The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth

Watch The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth

  • TV-14
  • 2016
  • 8 Seasons
  • 7.3  (1,338)

The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth is a documentary series that aired on SHOWTIME in 2016. The show, hosted by John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, and Alex Wagner, takes viewers inside the world of American politics and provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest events in the 2016 presidential election.

The show follows the journey of the presidential candidates and their teams as they crisscross the country campaigning for the highest office in the land. The hosts of the show are veteran political journalists with extensive experience covering elections and campaigns. They bring their expertise and insights to the table, providing an analysis of the candidates and their strategies.

The Circus is not your typical political talk show. It's more of a documentary-style program that provides an inside look at the world of politics. It shows what happens behind the scenes of a campaign, from the candidate's early morning talks with advisors to the tense moments in the final days leading up to the election.

One of the most interesting things about the show is that it doesn't take sides. While the hosts clearly have their own opinions, they do their best to present a fair and balanced view of the candidates and the issues. They don't shy away from controversy, either, and are not afraid to ask the tough questions.

The show covers all the major events of the 2016 election, including the primaries, the debates, and the conventions. It also takes a close look at some of the key issues driving the election, such as healthcare and immigration.

One of the strengths of the show is its access to the candidates and their teams. The hosts are able to get interviews with some of the biggest names in the election, including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump. They also speak with advisors, pollsters, and other experts, providing a well-rounded view of the election.

The show also covers the media's role in the election, examining how news organizations cover the candidates and the issues. It's a fascinating look at how the media shapes the public's perception of the candidates and how the candidates respond.

Overall, The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth is a must-watch for anyone interested in American politics. It's a rare look behind the scenes of a presidential election, providing insights and analysis that you won't find anywhere else. The show is well-produced, with high-quality footage and engaging storytelling. Whether you're a Republican, Democrat, or independent, you'll find something to like about The Circus.

The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth is a series that is currently running and has 8 seasons (130 episodes). The series first aired on January 17, 2016.

The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth
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Seasons
Life During Wartime
12. Life During Wartime
November 12, 2023
Groundbreaking docuseries pulls back the curtain on American politics. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go behind the scenes of the wildest political show on earth for an unbiased, inside look at the stories beyond the headlines.
Episode 11:The A.I. Election
11. Episode 11:The A.I. Election
November 5, 2023
Groundbreaking docuseries pulls back the curtain on American politics. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go behind the scenes of the wildest political show on earth for an unbiased, inside look at the stories beyond the headlines.
Episode 10: This Thing of His
10. Episode 10: This Thing of His
October 29, 2023
Groundbreaking docuseries pulls back the curtain on American politics. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go behind the scenes of the wildest political show on earth for an unbiased, inside look at the stories beyond the headlines.
Episode 9: The Crucible
9. Episode 9: The Crucible
October 22, 2023
The Circus examines President Biden's high profile wartime trip to Israel, a nation reeling in the wake of the terrorist attack by Hamas. Meanwhile, House Republicans struggle to elect a new speaker, two weeks after ousting Kevin McCarthy. John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, Mark McKinnon and guest host Errin Haines track the dramatic developments throughout the week, speaking with Vice President Kamala Harris and Ron Klain, President Biden’s former chief of staff.
Episode 8: Piercing the Bubble
8. Episode 8: Piercing the Bubble
October 15, 2023
In the wake of the shocking terrorist attack in Israel, The Circus tracks the political fallout as Republican presidential hopefuls respond to the ongoing crisis. John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, Mark McKinnon and guest host Tim Miller travel to Iowa, Washington, DC and New Hampshire to hear from GOP candidates about how they would lead America in an increasingly dangerous world.
Episode 7: Exhaustion, Depression and Dread...Oy Vey
7. Episode 7: Exhaustion, Depression and Dread...Oy Vey
October 8, 2023
The Circus returns amid an historic week in politics. Hosts Jennifer Palmieri, John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon are on Capitol Hill for the unprecedented vote to remove a House speaker by members of his own party, in New York City where former president Donald Trump is in court lashing out against the prosecution of his business empire and on the campaign trail in Iowa as the presidential primary race heats up. Mid-season premiere.
Episode 6: Nothing but the Truth
6. Episode 6: Nothing but the Truth
April 2, 2023
This week The Circus examines the historic indictment of Donald Trump, the nation's first former president to face criminal charges, and tracks the legal and political fallout from the bombshell development. In addition, John Heilemann and guest host Andrew Weissmann discuss the two special counsel probes focused on Trump, Mark McKinnon speaks with Mike Pence after the former VP was ordered to testify in one of those inquiries, and Jennifer Palmieri looks at the investigation into Trump’s election interference in Georgia.
Episode 5: Wheels of Justice
5. Episode 5: Wheels of Justice
March 26, 2023
This week The Circus examines the multiple investigations facing Donald Trump that could lead to the first indictment of a U.S. president. Jennifer Palmieri speaks with former Justice Department prosecutor Andrew Weissmann about the hush-money probe. Mark McKinnon charts Michael Cohen’s journey from Trump fixer to star witness with Vanity Fair reporter Emily Jane Fox. John Heilemann talks with New York Times reporters Michael Bender and Katie Benner about the myriad investigations and their political fallout.
Episode 4: Fake News?
4. Episode 4: Fake News?
March 19, 2023
The Circus examines the $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News. John Heilemann speaks with legendary First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams, Mark McKinnon with prominent journalists, and Jennifer Palmieri with Trump voters about the case.
Episode 3: Kevin's House
3. Episode 3: Kevin's House
March 12, 2023
The Circus heads to Capitol Hill to cover the new Republican-controlled House of Representatives. John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, and Jennifer Palmieri follow two freshman members of Congress, Republican Mike Lawler of New York and Democrat Maxwell Frost of Florida, as they navigate a week dominated by Tucker Carlson's coverage of January 6th, hearings on the Biden Administration, and a fight that threatens to tip America over a fiscal cliff.
Episode 2: Off to the Races
2. Episode 2: Off to the Races
March 5, 2023
The Circus is on the ground in Florida, South Carolina, Maryland and New Hampshire to mark the unofficial kick-off of the Republican Party's presidential nominating contest. The week begins as a leading potential candidate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, launches his book tour and ends with CPAC, the annual conservative gathering that’s friendly territory for former President Donald Trump, who’s already in the race. John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, Mark McKinnon and guest host Tim Miller examine the fault lines already emerging in the party.
Episode 1: The Year of Living Dangerously
1. Episode 1: The Year of Living Dangerously
February 26, 2023
The Circus is in Poland tracking President Biden as he stuns the world with a visit to the embattled capital of Ukraine to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. Host John Heilemann talks with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan about the covert trip to Kyiv and the monumental challenges of confronting a nuclear armed Russia. Back in the U.S., Mark McKinnon speaks with Bush White House veteran Nicole Wallace, while Jennifer Palmieri sits down with former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis. Season premiere.
Description
Where to Watch The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth
The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth is available for streaming on the SHOWTIME website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth on demand at Showtime, Apple TV Channels, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, FuboTV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV and Showtime Anytime.
  • Premiere Date
    January 17, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (1,338)