All Seasons

Season 2018

  • SPECIAL 0x1 Ria Tabacco Mar

    • June 8, 2018
    • PBS

    Ria Tabacco Mar, ACLU attorney in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission discusses the implications of this week's Supreme Court ruling.

  • SPECIAL 0x2 James Kirchick

    • June 15, 2018
    • PBS

    Is free speech under attack on college campus and beyond? How can these troubling trends be confronted? With author James Kirchick

  • S2018E01 John Kasich

    • June 22, 2018
    • PBS

    Governor John Kasich of Ohio joins to discuss what it means to be a conservative in the age of Trump. John R. Kasich was sworn in as Ohio’s 69th governor on January 10, 2011 and overwhelmingly re-elected to a second four-year term in 2014. In his first inaugural address he called on Ohioans to come together to make the Buckeye State stronger and more prosperous for all. Kasich is the author of four New York Times best-sellers: Courage is Contagious; Stand for Something: The Battle for America’s Soul; Every Other Monday; and most recently Two Paths: America Divided or United, which reflects on his 2016 presidential campaign and his hopes for America’s future.

  • S2018E02 Gretchen Carlson

    • June 29, 2018
    • PBS

    Gretchen Carlson joins Margaret to discuss the resurrection of the ERA, the changing rules for Miss America, and the what’s next for the #MeToo movement

  • S2018E03 Paul Ryan

    • July 6, 2018
    • PBS

    “Firing Line” explores the federal government’s poverty agenda, an issue that has become a passion project for Speaker Ryan. While the results of President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty” are more nuanced than any political talking point, both conservative and liberal policy makers including the Speaker point to the near constant poverty rate as proof that the war has resulted in stalemate.

  • S2018E04 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

    • July 13, 2018
    • PBS

    Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the rising star of the progressive left, is here to discuss her ideas and the future of democratic-socialism.

  • S2018E05 Jeff Merkley

    • July 20, 2018
    • PBS

    The Democrat leading the Senate’s opposition to President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Senator Jeff Merkley, joins this week on Firing Line

  • S2018E06 Randi Weingarten

    • July 27, 2018
    • PBS

    In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that is a major setback for teachers unions, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the implications and what lies ahead. Randi Weingarten is an American labor leader, attorney, and educator. She is president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and a member of the AFL-CIO. She is the former president of the United Federation of Teachers.

  • S2018E07 Jordan Peterson

    • August 6, 2018
    • PBS

    Dr. Jordan Peterson, accidental icon of the Conservative movement, joins this week to discuss his views. Dr. Jordan Peterson is a professor at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist, and a best-selling author.

  • S2018E08 Ayaan Hirsi Ali

    • August 10, 2018
    • PBS

    Ayyan Hirsi Ali joins to discuss what the #metoo movement means for the most vulnerable members of society. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a former Dutch parliamentarian, human rights activist, and founder of the Ayaan Hirsi Ali Foundation.

  • S2018E09 DeRay Mckesson

    • August 31, 2018
    • PBS

    DeRay Mckesson joins to discuss his new book, “On The Other Side of Freedom”. DeRay Mckesson is an American civil rights activist and former school administrator. He is known for his activism and involvement with the protests in Ferguson and Baltimore. Mckesson also helped launch Campaign Zero, a policy platform to end police violence. He is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

  • S2018E10 J.D. Greear

    • September 7, 2018
    • PBS

    Pastor and President of the Southern Baptist Convention J.D. Greear speaks on faith, racism, and evangelical’s political support for Donald Trump. J.D. Greear is the pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC and author of several books including Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches That Send. He is the 62nd President of the Southern Baptist Convention.

  • S2018E11 Neil deGrasse Tyson

    • September 14, 2018
    • PBS

    Astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson joins Margaret to explore the stars, science, and human conflict. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is a famed astrophysicist and author of the new book, Accessory To War: The Unspoken Alliance of Astrophysics and the Military.

  • S2018E12 Reihan Salam

    • September 21, 2018
    • PBS

    Reihan Salam, author and Executive Editor of National Review, joins this week to discuss conservative populism and the future of the movement. Reihan Salam is Executive Editor of National Review, and the author of two books, Grand New Party and Melting Pot Or Civil War?. He lives in Brooklyn, where he was born and raised.

  • S2018E13 Christine Lagarde

    • September 29, 2018
    • PBS

    Christine Lagarde, Chairwoman and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, joins to discuss women and economic inclusion. Christine Lagarde is a French lawyer and politician. Since July 5th, 2011, she has served as the Managing Director and Chairwoman of the International Monetary Fund.

  • S2018E14 Lt. Col. Oliver North

    • October 5, 2018
    • PBS

    Lt. Col. Oliver North, President of the National Rifle Association, joins to discuss school safety programs and the NRA’s challenges. Lt. Col. Oliver North is a political commentator, television host, author, and retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. Lt. Col. North served as president of the National Rifle Association as of May 2018, before being forced out a year later after only one term.

  • S2018E15 Leonard Leo

    • October 12, 2018
    • PBS

    The Federalist Society’s Executive Vice President Leonard Leo joins to discuss the recent Supreme Court confirmation process, the future of such processes, and conservative jurisprudence. Leonard Leo is a lawyer who has served as an advisor to President Trump on Supreme Court nominations and as Executive Vice President of the Federalist Society.

  • S2018E16 Ben Sasse

    • October 19, 2018
    • PBS

    Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska joints to discuss his new book on loneliness and tribalism, and the current state of the Senate. Senator Ben Sasse is a politician, author, and former educational administrator from Nebraska. He was elected to the United States Senate in 2014. Sasse is a Republican. As of this airing, his most recent book is titled "Them: Why We Hate Each Other – And How To Heal".

  • S2018E17 Peter Navarro

    • October 26, 2018
    • PBS

    Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President for Trade and Manufacturing Policy, joins to discuss trade wars, tariffs, and the threat from China. Peter Navarro is an American economist who, as of this airing, serves as the Assistant to the President on Trade and Manufacturing Policy. He has written over a dozen books, and directed and produced the documentary Death By China.

  • S2018E18 Jeff Weaver

    • November 2, 2018
    • PBS

    Jeff Weaver, Bernie Sanders’ former campaign manager, discusses the midterms, progressives, and the political future of Bernie Sanders. Jeff Weaver is an author and political staffer. He was formerly President of Our Revolution and Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign manager. He is the author of the book How Bernie Won: Inside the Revolution That’s Taking Back Our Country–and Where We Go from Here, which was published in May 2018.

  • S2018E19 Max Boot

    • November 9, 2018
    • PBS

    Author, columnist and “Never Trumper” Max Boot joins to discuss the 2018 elections and why he’s left the Republican Party and conservative movement. Max Boot is a columnist for The Washington Post and author of the book, The Corrosion of Conservatism.

  • S2018E20 Tom Steyer

    • November 16, 2018
    • PBS

    Tom Steyer, founder of Need To Impeach and NextGen America, joins to discuss the role of money in political advocacy and impeachment. Tom Steyer is a former hedge fund manager, philanthropist, and environmentalist.

  • S2018E21 Donna Brazile

    • December 7, 2018
    • PBS

    Donna Brazile joins Firing Line to discuss her career in politics, working at the DNC in 2016 and the future for Democrats and Republicans. Donna Brazile is a political strategist, campaign manager, author, and former chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. As of this airing, her most recent book is titled, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics".

  • S2018E22 Mitch Daniels

    • December 14, 2018
    • PBS

    Mitch Daniels, Indiana Governor turned Purdue University president, talks about debt, college campuses and politics from outside the beltway. Mitch Daniels served as the 49th Governor of Indiana from 2005 – 2013.

  • S2018E23 Caitlyn Jenner

    • January 4, 2019
    • PBS

    Caitlyn Jenner discusses her experience since coming out as transgender, and how she’s working with Republicans to advance LGBT equality. Caitlyn Jenner is a media personality, former Olympian, and LGBTQ activist.

Season 2019

  • S2019E01 Stacey Abrams

    • January 11, 2019
    • PBS

    This week on Firing Line, Stacey Abrams discusses her narrow defeat in Georgia, why she refused to concede and her next election. Stacey Abrams American politician, lawyer and novelist who served as Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017. In 2018, she ran as the Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia.

  • S2019E02 Tamika Mallory

    • January 18, 2019
    • PBS

    Tamika Mallory, Co-President of the Women’s March, responds to divisions in the movement and allegations of anti-Semitism. Tamika Mallory is an activist and organizer. Since 2017, she has been Co-President of the Women’s March.

  • S2019E03 Eric Swalwell

    • January 25, 2019
    • PBS

    Rep. Eric Swalwell defends calling the president an agent of Russia and outlines a possible new area of inquiry for Congressional investigators. Congressman Eric Swalwell is an American politician who has served as U.S. Representative of California’s 15th congressional district since 2013.

  • S2019E04 Chris Christie

    • February 1, 2019
    • PBS

    Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie discusses getting fired from the Trump transition, why he thinks Jared Kushner is the one who pushed him out, and how he would have carried out President Trump’s agenda. Governor Chris Christie is the former Governor of New Jersey. He served from 2010 to 2018. His new book is titled, "Let Me Finish".

  • S2019E05 José Andrés

    • February 9, 2019
    • PBS

    Chef José Andrés joins to discuss his philanthropic work in Puerto Rico, feeding Federal employees, and his twitter exchanges with the President. Chef José Andrés is a Spanish-American chef with restaurants all across the world. He founded World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. Andrés was named the 2018 Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation for his efforts in Puerto Rico.

  • S2019E06 Scott Walker

    • February 15, 2019
    • PBS

    Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker joins to discuss his legacy as a reformer. Former Governor Scott Walker was Governor of Wisconsin from 2011 to 2019. In 2015, he was a candidate for his party’s nomination in the 2016 presidential election.

  • S2019E07 Andrew McCabe

    • February 22, 2019
    • PBS

    Former Acting Director of the FBI Andrew McCabe joins to discuss his new book. Andrew McCabe is a former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent. He served as Deputy Director of the FBI from February 2016 to January 2018.

  • S2019E08 Tony Blair

    • March 22, 2019
    • PBS

    Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair discusses the rise of populism around the globe, Brexit, and why he is advocating a return to centrist politics this week on Firing Line. Tony Blair is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007. He was Leader of the Opposition from 1994 to 1997. As of 2017, Blair is the last UK Labour Party leader to have won a general election.

  • S2019E09 Angus King

    • March 29, 2019
    • PBS

    Senator Angus King (I-ME) discusses the Mueller Report, why Attorney General Barr’s summary is not enough and how we can protect ourselves from the Russians in the 2020 election. Angus Stanley King Jr. is an American politician and attorney serving as the junior United States Senator from Maine since 2013. A political independent since 1993, he was the 72nd Governor of Maine from 1995 to 2003.

  • S2019E10 Howard Schultz

    • April 5, 2019
    • PBS

    Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz discusses his potential run for president as an independent, his case for centrists politics, the backlash he has received from Democrats about his potential candidacy, and how he responds to the criticism that he could help get President Trump re-elected.

  • S2019E11 H. R. McMaster

    • April 12, 2019
    • PBS

    Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster discusses his time as President Trump’s National Security Advisor, his military career that spanned 30 years including service in both Iraq wars, the rise of a new generation of geopolitical threats, and what America needs to do to stay secure.

  • S2019E12 Ann Coulter

    • April 19, 2019
    • PBS

    Conservative commentator Ann Coulter discusses her early support of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign due to his hardline stance on immigration, her disappointment with how the Trump administration has handled immigration and border security, and why she is now saying the crisis at the border is “worse than it would ever be under any Democrat.”

  • S2019E13 Tulsi Gabbard

    • April 26, 2019
    • PBS

    Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a 2020 presidential candidate and Democrat from Hawaii, discusses how her time serving in Iraq led her to oppose regime-change wars and defends her meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017.

  • S2019E14 Stephen Moore

    • May 3, 2019
    • PBS

    Stephen Moore joins to discuss the Federal Reserve.

  • S2019E15 Rob Reiner

    • May 10, 2019
    • PBS

    Director, actor and activist Rob Reiner explains why he is using his voice to call out President Trump on social media, reflects on the continued divisions in the country that his character on “”All in the Family”” helped to illustrate, and talks about which Democratic candidate he believes has the best shot of winning back the White House in 2020.

  • S2019E16 Tom Cotton

    • May 17, 2019
    • PBS

    Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK) discusses the escalating tensions with Iran and why he believes a potential military conflict would be swift and decisive for the United States. Cotton, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, explains why believes the Mueller report is not “gospel.”

  • S2019E17 Gen. David Petraeus

    • May 24, 2019
    • PBS

    Retired Gen. David Petraeus discusses tensions between the U.S. and Iran, reflects on his 37 years in the U.S. Army, leading troop surges in Iraq and Afghanistan, and American involvement in both countries.

  • S2019E18 Chelsea Handler

    • June 14, 2019
    • PBS

    Comedian Chelsea Handler joins Firing Line to discuss how she channeled her anger and sadness after Donald Trump’s election into self discovery and activism. Handler shares her views on Robert Mueller, the #MeToo movement, and abortion rights.

  • S2019E19 Liz Cheney

    • June 21, 2019
    • PBS

    Rep. Liz Cheney, the highest ranking House Republican woman ever, joins Firing Line to discuss how she thinks the United States should handle Iran, North Korea and Russia. She makes the case that America is safer under the Trump administration, and says she still believe the promotion of democracy and freedom around the world should be a pillar of U.S. foreign policy.

  • S2019E20 Jim Clyburn

    • June 28, 2019
    • PBS

    House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) joins Firing Line to discuss Joe Biden’s ties to segregationist senators, and whether he plans to use his platform as an influential South Carolina Democrat to endorse ahead of his state’s key primary. Clyburn also assesses the impeachment debate within the Democratic Party, and what he says needs to happen before impeachment proceedings would begin.

  • S2019E21 John Delaney

    • July 13, 2019
    • PBS

    Presidential candidate John Delaney discusses why he thinks Democrats running on popular progressive policies like Medicare for All would hand the 2020 election to Donald Trump. The former Maryland Congressman and entrepreneur details his own plans for healthcare and the environment, and makes the case that he is the candidate who will find bipartisan solutions.

  • S2019E22 Ted Cruz

    • July 20, 2019
    • PBS

    Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) joins Firing Line to discuss the backlash over President Trump’s racially charged tweets aimed at four Democrat Congresswoman. Cruz also discuss his concerns about anti-Semitism and socialism in the progressive left, and addresses immigration policy and border detentions.

  • S2019E23 Julian Castro

    • July 26, 2019
    • PBS

    2020 presidential candidate and former HUD secretary Julian Castro joins Firing Line to discuss immigration policy and his breakout moment in the first Democratic debate. Castro explains why he is calling for the decriminalization of border crossings, and discusses the possibility of challenging Joe Biden on this issue when they share the stage at the next debate.

  • S2019E24 John Hickenlooper

    • August 2, 2019
    • PBS

    Presidential candidate and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper discusses taking on Bernie Sanders in this week’s presidential debate. Hickenlooper explains why he says policies advocated by some candidates, like the elimination of private insurance and the Green New Deal, will hand the election to Trump. He also discusses the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, which he initially opposed.

  • S2019E25 Pramila Jayapal

    • August 9, 2019
    • PBS

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal, co-sponsor of the House Medicare for All Act, makes the case for a universal government-run health insurance program. She explains why she supports eliminating private insurance and what that would mean for the 150 million+ people with employer-based coverage. She also talks about the cost of Medicare for All and whether wait times for doctors’ visits would change.

  • S2019E26 Terry McAuliffe

    • August 30, 2019
    • PBS

    Terry McAuliffe, former VA Governor and DNC chair, discusses the 2020 Democratic field, including which candidate he thinks currently has the best chance of winning. McAuliffe also addresses white nationalism during the Trump administration in the wake of the El Paso attack and two years after Charlottesville’s violent “Unite the Right” rally that became the biggest crisis of his governorship.

  • S2019E27 Jim Mattis

    • September 6, 2019
    • PBS

    Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis joins ​Firing Line​ eight months after resigning from the Trump administration to discuss leadership, the importance of allies, and America’s role in conflicts in the Middle East. Mattis also explains why we should never label political opponents ‘enemies of the people’, and addresses his criticism of then-Vice President Joe Biden in his new book.

  • S2019E28 Condoleezza Rice

    • September 13, 2019
    • PBS

    Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice joins Firing Line to discuss the breakdown of the Trump administration’s negotiations with the Taliban. Dr. Rice also reflects on how the post-Cold War order has evolved, and warns against nativism and protectionism. She additionally criticizes elected officials who make policy on Twitter.

  • S2019E29 Andrew Yang

    • September 20, 2019
    • PBS

    2020 presidential candidate and entrepreneur Andrew Yang joins Firing Line to detail his signature proposal to give every American adult $1,000 each month. Yang also discusses his growing concerns about robots and artificial intelligence replacing American jobs, and explains his goal to shift the country’s economy toward a new human-centered capitalism.

  • S2019E30 Michael Bloomberg

    • September 27, 2019
    • PBS

    Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg joins Firing Line to discuss House Democrats’ decision to launch an impeachment inquiry into Pres. Trump. Bloomberg talks about two of his signature issues, gun safety and climate change, and explains how he sees businesses working alongside government to address global threats. He explains why he isn’t running for president in 2020, and weighs in on the field.

  • S2019E31 Bill Nye

    • October 4, 2019
    • PBS

    Science educator Bill Nye joins Firing Line to discuss the science and impact of climate change. The former host of Bill Nye the Science Guy talks about the role of innovation, investment, policy and education in addressing the problem. Nye also explains why he debates climate change skeptics and evolution deniers.

  • S2019E32 Larry Hogan

    • October 11, 2019
    • PBS

    Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD) joins Firing Line to discuss the Trump impeachment inquiry. Hogan addresses reports that he was considering a primary run against the President, discusses the state of the Republican party, and talks about his record as a Republican governor leading a blue state.

  • S2019E33 Bryan Stevenson

    • October 18, 2019
    • PBS

    Civil rights activist Bryan Stevenson joins Firing Line to discuss race in America, the legacy of slavery, and his work defending death row prisoners. He also discusses creating The National Memorial for Peace and Justice to honor the victims of lynching, and the upcoming Hollywood movie based on his memoir, Just Mercy.

  • S2019E34 Cindy & Meghan McCain

    • October 25, 2019
    • PBS

    Sen. John McCain’s widow Cindy and daughter Meghan join Firing Line to reflect on the Senator’s legacy and bipartisan accomplishments just over a year after his passing. Cindy and Meghan address President Trump’s attacks on John McCain, the deep polarization in American politics, Meghan’s role as the conservative voice on The View, and their relationship with 2020 Presidential candidate Joe Biden.

  • S2019E35 Preet Bharara

    • November 1, 2019
    • PBS

    Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara says that President Trump should be impeached for abuse of power. Bharara discusses what is ahead in the impeachment proceedings and Attorney General William Barr’s criminal investigation into the origins of the counterintelligence probe. Bharara also addresses his brief tenure in the Trump administration before he was fired.

  • S2019E36 David Shulkin

    • November 8, 2019
    • PBS

    Former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin joins Firing Line to discuss his tenure in the Trump administration before the president fired him by tweet. Shulkin explains his argument against privatization of the VA, a policy dispute that he believes led to his dismissal. He also addresses Trump’s leadership style and defends his controversial travel while in office.

  • S2019E37 Mark Warner

    • November 15, 2019
    • PBS

    Sen. Intel Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) discusses Russian election interference and how other adversaries have learned from their playbook heading into 2020. Warner talks about combating threats to voting systems and disinformation campaigns. He discusses his possible role as a juror in an impeachment trial, and says Russian spies spread the false claim that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election.

  • S2019E38 Will Hurd

    • November 23, 2019
    • PBS

    House Intelligence Committee member Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) discusses the impeachment hearings. Hurd explains why he says President Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president was “inappropriate,” and where he stands on allegations of bribery and extortion. Hurd discusses which witnesses he wants to hear from next, and whether or not he has made up his mind on how he would vote.

  • S2019E39 Nikki Haley

    • December 13, 2019
    • PBS

    Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley discusses her role in President Trump’s cabinet, and assesses the Trump administration’s handling of North Korea and Iran. Haley addresses the controversy over her recent comments on the confederate flag, and explains how the GOP should appeal to new voters. She also says the UN needs to change with the times.

  • S2019E40 Adam Schiff

    • December 20, 2019
    • PBS

    House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff discusses the third presidential impeachment in U.S. history. Schiff explains why he now believes that a failed impeachment is better than none at all. He also discusses the Inspector General’s findings of mistakes in the FBI surveillance application process. In addition, Schiff warns about the threat of disinformation campaigns in the 2020 elections.

Season 2020

  • S2020E01 David Miliband

    • January 10, 2020
    • PBS

    Former British Foreign Secretary and Labour politician David Miliband addresses the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Miliband, now head of the International Rescue Committee, says chaos in the Middle East could impact his work on the global refugee crisis. Miliband discusses U.K. and U.S. politics ahead of the 2020 election, warning that the “hard left doesn’t provide the answer.

  • S2020E02 Michael Moore

    • January 17, 2020
    • PBS

    Filmmaker Michael Moore discusses the 2020 presidential race. Moore, who correctly predicted Trump’s win in 2016, now says the Democrat could win the popular vote by an even greater margin and still lose. Moore explains why he supports Sanders over Warren, and addresses the candidates’ recent falling out. He discusses the Senate impeachment trial and his public apology to Iran’s ayatollah.

  • S2020E03 Deval Patrick

    • January 24, 2020
    • PBS

    Democratic presidential candidate and former MA Gov. Deval Patrick discusses his late entry into the 2020 race. The only African-American candidate left in the field, Patrick talks about his journey from the South Side of Chicago to law school and a career at Fortune 500 companies. He explains his views on capitalism and the wealth tax, as well as his newly released reparations platform.

  • S2020E04 Paul Krugman

    • January 31, 2020
    • PBS

    Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discusses what he calls “zombie” economic ideas and his public feuds with President Trump. The New York Times columnist talks about partisanship and whether ideological opponents can still have good faith debates. Krugman, a self-identified progressive, envisions what would happen if a progressive Democrat prevails in the 2020 race.

  • S2020E05 Cornel West and Robert George

    • February 7, 2020
    • PBS

    Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert George, the “ideological odd couple,” discuss the importance of civil discourse in this era of polarization. Leftist West and conservative George are friends who teach together and travel the country to demonstrate their commitment to free speech. They explore their opposing views on several policy areas, respectfully disagreeing as well as finding common ground.

  • S2020E06 Steve Bannon

    • February 14, 2020
    • PBS

    Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon discusses his predictions for the 2020 election and the future of populism. He talks about Bloomberg’s impact on the race and suggests that a new Democratic candidate will shake up the race late in the process. Bannon issues a stark warning about the coronavirus.

  • S2020E07 Michael Eric Dyson

    • February 21, 2020
    • PBS

    Georgetown professor, prolific author and political commentator Michael Eric Dyson discusses the state of race in the US ahead of the South Carolina Democratic primary. He talks about how black voters are assessing the rest of the 2020 field—including Bloomberg and Sanders—as Biden’s support slips. Dyson responds to Trump’s economic pitch to African-American voters.

  • S2020E08 Jeh Johnson

    • March 13, 2020
    • PBS

    Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson discusses the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus. Johnson, who was DHS Secretary during the 2014 Ebola crisis, talks about communicating with the public during times of anxiety. He also discusses ongoing election interference and immigration policy.

  • S2020E09 Ken Starr

    • March 20, 2020
    • PBS

    Former independent counsel Ken Starr discusses his investigation that led to the impeachment of President Clinton, and his work over 20 years later defending President Trump during his impeachment trial. Starr says that we are living in an “age of impeachment” in which it has become all too easy to impeach a president.

  • S2020E10 Tom Frieden

    • March 27, 2020
    • PBS

    Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden discusses the origins of the coronavirus, the current measures to fight it, and where he sees the pandemic headed. He also discusses how the United States can be better prepared to handle future microbial threats.

  • S2020E11 Ned Lamont

    • April 3, 2020
    • PBS

    CT Gov. Ned Lamont discusses his efforts to fight COVID-19 in one of the most-infected states per capita in the country. He discusses the race to find more ventilators and personal protective equipment as the state’s case count rises. Lamont also gives advice to states that have not been hit as hard yet about how to flatten the curve.

  • S2020E12 Scott Gottlieb

    • April 10, 2020
    • PBS

    President Trump’s former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses what is next for the coronavirus. Gottlieb says he is concerned about a second wave of COVID-19 that may hit in September. Gottlieb says parts of life may be altered until there is a vaccine, which could be still two years away. Gottlieb also discusses the prospects for antiviral and antibody medicine to treat the virus.

  • S2020E13 Mark Cuban

    • April 17, 2020
    • PBS

    Billionaire Mark Cuban discusses advising President Trump as a member of his new group on reopening the U.S. economy. Cuban defends the president as the cheerleader-in-chief but dismisses the idea of setting a date now to reopen. The “Shark Tank” investor discusses relief for small businesses, tackling unemployment, and how he would address income inequality.

  • S2020E14 Marco Rubio

    • April 24, 2020
    • PBS

    Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla) talks about the push among certain states to reopen

  • S2020E15 Rudy Giuliani

    • May 1, 2020
    • PBS

    Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, now President Trump’s personal attorney, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the hardest-hit state. Giuliani reflects on his time as mayor of NYC during the September 11 terrorist attacks and talks about messaging during a crisis. Giuliani says that he is concerned about current restrictions to civil liberties and says that it is time to start reopening.

  • S2020E16 Sheryl Sandberg & David Miliband

    • May 8, 2020
    • PBS

    Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and International Rescue Committee president David Miliband team up to discuss how COVID-19 will affect women and girls worldwide. They say the pandemic poses a particular threat to girls’ education in the developing world and is increasing sexual violence. They also discuss combating misinformation.

  • S2020E17 Susan Rice

    • May 15, 2020
    • PBS

    Susan Rice, President Obama’s National Security Advisor and the former ambassador to the United Nations, calls President Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic abysmal. She says the lack of leadership has led to the loss of American lives and jobs. Rice says that she would run as Joe Biden’s vice president if asked.

  • S2020E18 Sean Penn

    • May 22, 2020
    • PBS

    Actor Sean Penn discusses his efforts to expand coronavirus testing access through his non-profit, CORE. The organization initially offered free drive-through tests in Penn’s hometown, Los Angeles, and is now in a number of cities. Penn urges people to come together in this moment of crisis rather than focus on partisan politics.

  • S2020E19 Bakari Sellers

    • June 12, 2020
    • PBS

    Activist, attorney and author Bakari Sellers discusses the death of George Floyd, the nationwide protests, and whether this moment of crisis will lead to meaningful change on issues of racism. Sellers, the son of a civil rights activist who was shot and wounded by police in 1968 during a student protest, talks about police brutality and reform.

  • S2020E20 Stacey Abrams

    • June 19, 2020
    • PBS

    Voting rights activist and politician Stacey Abrams discusses the fight for racial justice and her views on police reform including the "defund the police" movement. Abrams talks about election reform and voter access in November. She also addresses reports that she is a potential running mate for Joe Biden.

  • S2020E21 GOP Women: Rep. Herrera Beutler, Rep. Stefanik, Sen. Ernst

    • June 26, 2020
    • PBS

    Margaret Hoover interviews several female Republican rising stars in Congress: Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY), Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA), Sen. Joni Ernst (IA) and Rep. Liz Cheney (WY). They discuss the effort to recruit more GOP women in Congress.

  • S2020E22 Trailblazers Special: Newcomers

    • June 30, 2020
    • PBS

    Meet conservative women running for a first term in Congress: Young Kim of California, Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Lisa Scheller of Pennsylvania. Margaret Hoover explores their motivations for running, policies and visions for the Republican Party.

  • S2020E23 John Bolton

    • July 10, 2020
    • PBS

    Former National Security Advisor John Bolton says President Trump, his ex-boss, is unfit for a second term and he will not vote for him. Bolton discusses why he stayed silent during impeachment and his scathing new book about the White House.

  • S2020E24 Keisha Lance Bottoms

    • July 17, 2020
    • PBS

    Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who tested positive for COVID-19, discusses Georgia’s surge in cases and Atlanta’s recent spike in gun violence. She also addresses the speculation that she is a possible Biden VP pick, saying she’s “absolutely” qualified.

  • S2020E25 Mike DeWine

    • July 24, 2020
    • PBS

    Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) discusses why COVID-19 cases are surging, his new decision to mandate masks statewide, reopening schools and the 2020 election. He reacts to the arrest of the Ohio House Speaker in connection with a $60 million bribery case.

  • S2020E26 Melinda Gates

    • July 31, 2020
    • PBS

    Philanthropist Melinda Gates, who has committed more than $300 million to fight COVID-19, discusses the race to develop vaccines, COVID-19’s toll on women and the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic.

  • S2020E27 Larry Kudlow

    • August 7, 2020
    • PBS

    President Trump’s top economic advisor Larry Kudlow discusses COVID-19’s impact on the economy, jobs and businesses. He talks about what is next for federal stimulus spending, the massive deficit levels and his assessment of recovery.

  • S2020E28 Stuart Stevens

    • August 14, 2020
    • PBS

    Former Republican strategist Stuart Stevens discusses his opposition to President Trump and the current GOP. Stevens is working with other prominent current and former Republicans at the Lincoln Project to strategize against Trump’s reelection bid.

  • S2020E29 Gretchen Whitmer

    • August 21, 2020
    • PBS

    Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer discusses interviewing to be Joe Biden’s VP, Michigan’s key role in the 2020 election and the challenges of voting by mail. She weighs in on the federal government’s handling of the pandemic and lockdown protests.

  • S2020E30 Rich Lowry

    • August 28, 2020
    • PBS

    Rich Lowry, editor of the conservative publication National Review, explains why he supports Pres. Trump over Joe Biden despite profound discomfort with Trump’s conduct. Lowry also discusses his latest book in which he makes the case for nationalism.

  • S2020E31 Bernie Sanders

    • September 11, 2020
    • PBS

    Sen. Bernie Sanders discusses supporting Biden’s presidential bid despite policy differences and warns that Pres. Trump may refuse to leave office if he loses. Sanders says progressive ideas are gaining traction and discusses the movement’s future.

  • S2020E32 Sarah Huckabee Sanders

    • September 18, 2020
    • PBS

    Former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders discusses her new book and the contentious briefings that marked her time in the Trump administration. She talks about her political future including a possible run for governor of Arkansas.

  • S2020E33 Val Demings

    • September 25, 2020
    • PBS

    Congresswoman Val Demings (D-FL) discusses the Supreme Court vacancy, police reform, COVID and Florida’s pivotal role in the presidential race. Demings was previously Orlando’s first female police chief and on the short list to be Biden’s VP.

  • S2020E34 Sheldon Whitehouse

    • October 2, 2020
    • PBS

    Senate Judiciary Committee member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) discusses the battle over the Supreme Court and the role of anonymous “dark money” in the federal judiciary. He says the first presidential debate hurts America’s standing in the world.

  • S2020E35 Tammy Duckworth

    • October 9, 2020
    • PBS

    Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, discusses the VP debate and the COVID-19 outbreak in the White House. She also explains why she plans to vote against Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.

  • S2020E36 Anthony Fauci

    • October 16, 2020
    • PBS

    Dr. Anthony Fauci discusses the latest science on COVID-19 and the race to develop a vaccine. As new daily cases rise in more than a dozen states, Fauci explains what Americans should expect about living with the pandemic this winter and beyond.

  • S2020E37 Pete Buttigieg

    • October 23, 2020
    • PBS

    Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, IN who ran for president, discusses the election, his political future and the COVID vaccine. Buttigieg talks about coming out as mayor and his concerns about Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court.

  • S2020E38 Angus King

    • October 30, 2020
    • PBS

    Senate Intel member Angus King (I-ME) discusses foreign interference in this election, what adversaries hope to accomplish and how prepared the U.S. is to handle cyberthreats and disinformation. He says Russia is most actively trying to interfere.

  • S2020E39 Larry Hogan

    • November 6, 2020
    • PBS

    Gov. Larry Hogan, Maryland’s moderate Republican governor, discusses why he did not vote for President Trump, the future of Trumpism and the GOP, and why Republicans beat expectations in down ballot races.

  • S2020E40 Ted Olson & David Boies

    • November 13, 2020
    • PBS

    Superstar litigators David Boies and Ted Olson, who argued on opposite sides of Bush v. Gore in 2000 and later teamed up to work together, discuss President Trump’s allegations of voter fraud, litigation attempts and refusal to concede.

  • S2020E41 Albert Bourla

    • November 20, 2020
    • PBS

    CEO Albert Bourla discusses Pfizer’s eight-month race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, which he thinks will be available to frontline workers in December and the general public before the summer. He talks about efficacy, safety and distribution.

  • S2020E42 Bob Costas

    • December 11, 2020
    • PBS

    Legendary sportscaster Bob Costas joins Firing Line to break down the intersection of sports and the three defining stories of 2020: the COVID-19 pandemic, the election and the fight for racial justice.

  • S2020E43 Neil Gorsuch

    • December 18, 2020
    • PBS

    Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was the first of President Trump's three nominees to the Supreme Court, discusses the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, his judicial philosophy and the breakdown of civility in America.

Season 2021

  • S2021E01 Mike Gallagher

    • January 8, 2021
    • PBS

    Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher discusses the storming of the U.S. Capitol, President Trump's role in inciting the insurrection, and where the country and the GOP goes from here.

  • S2021E02 Joe Manchin

    • January 15, 2021
    • PBS

    Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) discusses the Capitol attack and the historic second impeachment of President Trump. As an influential moderate in the Senate, he talks about how to bring the country back together.

  • SPECIAL 0x3 Michael Osterholm

    • January 19, 2021
    • PBS

    Dr. Michael Osterholm, a member of Biden’s COVID advisory board, says new strains of COVID-19 have darkened his prognosis for the pandemic — which he is now scared could be the "the big one" — and discusses fixing the vaccine rollout problems.

  • S2021E03 Mary Frances Berry and Douglas Brinkley

    • January 22, 2021
    • PBS

    American historians Mary Frances Berry and Douglas Brinkley discuss the inauguration of President Joe Biden at a time of national crisis and the legacy of President Trump.

  • S2021E04 Tim Kaine

    • January 29, 2021
    • PBS

    Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) discusses former President Trump’s looming impeachment trial, President Biden’s COVID-19 stimulus plan and why he is optimistic for bipartisanship under the new administration.

  • S2021E05 Charles Blow

    • February 5, 2021
    • PBS

    Charles M. Blow, NYT columnist and author of “The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto,” discusses his plan for Black Americans to amass political power by reverse migration to the South in order to achieve Black majorities in multiple states.

  • S2021E06 Jaime Herrera Beutler

    • February 12, 2021
    • PBS

    Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, one of ten House Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump, discusses her vote, the impeachment trial, whether there is any chance of conviction and the future of the GOP.

  • S2021E07 Michael Osterholm

    • February 19, 2021
    • PBS

    Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm says new COVID-19 strains will likely cause cases to surge in March. Osterholm, who was on Biden's transition task force, says the U.S. needs to revise its vaccine and mask strategies now to save lives.

  • S2021E08 Bari Weiss

    • March 12, 2021
    • PBS

    Former New York Times editor and “How to Fight Anti-Semitism” author Bari Weiss joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the rise of Anti-Semitism and intolerance across the political spectrum.

  • S2021E09 Jennifer Granholm

    • March 19, 2021
    • PBS

    Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm tells Margaret Hoover how the Biden administration plans to achieve clean energy goals, create new jobs and protect the power grid while facing questions about the price tag and the politics in Washington.

  • S2021E10 Yo-Yo Ma

    • March 26, 2021
    • PBS

    World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs for “Firing Line” and joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the arts and his belief that music can comfort people and connect cultures in even the darkest hours.

  • S2021E11 Anne Applebaum and David Frum

    • April 2, 2021
    • PBS

    Pulitzer Prize winning historian Anne Applebaum and former White House speechwriter David Frum join Margaret Hoover to discuss strengthening American democracy and the future of the GOP.

  • S2021E12 Maya MacGuineas and Robert Reich

    • April 9, 2021
    • PBS

    Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich and federal budget expert Maya MacGuineas discuss America’s staggering national debt and what should be done about it.

  • S2021E13 Kirsten Gillibrand

    • April 16, 2021
    • PBS

    Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) discusses why paid family leave should be part of President Biden’s infrastructure legislation, working across the aisle to protect veterans and the misconduct allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

  • S2021E14 Adam Kinzinger

    • April 23, 2021
    • PBS

    Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) discusses what it means to be a Republican in the post-Trump era, what’s next for police and gun reform and President Biden's plan to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan.

  • S2021E15 Mazie Hirono

    • April 30, 2021
    • PBS

    Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) discusses her recent bipartisan bill addressing anti-Asian hate crimes, how her immigrant experience informs her legislative priorities and what caused her to become a more outspoken member of Congress.

  • S2021E16 Amy Klobuchar

    • May 7, 2021
    • PBS

    Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) discusses the explosive growth of big tech and corporate mergers. She outlines her proposed antitrust reforms to fight back against monopolies and explains why every American should be paying attention.

  • S2021E17 Garry Kasparov

    • May 14, 2021
    • PBS

    Chess grandmaster turned democracy advocate Garry Kasparov, who chairs the Human Rights Foundation, warns about the rising tide of authoritarianism worldwide. He discusses bringing chess to life in the acclaimed series “The Queen’s Gambit.”

  • S2021E18 Irshad Manji

    • May 21, 2021
    • PBS

    The New York Times bestselling author Irshad Manji discusses how she thinks diversity should be defined and taught, the divisiveness of labels and why moral courage — not cancel culture — is the key to honest conversations about issues that polarize.

  • S2021E19 Lawrence Summers

    • June 12, 2021
    • PBS

    Former Treasury Secretary and Harvard economist Lawrence H. Summers discusses his concerns about an overheated post-pandemic economy leading to inflation and what he believes the White House and the Fed should do about it.

  • S2021E20 Don Lemon

    • June 18, 2021
    • PBS

    CNN anchor Don Lemon discusses his new book on racism in America’s past and present, his own experiences dealing with prejudice, and bringing his point of view to cable news.

  • S2021E21 William McRaven

    • June 25, 2021
    • PBS

    Four-star Admiral William H. McRaven discusses the imminent withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the current threat level from Iran, and the heroic virtues he details in his new book, "The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived."

  • S2021E22 William McRaven

    • July 2, 2021
    • PBS

    In a special edition celebrating Independence Day, four-star Admiral William H. McRaven shares stories of heroism from his 37 years of service to America, including details behind the capture of Saddam Hussein and the killing of Osama bin Laden.

  • S2021E23 Bill Nelson

    • July 9, 2021
    • PBS

    NASA Administrator Bill Nelson discusses America’s mission to return to the moon and reach Mars, billionaires in space, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings, and NASA’s search for intelligent life in the universe.

  • S2021E24 John McWhorter

    • July 16, 2021
    • PBS

    Columbia University linguist and race commentator John McWhorter explains the origins of critical race theory, what the decades-old legal concept has become in today’s national debate and his concerns about antiracism and how it is taught.

  • S2021E25 Mario Diaz-Balart

    • July 23, 2021
    • PBS

    Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-FL—whose family fled Fidel Castro’s communist revolution in Cuba—discusses the ongoing oppression on the island, historic protests calling for freedom and how he thinks the U.S. and our allies should respond.

  • S2021E26 Celine Gounder and Ashish Jha

    • July 30, 2021
    • PBS

    With a summer COVID surge, epidemiologist Dr. Celine Gounder and Brown University Dean of Public Health Dr. Ashish Jha discuss the dangers of the Delta variant, breakthrough cases, how to vaccinate more people and whether booster shots may be needed.

  • S2021E27 Elissa Slotkin

    • August 6, 2021
    • PBS

    Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, D-MI, discusses representing a district that voted for Trump, the investigation into the attack on the Capitol, and voting rights. The former CIA analyst outlines her concerns about what’s next for Afghanistan.

  • S2021E28 David Petraeus & H.R. McMaster

    • August 27, 2021
    • PBS

    Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster responds to the suicide attack that killed at least 13 U.S. service members outside the Kabul airport; Gen. David Petraeus discusses the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and what Taliban rule means for American security.

  • S2021E29 Peter Meijer

    • September 10, 2021
    • PBS

    As America marks the 20th anniversary of September 11, Rep. Peter Meijer, R-MI, discusses the U.S. exit from Afghanistan, his decision to fly into Kabul amid the evacuation and who should be held accountable for the botched ending of a two-decade war.

  • S2021E30 George Will

    • September 17, 2021
    • PBS

    Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will discusses the conservative movement from William F. Buckley Jr. to the present, why he says many modern Republican politicians are not true conservatives, and what’s next for Trumpism.

  • S2021E31 Mohamed El-Erian

    • September 24, 2021
    • PBS

    Economist Mohamed A. El-Erian outlines his concern that inflation will persist and urges the Federal Reserve not to miss the window to act. He discusses how the pandemic has altered labor markets and discusses why some changes may be here to stay.

  • S2021E32 Frank McCourt

    • October 1, 2021
    • PBS

    Billionaire Frank McCourt discusses his venture to overhaul the internet and create social media alternatives. He says blockchain is the key to protecting personal data and answers questions about how to transform his mission into a movement.

  • S2021E33 The Oslo Freedom Forum

    • October 8, 2021
    • PBS

    Firing Line interviews three dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Miami: Hatice Cengiz, fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi; Uyghur activist Jewher Ilham; and Venezuelan political exile Leopoldo Lopez.

  • S2021E34 John Lithgow

    • October 15, 2021
    • PBS

    Actor, author and illustrator John Lithgow discusses his new collection of poems satirizing America’s “scoundrels,” his take on contemporary politics, and getting into character for his iconic roles from Winston Churchill to Roger Ailes.

  • S2021E35 Fiona Hill

    • October 22, 2021
    • PBS

    Russia expert Dr. Fiona Hill, a former senior official in Trump’s National Security Council and 2019 impeachment witness, discusses the rise of populism in the U.S. and why she believes her former boss continues to be a threat to American democracy.

  • S2021E36 Bob Menendez

    • October 29, 2021
    • PBS

    Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ, discusses his immigration reform plan and protecting Americans against floods. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair outlines how the U.S. should promote democracy in Cuba, support Taiwan and prevent a nuclear Iran.

  • S2021E37 Andrew Sullivan

    • November 5, 2021
    • PBS

    Author and political commentator Andrew Sullivan, a self-described small-c conservative who opposes Trump, says this week’s election signals a backlash to woke culture and discusses the need for open debate among people with different perspectives.

  • S2021E38 Ai Weiwei

    • November 12, 2021
    • PBS

    Artist, activist and former political prisoner Ai Weiwei discusses resisting authoritarianism in China and beyond,

  • S2021E39 Tim Scott

    • November 19, 2021
    • PBS

    Rising GOP star Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, discusses growing up in poverty in South Carolina and outlines his policy vision for opportunity zones, school choice and police reform. He weighs in on the GOP in 2024.

  • S2021E40 Chris Christie

    • December 10, 2021
    • PBS

    Republican Chris Christie says the GOP needs to renounce conspiracy theories and Trump’s election fraud lies. The former New Jersey governor discusses whether he is planning a 2024 presidential run and calls it “undeniable” that Trump gave him COVID.

  • S2021E41 Dana Canedy

    • December 17, 2021
    • PBS

    Dana Canedy discusses “A Journal for Jordan”—her book about the late 1st Sgt. Charles M. King and the words of wisdom he left for their son—now a major movie directed by Denzel Washington. Canedy also reflects on her work running Simon & Schuster.

Season 2022

  • S2022E01 Adam Kinzinger

    • January 7, 2022
    • PBS

    Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-IL, one of two Republicans on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack, discusses what lawmakers have learned and what questions remain unanswered – as the nation marks the one-year anniversary of that deadly day.

  • S2022E02 Fareed Zakaria

    • January 14, 2022
    • PBS

    Author and anchor Fareed Zakaria discusses the lessons of Covid-19 as the world enters the third year of the pandemic; Zakaria, who as a student brought William F. Buckley Jr. to Yale, also discusses threats to democracy at home and abroad.

  • S2022E03 Indra Nooyi

    • January 21, 2022
    • PBS

    Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi discusses her rise up America’s corporate ladder after emigrating from India. She also weighs in on the future of the workplace, the care economy and the role companies should play in addressing problems in society.

  • S2022E04 Eva Moskowitz

    • January 28, 2022
    • PBS

    Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz makes the case for school choice as her network of charter schools in NYC outperforms schools across the state. She discusses the role of teachers unions, education reform proposals and the impact of the pandemic.

  • S2022E05 Lonnie Bunch

    • February 4, 2022
    • PBS

    Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch kicks off Black History Month with a discussion on the importance of studying a complete history, the role of museums in society and his continued work to preserve America’s story for future generations.

  • S2022E06 Enes Kanter Freedom

    • February 11, 2022
    • PBS

    NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, a prominent critic of his native Turkey and China, discusses the genocide of the Uyghurs, his call for a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games, and his criticisms of the NBA and Nike for business ties with China.

  • S2022E07 Michael McFaul

    • February 18, 2022
    • PBS

    Michael McFaul, the U.S. ambassador to Russia in the Obama administration, discusses the rising tensions as Russian troops surround Ukraine and appear poised to invade. He assesses Putin’s motivations and the prospects for deterrence and diplomacy.

  • S2022E08 William B. Taylor

    • March 11, 2022
    • PBS

    Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor discusses Russia's invasion of its neighbor and Ukraine's resistance, the response of the U.S. and allies economically and militarily, and where the conflict is headed.

  • S2022E09 Margaret Atwood

    • March 18, 2022
    • PBS

    “The Handmaid’s Tale” author Margaret Atwood discusses her dystopian classic and being a consultant on the hit Hulu series based on it. Atwood reflects on using fiction and essays to warn about authoritarianism, climate change and other dangers.

  • S2022E10 Lynsey Addario

    • March 25, 2022
    • PBS

    Pulitzer Prize-winning war photojournalist Lynsey Addario joins from Kyiv to discuss shooting a defining image that exposed Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine, finding humanity amid horror on the ground, and her drive to document conflict zones.

  • S2022E11 Rhiannon Giddens

    • April 1, 2022
    • PBS

    Grammy Award-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens discusses what her journey from opera to Black string band music taught her about her own identity, her mission to reclaim the true history of the banjo, and how her “American music” transcends genres.

  • S2022E12 Chris Coons

    • April 8, 2022
    • PBS

    Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) discusses the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court but says public trust in the institution is falling. He responds to Russian war crimes in Ukraine and assesses Biden’s legislative agenda to date.

  • S2022E13 Matt Damon and Gary White

    • April 15, 2022
    • PBS

    Oscar-winner Matt Damon and water expert Gary White discuss their goal to end the global water crisis for 771 million people in their lifetimes. They explain how they use microfinance and impact investing to help millions gain access to clean water.

  • S2022E14 Marie Yovanovitch

    • April 22, 2022
    • PBS

    Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch discusses Putin's new offensive, Ukrainian resolve, and whether Russian atrocities are genocide. The impeachment witness analyzes Trump's dealings with Ukraine and Biden's response to the war.

  • S2022E15 Tina Brown

    • April 29, 2022
    • PBS

    Legendary journalist Tina Brown discusses her new book about the royals, with reporting on Megxit, Prince Andrew, and what happens after Queen Elizabeth's reign. She weighs in on the future of magazines and billionaire Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover.

  • S2022E16 Linda Thomas-Greenfield

    • May 6, 2022
    • PBS

    U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield discusses holding Putin accountable for war crimes and tackling the global food security crisis that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has accelerated. She addresses the UN's mission and possible reforms.

  • S2022E17 Ed Whelan and Mary Ziegler

    • May 13, 2022
    • PBS

    Legal scholars Mary Ziegler and Ed Whelan discuss their differing views on the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the future of abortion law in America, and what this expected ruling could mean for other cases.

  • S2022E18 Eric Schmidt

    • May 20, 2022
    • PBS

    Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt discusses how artificial intelligence will change the world and impact the future of jobs, medicine and warfare. He says we need to prepare for the dark sides of AI and weighs in on other tech issues and climate change.

  • S2022E19 Raphael Warnock

    • June 17, 2022
    • PBS

    Sen. Raphael Warnock (D), Georgia's first Black US senator and a minister, discusses the economy, Jan. 6, and other key midterm issues. Warnock is up against ex-football star Herschel Walker, a Trump-backed candidate, in a closely watched 2022 race.

  • S2022E20 Ben Ginsburg

    • June 24, 2022
    • PBS

    Republican election lawyer Ben Ginsberg discusses speaking out against Trump and other election deniers at the January 6 hearings. He weighs in on efforts to reform federal election laws and assesses whether Trump will be prosecuted.

  • S2022E21 Christine Todd Whitman

    • July 1, 2022
    • PBS

    Pro-choice Republican and fmr. NJ Gov. Christine Todd Whitman calls the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe judicial activism and says women will be harmed. She reflects on how the GOP became an anti-choice party and on polarization in America.

  • S2022E22 James Kirchick

    • July 8, 2022
    • PBS

    Author James Kirchick discusses his New York Times bestseller “Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington,” a chronicle of gay powerbrokers from the FDR presidency through the Cold War and into the Clinton years – and the risks they faced.

  • S2022E23 Chris Murphy

    • July 15, 2022
    • PBS

    Sen. Chris Murphy, D-CT, discusses his first success in a decade-long fight to stop America’s gun violence epidemic and explains how the new law may have stopped the Highland Park shooter. He addresses urban gun violence and the weakening gun lobby.

  • S2022E24 Adam Grant

    • July 22, 2022
    • PBS

    Organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant examines the value of rethinking deeply-held beliefs in an ever-changing world. He discusses how that approach could reshape our work, politics, and daily discourse for the better.

  • S2022E25 Mike Lee

    • July 29, 2022
    • PBS

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) discusses his support for Trump leading up to Jan. 6, whether Trump’s inaction that day violated his oath, and what it may mean for 2024. He also makes his case against what he sees as a Democratic plot to pack the Supreme Court.

  • S2022E26 Kenny Loggins

    • September 2, 2022
    • PBS

    Legendary singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins discusses writing enduring hits for films like “Top Gun” and "Footloose," reuniting with Jim Messina, and other highs and lows of his 50-year career as he's out with his memoir, "Still Alright."

  • S2022E27 Elliot Ackerman

    • September 9, 2022
    • PBS

    One year after U.S. troops left Afghanistan and 21 years after 9/11, Marine veteran and author Elliot Ackerman reflects on the war’s strategic failures, his own efforts to get Afghans out, and the dangers of America’s growing civil-military divide.

  • S2022E28 Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein

    • September 16, 2022
    • PBS

    Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein discuss their new documentary series,“The U.S. and the Holocaust,” which examines America's response to Nazi atrocities, why the U.S. failed to take in more refugees, and how themes from the past echo today.

  • S2022E29 Iván Duque

    • September 23, 2022
    • PBS

    Former Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez warns against the rise of left-wing populism in Colombia and across Latin America. He also discusses the war on drugs, the crisis in Venezuela, and the global impact of threats to democracy in the U.S.

  • S2022E30 Oksana Markarova

    • September 30, 2022
    • PBS

    Ukrainian Amb. to the U.S. Oksana Markarova discusses Russia’s nuclear threats as Putin annexes territory and mobilizes 300,000 reservists. She weighs in on Russian war crimes that she calls “genocide” and makes the case for continued U.S. support.

  • S2022E31 Cori Bush

    • October 7, 2022
    • PBS

    Progressive 'Squad' member Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) discusses surviving sexual assault and her experience with abortion as she is out with a memoir. She discusses her role in the Black Lives Matters protests, policing, and other policy priorities.

  • S2022E32 Masih Alinejad

    • October 14, 2022
    • PBS

    Exiled Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad calls the protests in Iran over the government's brutal treatment of women a revolution that will bring down the regime. She also says the U.S. should do much more to support the protestors.

  • S2022E33 Matthew Continetti

    • October 21, 2022
    • PBS

    Author and journalist Matthew Continetti discusses the evolution and future of the American conservative movement. He examines how figures like William F. Buckley Jr., Ronald Reagan, Rush Limbaugh and Donald Trump led, shaped and changed the right.

  • S2022E34 Evan McMullin

    • October 28, 2022
    • PBS

    Independent conservative candidate Evan McMullin discusses his race against Utah's Republican Sen. Mike Lee, which could decide control of the Senate. McMullin criticizes Lee's support of Trump and his role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

  • S2022E35 Maggie Haberman

    • November 4, 2022
    • PBS

    Pulitzer-prize winning New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman gives the inside account of interviewing Donald Trump for her new biography. She discusses the latest on the investigations he is facing and why she believes Trump will run in 2024.

  • S2022E36 Asa Hutchinson

    • November 11, 2022
    • PBS

    Republican Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson assesses the GOP’s weak performance in the 2022 midterm elections, how key issues like abortion played into the race, how it may affect Donald Trump’s role in the party and what this means for 2024.

  • S2022E37 William Barr

    • November 18, 2022
    • PBS

    Former Attorney General William Barr denounces Trump's 2024 bid and says his ex-boss should step aside. Barr discusses his high-profile resignation from the Trump administration, the state of the DOJ, and the current investigations of Trump.

  • S2022E38 Mike Pence

    • December 2, 2022
    • PBS

    Vice President Mike Pence defends the work of the Trump administration while explaining his break with President Trump over January 6. He discusses the investigations of Trump, his call for civility, and his potential presidential candidacy in 2024.

  • S2022E39 Maria Ressa

    • December 9, 2022
    • PBS

    Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist who faces life in prison for standing up to authoritarianism in the Philippines, discusses how the spread of false news through social media threatens democracy and the importance of a free press.

  • S2022E40 Misty Copeland

    • December 16, 2022
    • PBS

    Misty Copeland discusses becoming American Ballet Theatre's first Black principal dancer and the role her mentor, trailblazing Black ballerina Raven Wilkinson, played in her rise. Copeland weighs in on diversity in ballet, motherhood and her future.

Season 2023

  • S2023E01 Al Sharpton

    • January 13, 2023
    • PBS

    Reverend Al Sharpton discusses his evolution as a civil rights leader and the challenges and controversies he has faced. He weighs in on the progress of the movement and the power of Black voters.

  • S2023E02 Jon Meacham

    • January 20, 2023
    • PBS

    Pulitzer Prize winning-author and presidential biographer Jon Meacham discusses how today’s leaders compare to their predecessors. Meacham, who has helped craft some of Biden's key speeches, weighs in on today's GOP and whether Biden will run again.

  • S2023E03 Nancy Mace

    • January 27, 2023
    • PBS

    Nancy Mace discusses the challenges of being a Republican who rejects the GOP's extremes and supports bipartisan solutions on abortion, cannabis and other issues. She weighs in on the classified documents investigations and debt ceiling.

  • S2023E04 Barry Diller

    • February 3, 2023
    • PBS

    Media mogul Barry Diller discusses why he thinks Hollywood and the Oscars are irrelevant, the future of streaming, why he does not believe Alec Baldwin is responsible for the "Rust" set shooting, and what's ahead in politics.

  • S2023E05 Glenn Loury

    • February 10, 2023
    • PBS

    Brown economist Glenn Loury says affirmative action and reparations will not solve inequality and defends free speech on college campuses. Loury—who at 33 became Harvard's first Black tenured economics professor—discusses how his views have evolved.

  • S2023E06 Brian O’Hara

    • February 17, 2023
    • PBS

    Brian O’Hara—Minneapolis’ first new police chief since George Floyd’s death—discusses policing after the death of Tyre Nichols renewed calls for reform. He weighs in on racial disparities, qualified immunity, gun violence and elevated crime rates.

  • S2023E07 Mike Gallagher

    • March 10, 2023
    • PBS

    Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI)—chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party—discusses how the US should respond to growing threats from the CCP. He discusses trade, the dangers of TikTok, and says the US should commit to defending Taiwan.

  • S2023E08 Larry Hogan

    • March 17, 2023
    • PBS

    Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, the second Republican governor to be re-elected in Maryland and a vocal Trump critic, discusses why he won't challenge Trump for the GOP nomination, economic policy proposals, and the future of the GOP.

  • S2023E09 Paulina Porizkova

    • March 31, 2023
    • PBS

    Supermodel and 1980s cover girl Paulina Porizkova discusses aging and ageism, harassment in modeling, her journey out of Communist Czechoslovakia, struggling with mental health, and the breakdown of her marriage to the late Cars' singer Ric Ocasek.

  • S2023E10 Andrew Weissmann

    • April 7, 2023
    • PBS

    Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann discusses the 34 felony count indictment of former President and 2024 candidate Donald Trump. He discusses the prosecution’s strengths and weaknesses and what to expect as Trump faces more criminal probes.

  • S2023E11 Thomas Chatterton Williams

    • April 14, 2023
    • PBS

    Author and cultural critic Thomas Chatterton Williams explains why he thinks Americans need to unlearn traditional racial constructs in order to achieve equality. He also discusses the impact of culture wars and wokeness on contemporary politics.

  • S2023E12 Wes Moore

    • April 21, 2023
    • PBS

    Rising Democratic star and political newcomer Gov. Wes Moore discusses overcoming tragedy to become a Rhodes Scholar, Army captain, bestselling author and Maryland's first Black governor. He details his plans for tackling poverty and crime.

  • S2023E13 David French

    • April 28, 2023
    • PBS

    Conservative New York Times columnist David French, an anti-Trump voice in the GOP, weighs in on the 2024 presidential race, turmoil at Fox News, whether Trump may go to prison, and the latest cases and ethics questions before the Supreme Court.

  • S2023E14 Richard Dreyfuss

    • May 5, 2023
    • PBS

    Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss discusses America's civics crisis and his initiative to restore civics education in public schools. He weighs in on the state of discourse in the country and speaks out against diversity inclusion standards in Hollywood.

  • S2023E15 Felix Salmon

    • May 12, 2023
    • PBS

    Financial journalist Felix Salmon discusses how Covid created an economic paradigm shift affecting everything from labor markets to millennial investing. He advocates for ending the debt ceiling and says minting money would be better than a default.

  • S2023E16 Charlie Sykes

    • May 19, 2023
    • PBS

    Charlie Sykes, a founder and the editor-in-chief of the non-partisan news site "The Bulwark," discusses why he disassociated himself from the Republican Party, the challenges of covering Trump, the 2024 race, and whether conservatism can be redeemed.

  • S2023E17 Chris Christie

    • June 9, 2023
    • PBS

    Chris Christie discusses his newly launched 2024 presidential bid and why he’s taking direct aim at his former friend and boss Donald Trump. He says the DOJ must indict Trump if they have evidence of crimes in the classified documents investigation.

  • S2023E18 Elie Honig

    • June 23, 2023
    • PBS

    Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the federal indictment against Donald Trump and what to expect of the trials that may take place during the election season. He also weighs in on Hunter Biden’s plea deal.

  • S2023E19 Jill Lepore

    • July 7, 2023
    • PBS

    Harvard historian and journalist Jill Lepore discusses how the past sheds light on present truth-related threats. Lepore critiques the Supreme Court's dismantling of affirmative action, which she says will erode public confidence in the Court.

  • S2023E20 Jewel Kilcher

    • July 14, 2023
    • PBS

    Singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher discusses her journey from a troubled upbringing in Alaska to music megastardom, how she saved her own soul by prioritizing her mental health, and her virtual reality platform providing access to mindfulness tools.

  • S2023E21 Lisa Murkowski

    • July 21, 2023
    • PBS

    Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican who defeated a Trump-backed candidate in the midterms, says Alaska’s new voting reforms could help democracy elsewhere. She discusses the 2024 race and indicates how she would vote in a Trump-Biden rematch.

  • S2023E22 Amul Thapar

    • July 28, 2023
    • PBS

    Sixth Circuit Judge Amul Thapar discusses his new book defending Clarence Thomas’s originalism, his own presence on the conservative short-list for the Supreme Court, the affirmative action ruling, and ethics questions involving justices.

  • S2023E23 Vivek Ramaswamy

    • August 4, 2023
    • PBS

    Entrepreneur and GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy discusses his critique of woke capitalism, his plan to eliminate federal agencies, his opposition to U.S. military support for Ukraine and why he believes America needs a political outsider.

  • S2023E24 Will Hurd

    • August 11, 2023
    • PBS

    Moderate Republican presidential candidate Will Hurd challenges prevailing GOP sentiment by taking on Donald Trump. Hurd, a former Texas congressman and undercover CIA agent, discusses immigration, national security, and artificial intelligence.

  • S2023E25 Roya Mahboob

    • September 1, 2023
    • PBS

    Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO, Roya Mahboob, discusses the fall of Kabul and decimation of women's rights after two years of Taliban rule. She gives an update on the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, which she launched prior to the Taliban takeover.

  • S2023E26 Doug Burgum

    • September 8, 2023
    • PBS

    North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican presidential candidate and former tech CEO, outlines his policy vision for energy, climate, immigration, and education reform. He says the GOP needs to move past the 2020 election and look to the future.

  • S2023E27 Baratunde Thurston

    • September 15, 2023
    • PBS

    Writer, activist, comedian and “America Outdoors” host Baratunde Thurston discusses how nature can bridge divides and help heal the nation. He explains why he uses humor to tackle tough topics like race and politics, and weighs in on A.I. and 2024.

  • S2023E28 Liev Schreiber

    • September 22, 2023
    • PBS

    Actor Liev Schreiber, co-founder of BlueCheck Ukraine, discusses the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Ukraine as President Zelensky asks for international support at the UN. He explains why he thinks Russia will lose and why Americans should care.

  • S2023E29 Walter Issacson

    • September 29, 2023
    • PBS

    Bestselling author Walter Isaacson discusses his biography of Elon Musk, who leads SpaceX, Tesla, and endeavors in AI and brain-machine interfaces. Isaacson comments on Musk's Twitter takeover, geopolitical influence, controversies, and aspirations.

  • S2023E30 Yascha Mounk

    • October 6, 2023
    • PBS

    Left-leaning author and professor Yascha Mounk discusses his new book “The Identity Trap” examining the rise of identity politics within the progressive left. Mounk addresses the risks this trend may present to schools, corporations, and democracy.

  • S2023E31 Bret Stephens

    • October 13, 2023
    • PBS

    Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Bret Stephens discusses how Israel should respond to Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack. Stephens, the former Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief, assesses the role of Iran and the geopolitical ramifications of the war.

  • S2023E32 Jonathan Schanzer

    • October 20, 2023
    • PBS

    Terrorism expert Jonathan Schanzer examines efforts to contain a wider war in the Middle East and deter Iran and its proxies. He discusses the Qatari-led hostage negotiations and the complexities of an Israeli ground fight against Hamas in Gaza.

  • S2023E33 Mitch Daniels

    • October 27, 2023
    • PBS

    Republican Mitch Daniels, the former governor of Indiana and Purdue University president, discusses America's political disarray, the national debt, campus speech debates, strategies for reducing tuition, and whether he would ever return to politics.

  • S2023E34 Kimberly Kagan

    • November 3, 2023
    • PBS

    Military historian Kimberly Kagan discusses Israel’s obstacles on the ground in Gaza, Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia, and the role Iran plays in both conflicts. She also explains her concerns over U.S. readiness for wider war.

  • S2023E35 Thomas Nides

    • November 10, 2023
    • PBS

    Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides explains why the next 30 days will be the most important in Israel’s history. He discusses hostage rescue negotiations, Israel’s combat calculations, and diplomatic and humanitarian challenges.

  • S2023E36 Brad Raffensperger

    • November 17, 2023
    • PBS

    Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Republican Secretary of State, discusses standing up to pressure from Trump to overturn the 2020 election in his state and how to restore public trust in elections. He explains why he believes Georgia is ready for 2024.

  • S2023E37 Leopoldo López

    • December 8, 2023
    • PBS

    Exiled Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez discusses threats to democracy around the world and combatting autocracy. He comments on challenging conditions in Venezuela under Maduro and the impact of Biden's policies in the region.

  • S2023E38 Jonathan Greenblatt

    • December 15, 2023
    • PBS

    Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt discusses the spike in antisemitism since Oct. 7, the double standard on speech he sees on university campuses, and his concerns about anti-Zionism and a lack of moral clarity among progressives.