Watch The Takeout

The Takeout is a weekly political news show on CBSN, hosted by Major Garrett. The show covers the latest happenings in American politics, focusing largely on the White House and Congress. The format of the show is relatively simple, with Garrett conducting interviews with guests over a meal.

One of the key features of The Takeout is the unique setting in which the interviews take place. Garrett and his guests dine on a meal chosen specifically to reflect the guest's background or political views. For example, former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses brought pie to share while discussing his role in the Obama administration, and Senator Cory Booker was served an "inner city-themed breakfast" to reflect his work on urban issues.

The meal itself is generally a small part of the show, but it helps to set a casual tone that is different from many other political news programs. The conversation typically flows naturally, with Garrett and his guests touching on a variety of topics related to the national political scene. The show is not afraid to tackle controversial topics, and Garrett has interviewed guests with widely divergent views, from Senator Ted Cruz to comedian Stephen Colbert.

The Takeout is notable for its use of long-form interviews. Rather than short, sound-bite-heavy segments, guests on this show are given ample time to expound on their views and respond to Garrett's questions. This allows for a more in-depth exploration of topics and often leads to insights that might not emerge in a shorter interview.

Despite the long interview format, The Takeout has a brisk pace and is generally quite engaging. Garrett is an experienced interviewer who knows how to keep a conversation on track and ask probing questions. While the show is obviously political in nature, it is not dry or overly serious. Garrett is able to inject humor and lighthearted moments into the proceedings, which helps to keep things interesting.

One of the strengths of The Takeout is its ability to cover a wide range of topics related to American politics. While some episodes focus on specific issues such as healthcare or foreign policy, others take a more wide-ranging approach. Guests might discuss anything from the Mueller investigation to the latest viral video sensation. This breadth of coverage helps to keep the show fresh and interesting from week to week.

The show also benefits from its strong production values. The set is attractive and welcoming, with a warm wood tone and soft lighting. The camera work is professional, and the crosstalk is well managed. There are frequent close-ups of the food being served, which can be a bit distracting at times, but generally adds to the overall ambiance of the show.

While The Takeout is a political news program, it is also notable for its lack of partisan bias. Garrett is able to engage in nuanced discussions with guests from both sides of the aisle without pushing a particular agenda. This is refreshing in an era where many media outlets have become increasingly polarized.

The Takeout is definitely a show for political junkies, but it is also accessible to anyone with an interest in current events. The long-form interview format allows for a deeper exploration of complex issues, and the unique setting makes the show feel less stodgy than many other political programs. With Major Garrett at the helm, The Takeout is a must-watch for anyone looking for insightful, engaging discussions about American politics.

The Takeout is a series that is currently running and has 8 seasons (266 episodes). The series first aired on December 8, 2017.