Episode guide
The Circus: Inside the Craziest Political Campaign on Earth
21 episodes · first aired Jan 26, 2020
Season 5 takes on the most consequential story of our time: the 2020 Presidential election, with in-depth, behind-the-scenes coverage of the biggest political stories each week, including President Donald J. Trump's impeachment trial, and more.
- 1 Obligations and Opportunities Jan 26, 2020 · 29m In the season premiere, The Circus lives up to its name as the impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump begins in earnest, and the all-important Iowa caucuses are less than two weeks…
- 2 Closing Arguments Feb 2, 2020 · 29m In the last full week before the caucuses, the focus is on Iowa and the closing pitch all of the Democratic candidates are making to voters. Campaign leaders for the major candidates weigh…
- 3 Clusterf**k Feb 9, 2020 · 29m In one of the wildest political weeks in memory, the fumbled tallies at the Democratic Iowa caucus prevented the typical winnowing of candidates and essential momentum builds for the…
- 4 Unfinished Business Feb 16, 2020 · 29m The Circus is on the ground for the New Hampshire primary: the lead up, the results, and the fallout. With Bernie Sanders emerging as the favorite for the progressive branch of the…
- 5 What Happens in Vegas Feb 23, 2020 · 29m All eyes have turned to Nevada and its Democratic caucus. Bernie Sanders has the chance to cement his frontrunner status with a strong showing, and the other candidates are looking for…
- 6 On the Boil Mar 1, 2020 · 29m In the week of the South Carolina Democratic primary, with Super Tuesday closely following, voters are deciding if there is a viable challenger to leading candidate Bernie Sanders. African…
- 7 Super Duper Tuesday Mar 8, 2020 · 29m In the run up to the Democratic primaries on Super Tuesday, The Circus covers the political theater of the annual Civil Rights march in Selma, AL, the endorsements of candidates who…
- 8 The Cruelest Month Mar 15, 2020 · 29m The results of the Big Tuesday Democratic primaries in 6 states cemented Joe Biden's frontrunner status and gave him a seemingly insurmountable lead in delegates over rival Bernie Sanders…
- 9 The New Abnormal Aug 16, 2020 · 29m Hot off the press after an interminable hiatus, The Circus returns with all the reaction to Joe Biden's monumental VP selection: Sen. Kamala Harris, the first woman of color to appear on…
- 10 Unconventional Aug 23, 2020 · 29m During the first-ever virtual Democratic National Convention, The Circus takes an in-depth look at the party's efforts to hold the best unconventional convention. Hosts dissect strategy…
- 11 Party of One Aug 30, 2020 · 29m The Circus is in the thick of the Republic National Convention in D.C., covering speakers, key speeches and the subsequent public reaction. Among other steady Trump confidants, Senior…
- 12 Law and Disorder Sep 6, 2020 · 29m The Circus travels to Kenosha, Wisconsin, the site of a week of civil unrest after the shooting of Jacob Blake. President Trump attempts to redefine the struggle for racial justice into a…
- 13 Going Postal Sep 13, 2020 · 29m As states roll out mail-in ballots, The Circus takes a look at the controversy surrounding mail-in voting and its effects on the 2020 election. Despite no widespread evidence of voter…
- 14 Force Majeure Sep 20, 2020 · 29m As the United States approaches a grim 200,000 deaths, The Circus investigates the politicization of COVID-19. While the Trump campaign continues to prioritize the economy, Joe Biden has…
- 15 Full Court Press Sep 27, 2020 · 29m The Circus profiles the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and examines the political battlefield her death has created. Eager to capitalize, Senator Mitch McConnell and…
- 16 October Surprise Oct 4, 2020 · 29m The Circus covers the fiery first debate between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. Jen Palmieri explores Trump's aggressive debate strategy, swapping war stories with…
- 17 Crisis Mismanagement Oct 11, 2020 · 29m In a turbulent week following President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis, The Circus is covering all the inquiry surrounding his health. As more people in Trump's circle test positive, the…
- 18 Steal This Election Oct 18, 2020 · 29m The Circus dives into voting integrity, specifically issues concerning election day disputes, voter suppression and re-election rhetoric from the President himself. Eager to stave off…
- 19 End Games Oct 25, 2020 · 29m In the week leading up to the last Presidential Debate, The Circus takes stock of the 2020 race as Joe Biden and President Donald Trump play out their campaign endgames. With rising…
- 20 Landslide? Nov 1, 2020 · 29m As the moment draws closer to election night, President Trump is struggling to contend with Biden in swing states. Biden takes a stand in Georgia, hoping to boost voter enthusiasm in…
- 21 Who The F*** Are We? Nov 8, 2020 · 29m As election night passes with many a ballot remaining uncounted, The Circus wraps up an unhinged election season with a special one-hour look at how the 2020 race between Donald Trump and…