Showtime Original
The Circus
2016 • 8 Seasons • Documentary, Political
(All Episodes Available)

Hosts: John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Jennifer Palmieri

News & Doc Emmy® nominee THE CIRCUS is an up close look at the altered state of our union. As the country veers into uncharted territory, hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jennifer Palmieri go beyond the headlines to examine the politics impacting us all.

Watch S1 Promo

S1 Trailer (:32)

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John Heilemann Talks to Trump Supporters in Waco, Texas

S8:E5 Preview Scene (1:47)

John Heilemann Talks to Trump Supporters in Waco, Texas

Kari Lake on American First vs. McCain Republicans

S8:E2 Preview Scene (1:42)

Kari Lake on American First vs. McCain Republicans

About The Series

Come one, come all to The Circus, the groundbreaking docuseries 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.

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Every Season and Episode Available Instantly

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All episodes of Seasons 1-8

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8 Seasons, 124 Episodes

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  • Season 8

    The Circus pulls back the curtain on a new season of politics without precedent. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go beyond the headlines for an informative, inside look at the political spectacle and the issues impacting us all.

    Season 8
  • Season 7

    The Circus returns for a close-up look at the uncertain state of our union. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go beyond the headlines of today’s biggest news stories to examine the issues impacting us all.

    Season 7
  • Season 6

    With a seismic shift in the White House, can a new administration heal a deeply divided and distrustful nation? The Circus brings its unique blend of nuanced perspective and behind-the-scenes access to making sense out of the battles that lie ahead.

    Season 6
  • Season 5

    The stakes have never been higher as The Circus goes behind the scenes of the 2020 presidential election. Balancing left, right and center with in-depth analysis, it's the weekly perspective on the political free-for-all you won't find anywhere else.

    Season 5
  • Season 4

    The Circus explores the shifting power dynamics on Capitol Hill as Democrats take control of the House, and covers the escalating drama around President Trump's legal entanglements and continued scrutiny from Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

    Season 4
  • Season 3

    The Circus goes behind the scenes and beyond the headlines of the wildest political show on earth, revealing the high-stakes impact of the White House's headline grabbing dramatics throughout our divided states of America.

    Season 3
  • Season 2

    The Circus examines the unprecedented events unfolding – both inside and outside the beltway – in President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office.

    Season 2
  • Season 1

    The Circus captures the human rollercoaster of the 2016 presidential campaign from the Iowa caucuses through the election itself.

    Season 1
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