool at any moment to his new gig.

Both stars have proven they can say virtually anything they wish without consequences from the P.C. thought police.