Politics is a blood sport with the intensity, gamesmanship, agony and thrill that we've come to expect in athletic arenas. Every four years, bold, brave, even foolhardy men and women declare themselves the "MVP" – uniquely deserving of the world's highest office, and the power that comes with it. And yet, among the many contenders, there can only be one winner. As the nation prepares to elect its next commander-in-chief, PBS, in partnership with OZY Media, is proud to present The Contenders - 16 for '16 an eight-hour documentary series that will examine the most compelling and influential presidential campaigns in modern history.From Jesse Jackson's groundbreaking 1984 and 1988 campaigns that equalized the playing field by changing the way delegates are distributed to Barry Goldwater's 1964 launching of a brand of conservatism that influenced both iconic Republican Ronald Reagan and Democratic stalwart Hillary Clinton, the 16 stories covered by "The Contenders" will revisit the past 50 years of presidential election history and show how previous elections are still influencing today in unexpected ways.
Being a straight talker in a presidential race has damaging consequences for Shirley Chisholm, the first black female Democratic candidate in 1972 and Republican war hero John McCain in 2008.
Outspoken doctor and governor Howard Dean (2004 Election) and outspoken conservative columnist Pat Buchanan (1992, 1996, 2000 Elections) become forces in American politics.
Learn why successful governors of Massachusetts, Democrat Michael Dukakis (1988 Election) and Republican Mitt Romney (2008, 2012 Elections), both competent contenders, were unprepared to combat the portraits their opponents painted of them and were unable to define themselves to the public.
Examine the stories of the charismatic Sen. Gary Hart (1984, 1988 Elections) and Rev. Jesse Jackson (1984, 1988 Elections), forward-leaning aspirants determined to tackle the biggest foreign policy and domestic issues of the day. Equal parts brain and brawn, both were ready to upend American politics.
The political careers of conservatives Barry Goldwater (1964 Election) and Ronald Reagan (1976, 1980, 1984 Elections).
The third-party campaigns of H. Ross Perot (1992, 1996 Elections) and Ralph Nader (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 Elections).
Former vice presidential candidates Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin.
At opposite ends of the political spectrum, both Barack Obama and George W. Bush beat serious contenders with careful campaign strategy.
Complete episode guide for The Contenders - 16 for '16 with detailed information about every season and episode including air dates, summaries, ratings, and streaming availability in United States.
This episode guide is organized by seasons, making it easy to track your viewing progress or find specific episodes. Use the episode information to plan your binge-watching sessions or catch up on missed episodes.