Watch Firing Line

From 1966 to 2020, Firing Line was a political talk show on PBS that was hosted by William F. Buckley Jr. Buckley was a prominent intellectual and writer who became famous for his conservative views and his role in launching the modern conservative movement in the United States. Throughout its long run, Firing Line was known for its thoughtful discussions of politics, society, and culture, as well as its lively debates between guests with differing viewpoints.

The format of Firing Line was simple: each episode featured Buckley and one or more guests discussing a specific topic, usually related to politics or policy. The show was filmed in front of a live studio audience, and often included questions and comments from the audience members. Buckley was a skilled and charismatic host, and he had a talent for getting his guests to engage in lively and thoughtful discussions.

Over the years, Firing Line covered a wide range of topics, from domestic policy issues like the economy, healthcare, and education, to foreign policy topics like international relations, terrorism, and war. The show also touched on social issues like race, gender, and identity politics, as well as cultural topics like literature, music, and film. No matter what the topic, Buckley was always well-prepared and kept the show focused and on track.

One of the most notable things about Firing Line was the incredible range of guests that appeared on the show over the years. Buckley was always eager to engage with people from across the political spectrum, and his guest list included not only conservative thinkers and politicians, but also liberals, radicals, and even some of his ideological enemies. Some of the most memorable guests included civil rights leader James Baldwin, comedian Woody Allen, feminist Gloria Steinem, and conservative thinker Milton Friedman.

Despite the often intense debates that took place on the show, Firing Line was always conducted in a civil and respectful manner. Buckley was famous for his wit and his sharp tongue, but he was also known for his courtesy and his ability to engage with people regardless of their views. He was always willing to listen to his guests, even if he vehemently disagreed with them, and he was never afraid to admit when he was wrong.

Throughout its long run, Firing Line remained a fixture of public television and a respected source of political commentary and debate. Many viewers tuned in regularly to see what Buckley and his guests had to say about current events, and the show was often cited as a model of intelligent and thoughtful discussion. Today, more than a decade after Buckley's death and the show's final episode, Firing Line remains an important part of American television history and a testament to the power of civil discourse.