Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth Season 6 Episodes
Season 6 Episode Guide
16 Episodes 2021 - 2021
Episode 1
Reigning Chaos
Sun, Jan 10, 2021 90 mins
An extended Season 6 premiere attempts to make sense of a country reeling from the Capitol siege. Incensed by the final blow of a Democratic controlled Senate, President Trump continued to stoke the political fire as his supporters rioted to halt the now-certified Electoral Vote count. The hosts examine the news, exploring the fallout of a turbulent week and the energy surging from the results of the Georgia run-off.
Episode 2
Clear and Present Danger
Sun, Jan 17, 2021 30 mins
At the brink of an historic second impeachment, The Circus delves into the last week in office of a furious, de-platformed President Trump. With last week's Capitol violence ever relevant, the question remains: will this be a decisive moment for our nation?
Episode 3
President Biden
Sun, Jan 24, 2021 30 mins
As a new administration takes center stage committed to national unity, The Circus captures the magnitude of an era that has until recently been engulfed in divisiveness. With Joe Biden officially sworn in as 46th President of the United States, the hosts break down the most prominent moments as the country undergoes a transition of power.
Episode 4
Rubber Meets Road
Sun, Jan 31, 2021 30 mins
In the first full week of a new administration, The Circus offers a window into President Biden's approach towards tackling the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. As the vaccine moves transnationally from shipment to inoculation, the hosts focus on the response at a federal, state & local level. In Los Angeles, John Heilemann speaks with Mayor Eric Garcetti about the status of vaccinations at Dodger Stadium.
Episode 5
Dysfunction Junction
Sun, Feb 7, 2021 30 mins
In a chaotic week, The Circus takes the pulse of a Republican Party at war with itself. Still dominated by the postures of its predecessor, the hosts speak with both ends of the GOP spectrum, zeroing in on a party in the post-Trump era facing incessantly erratic claims from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green. John Heilemann sits down with Rep.
Episode 6
Persona Non Grata
Sun, Feb 14, 2021 30 mins
The Circus focuses on the historic second impeachment trial of Donald Trump as the Senate faces a decisive moment and questions the former President's culpability in the January 6th Capitol siege. Still outraged by the violence, Sen. Michael Bennett joins John Heilemann for a look at preparation for the trial and Alex Wagner speaks with an attorney planning to use Trump's incitement in defense of his insurrectionist client.
Episode 7
Being Green
Sun, Feb 21, 2021 30 mins
The Circus shifts its focus onto an administration fresh off implementing a series of ambitious climate motions. With several early executive actions in place, how is President Biden filtering jobs into his climate agenda moving forward? In Minnesota, where construction of the Enbridge Pipeline is sparking controversy, Alex Wagner speaks with indigenous protesters along with Rep. Ihan Omar.
Episode 8
Points on the Board
Sun, Feb 28, 2021 30 mins
The Circus keys in on the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. As Republicans scrutinize, the question remains: can centrists come together to pass the bill as the US surpasses 500,000 COVID-19 deaths? From the White House perspective, Jenn Palmieri sits with Communications Director Kate Bedingfield and John Heilemann interviews bill author Brian Deese and Domestic Policy Director Susan Rice.
Episode 9
Calling the Shots
Sun, Sep 19, 2021 28 mins
The Circus returns and while the weather may be cooling down, the temperature around the country is still overheated. As Gavin Newsom fights off an anti-vax motivated recall election in California, Asa Hutchinson tries to thread a needle by fighting the pandemic in Arkansas without resorting to a mandate. Meanwhile, Washington fears another incursion from January 6th insurrectionists galvanized by recent vaccine mandates.
Episode 10
The Biden Doctrine
Sun, Sep 26, 2021 28 mins
Against the backdrop of President Biden's powerful speech to the UN, The Circus focuses on his administration's approach to foreign policy. With a new defense arrangement announced between the US, UK and Australia, Jenn Palmieri speaks with former Aussie PM Julia Gillard in London.
Episode 11
It's All Happening
Sun, Oct 3, 2021 28 mins
The Circus heads to Capitol Hill for the fierce battle over President Biden's legacy-defining agenda. With Democrats at odds over massive infrastructure and social spending bills, John Heilemann goes behind the scenes with the leader of the House moderates, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, while Alex Wagner speaks with the chair of the House Progressive Caucus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Neither side is backing down in the fight over how to achieve President Biden's transformative agenda.
Episode 12
Lone Star Blues
Sun, Oct 10, 2021 28 mins
The Circus heads to Texas, home to the nation's most restrictive abortion law, a controversial new voting law and a red-hot immigration battle. Alex Wagner speaks with Planned Parenthood about the new law's impact on women across the state. Jennifer Palmieri talks with Bryan Hughes, author of both the abortion and voting laws. John Heilemann sits down with former Bush aide Matthew Dowd, who's running for Lt. Governor as a Democrat.
Episode 13
Coup II
Sun, Oct 17, 2021 28 mins
An examination of the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen and how it is being embraced by the Republican Party. Guests include Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Cal.); foreign affairs specialist Fiona Hill; Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; and Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt.
Episode 14
Virginia Is For...
Sun, Oct 24, 2021 28 mins
A report from Virginia examines both sides of the neck-and-neck gubernatorial race, widely considered to be a bellwether for the country. Alex Wagner speaks with the Republican candidate, Glenn Youngkin, while John Heilemann and Jennifer Palmieri catch up with former governor Terry McAuliffe (D) on the campaign trail. Also: Mark McKinnon breaks down Youngkin's strategy with his campaign advisors.
Episode 15
Big F***ing Deal
Sun, Oct 31, 2021 28 mins
A report from Capitol Hill as the deadline looms to pass President Biden's legacy-defining agenda, as moderate and progressive Democrats in both chambers race to strike a deal before the week's end.
Episode 16
The Broken Place
Sun, Nov 7, 2021 28 mins
An examination of Joe Biden's presidency, one year after being elected, features analysis of two critical gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Interview guests include New Jersey governor Phil Murphy, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), former White House chief of staff John Podesta, and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.).
