The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth
Come one, come all to THE CIRCUS, the groundbreaking docu-series that pulls back the curtain on American politics. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go behind the scenes of the greatest political show on earth each week for an unbiased, inside look at the stories beyond the headlines.
- Metascore75
- 2016-2023
- 8 seasons
- Showtime 2
- Documentary
- TV-14
Come one, come all to THE CIRCUS, the groundbreaking docu-series that pulls back the curtain on American politics. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go behind the scenes of the greatest political show on earth each week for an unbiased, inside look at the stories beyond the headlines.
Season 8 Episode Guide
12 Episodes 2023
Episode 1
The Year of Living Dangerously
Sun, Feb 26, 2023 29 mins
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 2
Off to the Races
Sun, Mar 5, 2023 29 mins
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 3
Kevin's House
Sun, Mar 12, 2023 29 mins
The Circus is embedded on Capitol Hill following two freshman members of Congress as they navigate the new Republican-controlled House during a turbulent week.
Episode 4
Fake News?
Sun, Mar 19, 2023 29 mins
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 5
Wheels of Justice
Sun, Mar 26, 2023 28 mins
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 6
Nothing But the Truth
Sun, Apr 2, 2023 29 mins
This week The Circus examines former President Donald Trump's legal threats, from the District Attorney investigations in Manhattan and Atlanta, to the Justice Department probes in Washington. Mid-season finale.
Episode 7
Exhaustion, Depression and Dread... Oy Vey
Sun, Oct 8, 2023 29 mins
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 8
Piercing The Bubble
Sun, Oct 15, 2023 29 mins
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.
Episode 9
The Crucible
Sun, Oct 22, 2023 29 mins
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.
Episode 10
This Thing of His
Sun, Oct 29, 2023 29 mins
The Circus explores the legal threats facing former president Donald Trump as he seeks a return to the White House. Former Mueller team prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joins as guest host.
Episode 11
The A.I. Election
Sun, Nov 5, 2023 29 mins
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 12
Life During Wartime
Sun, Nov 12, 2023 29 mins
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.
