Showtime’s acclaimed political documentary series, “The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth,” is set to conclude its remarkable journey with its eighth season, according to an announcement made by the network on Tuesday. The highly anticipated series finale episode is scheduled to premiere on November 12 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
Since its inception in 2016, “The Circus” has provided viewers with an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the most significant political events and stories within the political landscape of the United States. Hosted by John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, and Jennifer Palmieri, the four-time Emmy-nominated series has covered a wide range of events and issues, from the unexpected victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election and his tumultuous tenure in office to the divisive politics surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 election, the subsequent Capitol Hill insurrection, and the early days of President Biden’s administration amid global challenges.
Reflecting on the journey of the series, John Heilemann, who also serves as an executive producer, expressed his gratitude: “When we started ‘The Circus’ in 2016, we thought it would be a one-and-done deal. Eight seasons and 130 episodes later, we’re still agog that Showtime gave us the trust and support that kept us cranking on this long, strange trip — and let us prove that our idea of doing a weekly, behind-the-scenes, real-time doc series on American politics wasn’t as unhinged as it seemed. Our belief in the importance of the story we’ve been covering and our eagerness to keep covering it, Circus-style, hasn’t changed. So when people ask what’s next, all we can say is: stay tuned.”
John Heilemann, a national affairs analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, is well-known for his podcast “Hell & High Water” and his co-authorship of “Game Change” and “Double Down,” both books about the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. “Game Change” was adapted into a highly acclaimed feature film of the same name, which received numerous awards, including five Emmys, three Golden Globes, and a Peabody Award.
Mark McKinnon, another host of “The Circus,” previously served as the chief media adviser for five successful presidential primary and general election campaigns. He is also a co-founder of No Labels, an organization dedicated to promoting bipartisanship, civil dialogue, and political problem-solving. His extensive career includes working for prominent figures such as President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, Texas Governor Ann Richards, and Bono.
Jennifer Palmieri, the third host, is the author of “Dear Madam President” and held the position of communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, as well as White House communications director during President Barack Obama’s administration. She is also the author of “She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World.”
Aside from the hosts, executive producers of the series include Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman, Tom Johnson, and Divya Chungi. “The Circus” is produced by Left/Right.
The conclusion of this compelling series marks the end of an era in political documentary television, as “The Circus” has provided a unique and captivating perspective on the political landscape of the United States for eight remarkable seasons.
It’s been one hell of a ride. Join us for our final episode of #TheCircus this Sunday!
Our hosts recap their experience via @DEADLINE: https://t.co/17GXNAkbR6
— The Circus (@SHO_TheCircus) November 7, 2023
