Question about EweTube TV, CNN, HBO and Bill Maher

[Botch]

I'll bet that thread title wasn't on your '26 Bingo card!
Bill Maher's weekly political/comedy show is sponsored by HBO, but is broadcast by CNN for free (and also available on EweTube proper, usually). I have EweTube TV, and use its "cloud DVR" for everything (so I can skip commercials). Instead of watching his show in four separate posts (sometimes with commercials I can't skip) I just record it on EweTube TV, and watch it that weekend.
Until three weeks ago. On Saturday his show was shown on my ETTV library, but it had a small Lock icon in the corner, and I couldn't access it unless I signed up for HBO. I thought, "Oh crap, now that's happening", and same story one week ago. BUT, tonight, Maher's show showed up again, and I can play it; the shows from the last two weeks are still "locked".
This makes no sense to me; anyone else notice this, and maybe know why it happened?

 

[AndySTL]

My guess is that it’s “recording” the episodes that are broadcast on both CNN and HBO. It’s letting you view the ones that were broadcast on CNN but not the ones on HBO.

 

[Haywood]

I love Bill Maher, but I only get the clips that are generally available on YouTube. I'm trying to keep the number of subscriptions down.

 

[Botch]

The plot thickens.
The episode a week ago appeared on my “YT TV” DVR, playable with no lock on it, unlike the previous two episodes, still locked.
This weekend’s episode appeared on the DVR, but again with a lock on it. BUT, I noticed it IS on regular EweTube, just not on EweTube TV. It’s divided into 4 clips (opening monologue, guest interview, panel discussion, and final monologue) but the commercials aren’t included so a fair trade.
But, but, but, now tonight this weekend’s episode IS on my DVR, with no lock (the episodes from 3 and 4 weekends ago are still locked, but they’re on regular EweTube ). Probably just some technicians somewhere who clicked on the wrong boxes, I dunno.
Death To Commercials.

 

[The DirtMerchant]

So says the great Googly Moogly:
(My guess would be you need to watch those via VOD or reset, overall due to $$$ and commercials as you suspect).

Locked or unavailable episodes on YouTube TV are primarily caused by content licensing, network restrictions, or regional limitations. Networks may limit streaming rights to specific, recent episodes or require viewing via Video on Demand (VOD) rather than your DVR recording. Other factors include traveling outside your home area or contractual disputes.

• Network/Licensing Restrictions: Content partners often limit which episodes can be shown. Some episodes may only be available on-demand, which can include unskippable ads.
• Regional Restrictions: Certain programs may be blocked because YouTube TV does not have the rights to broadcast them in your specific location, often shown by a "blocked" symbol or an eye with a slash.
• Expired Content: Recorded shows (DVR) on YouTube TV can become inaccessible or "locked" after a certain period if the network's licensing deal ends, as described by a Reddit user.
• On-Demand Replacement: YouTube TV often replaces high-quality DVR recordings with on-demand (VOD) versions provided by the network. These versions may not allow fast-forwarding and can be locked behind network apps.
• Location Issues: If you are traveling, your home network access may be restricted. You must log in from your home location at least once every three months, according to a Facebook post.
• Technical Glitches: Sometimes, a simple refresh or restarting your device can fix a "locked" error.
  Reddit +7

 

[Haywood]

I have YouTube Premium, so no ads for me. I usually watch his monologues and sometimes the panel discussions. I really like Maher and think he is a very important voice for decency, rationality, and respect. I've watched him for many years, long before it became fashionable for conservatives to approve of him. We need more people like Bill Maher on all sides, regardless of ideology. People who are reasonable, can still assume good intent, and are willing to make compromises for the greater good. I love his message that we need to get out and meet other people socially like we used to and that we need to just stop talking about politics so much. Notice how much better we all get along without those discussions here.

I hope this post is not considered political. Delete it if it breaks the rules. I don't want to say anything divisive.