Firing Line

Watch Firing Line

  • 1966
  • 34 Seasons
  • 8.0  (152)

From 1966 to 2020, Firing Line was a political talk show on PBS that was hosted by William F. Buckley Jr. Buckley was a prominent intellectual and writer who became famous for his conservative views and his role in launching the modern conservative movement in the United States. Throughout its long run, Firing Line was known for its thoughtful discussions of politics, society, and culture, as well as its lively debates between guests with differing viewpoints.

The format of Firing Line was simple: each episode featured Buckley and one or more guests discussing a specific topic, usually related to politics or policy. The show was filmed in front of a live studio audience, and often included questions and comments from the audience members. Buckley was a skilled and charismatic host, and he had a talent for getting his guests to engage in lively and thoughtful discussions.

Over the years, Firing Line covered a wide range of topics, from domestic policy issues like the economy, healthcare, and education, to foreign policy topics like international relations, terrorism, and war. The show also touched on social issues like race, gender, and identity politics, as well as cultural topics like literature, music, and film. No matter what the topic, Buckley was always well-prepared and kept the show focused and on track.

One of the most notable things about Firing Line was the incredible range of guests that appeared on the show over the years. Buckley was always eager to engage with people from across the political spectrum, and his guest list included not only conservative thinkers and politicians, but also liberals, radicals, and even some of his ideological enemies. Some of the most memorable guests included civil rights leader James Baldwin, comedian Woody Allen, feminist Gloria Steinem, and conservative thinker Milton Friedman.

Despite the often intense debates that took place on the show, Firing Line was always conducted in a civil and respectful manner. Buckley was famous for his wit and his sharp tongue, but he was also known for his courtesy and his ability to engage with people regardless of their views. He was always willing to listen to his guests, even if he vehemently disagreed with them, and he was never afraid to admit when he was wrong.

Throughout its long run, Firing Line remained a fixture of public television and a respected source of political commentary and debate. Many viewers tuned in regularly to see what Buckley and his guests had to say about current events, and the show was often cited as a model of intelligent and thoughtful discussion. Today, more than a decade after Buckley's death and the show's final episode, Firing Line remains an important part of American television history and a testament to the power of civil discourse.

Firing Line
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Seasons
Resolved: The Federal Government Should Not Impose a Tax on Electronic Commerce
38. Resolved: The Federal Government Should Not Impose a Tax on Electronic Commerce
December 3, 1999
Taped on 12/03/1999. From Kinsley's introduction of the final Firing Line debate: "From the University of Mississippi, welcome to a special Firing Line debate. This one is very special, because it's the last one. ... Our topic tonight ends this series on a nicely forward-looking note. It's about the Internet, specifically, Resolved: the government should not impose a tax on electronic commerce."
The End of Firing Line: Part II
37. The End of Firing Line: Part II
December 15, 1999
Conclusion. It's hail and farewell to Firing Line and long-time host William F. Buckley.
The End of Firing Line: Part I
36. The End of Firing Line: Part I
December 14, 1999
Part 1 of 2. After 33 years and nearly 1,500 shows, Firing Line comes to an end with a retrospective.
William F. Buckley and Students at Ole Miss
35. William F. Buckley and Students at Ole Miss
December 3, 1999
Buckley and Firing Line take their show on the road to Oxford, MS where the host takes questions from students at the University of Mississippi.
The Conservative Search for a Foreign Policy
34. The Conservative Search for a Foreign Policy
November 3, 1999
Henry Kissinger makes his final appearance on Firing Line for a discussion with host Buckley on foreign policy.
The Legislative Struggle, Long Term
33. The Legislative Struggle, Long Term
November 2, 1999
Legislative proposals by the GOP in Congress and the efforts to get them passed are discussed.
Saving the Environment from the Environmentalists
32. Saving the Environment from the Environmentalists
October 5, 1999
Author Peter Huber discusses his recent book Hard Green: Saving the Environment from the Environmentalists.
Philanthropy and the Conservative Movement
31. Philanthropy and the Conservative Movement
October 4, 1999
Private philanthropy and its relationship with government spending is discussed with former Treasury Secretary William Simon.
Should Governor Bush Reform the Drug Laws?
30. Should Governor Bush Reform the Drug Laws?
September 12, 1999
The state of Texas has some of the country's toughest drug laws. Should they be eased by Governor George W. Bush? Buckley and others examine the case for and against.
Gary Bauer for President
29. Gary Bauer for President
September 11, 1999
Buckley examines whether or not Gary Bauer, head of the Christian Coalition, has a legitimate shot at the Republican nomination for president in 2000.
An Ex-Mayor Examines His Successor
28. An Ex-Mayor Examines His Successor
September 10, 1999
Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch analyzes and examines the tenure of the city's current mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
Will Clinton Smother Tax Cuts?
27. Will Clinton Smother Tax Cuts?
August 19, 1999
Now that there's a budget surplus will there be a tax cut or should President Clinton veto any such initiative?
What Do We Do Now About Taiwan?
26. What Do We Do Now About Taiwan?
August 18, 1999
Yet another episode dealing with relations between the United States and Taiwan.
What's Up in New Jersey on Abortion?
25. What's Up in New Jersey on Abortion?
August 17, 1999
A controversial new abortion law being discussed and debated in the New Jersey Legislature is the topic of this week's installment.
One Mayor's Experience with Public Education
24. One Mayor's Experience with Public Education
July 17, 1999
Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler, the first GOP mayor of that city since 1921, takes a seat on Firing Line to discuss his political career.
Should Parents Be Notified?
23. Should Parents Be Notified?
July 16, 1999
Should underage girls get parental permission before getting an abortion? That's the topic for debate on Firing Line this time.
What I Will Do as Mayor of New York City
22. What I Will Do as Mayor of New York City
July 15, 1999
Potential mayoral candidate Mark Green discusses his platform should he run for the office.
On the Skills of Public Speaking
21. On the Skills of Public Speaking
June 30, 1999
Host Buckley's baby brother, Reid, comes to Firing Line in order to discuss the topic of public speaking.
Kosovo: a Pyrrhic Victory?
20. Kosovo: a Pyrrhic Victory?
June 29, 1999
Was Serbian capitulation after being bombed by NATO forces a real victory or just a Pyrrhic one? Host Buckley and guest Richard Pipes discuss things.
Looking Back on Senator Joe McCarthy
19. Looking Back on Senator Joe McCarthy
June 28, 1999
Senator Joe McCarthy has long been portrayed as the epitome of evil by many liberals but was he? Host Buckley and others look back on this controversial figure in American history.
Is There an Inbuilt Bias in Police Inspection?
18. Is There an Inbuilt Bias in Police Inspection?
May 20, 1999
A debate over police tactics between former NYPD commisioner William Bratton and ACLU head Ira Glasser.
The Teachers Union v. School Vouchers
17. The Teachers Union v. School Vouchers
May 19, 1999
Why are teachers unions so adamantly opposed to school vouchers? Host Buckley examines.
Professor Galbraith Names Names
16. Professor Galbraith Names Names
May 18, 1999
Economist John Kenneth Galbraith makes his final appearance on Firing Line and reminisces with host Buckley.
Do We Applaud the Conservative Movement?
15. Do We Applaud the Conservative Movement?
April 17, 1999
Should the conservative movement be applauded or is it merely a house of cards? That's the subject for debate among host Buckley and others.
Kissinger's Years of Renewal
14. Kissinger's Years of Renewal
April 16, 1999
Henry Kissinger sits down with host Buckley to discuss the latest volume of his memoirs entitled Years of Renewal which cover his tenure as Secretary of State during the Ford Administration.
Kosovo: What Do We Do Now?
13. Kosovo: What Do We Do Now?
April 15, 1999
The continuing crisis in Kosovo is examined and United States options are discussed.
Is Good Music Going Under?
12. Is Good Music Going Under?
April 1, 1999
Modern music is discussed in this episode of Firing Line.
Was There a Right Wing Conspiracy?
11. Was There a Right Wing Conspiracy?
March 31, 1999
Was there a vast right wing conspiracy, as some liberals claimed, that set out to get President Clinton impeached at any cost?
Why Reject DNA Testing?
10. Why Reject DNA Testing?
March 30, 1999
DNA testing is the subject for discussion in this episode.
Overturn Buckley v. Vallejo
9. Overturn Buckley v. Vallejo
January 13, 1999
Campaign finance reform is discussed with the main topic being whether or not candidates should be limited in the amount of money that they can spend.
Legalize Pot?
8. Legalize Pot?
January 22, 1999
Firing Line's umpteenth debate over the legalization of marijuana.
What the Market Does Not Accomplish?
7. What the Market Does Not Accomplish?
January 21, 1999
Buckley and guest Robert Frank discuss and debate the subject of a consumption tax to replace the income tax code.
Tom Wolfe and His Critics
6. Tom Wolfe and His Critics
January 20, 1999
Buckley grills author Tom Wolfe about criticisms of his style of "journalism."
Israeli Logjam: What Now?
5. Israeli Logjam: What Now?
January 19, 1999
The recent collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks is the subject for discussion on Firing Line this time.
Can We Afford a Missile Defense?
4. Can We Afford a Missile Defense?
January 16, 1999
A discussion of what should be the United States strategy towards missile defense.
What Does the Clinton Crisis Tell Us About the Mood of America?
3. What Does the Clinton Crisis Tell Us About the Mood of America?
January 15, 1999
A discussion of the Lewinsky scandal and subsequent impeachment of President Bill Clinton and what is says about America.
What to Do About Pinochet?
2. What to Do About Pinochet?
January 14, 1999
A debate on whether or not former Chilean dictator Pinochet should be deported back to his home country to face numerous charges relating to his reign.
Is New York City Out from Under?
1. Is New York City Out from Under?
January 13, 1999
A debate on whether or not New York City has finally turned the corner and become a governable, livable, and managable city.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 4, 1966
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (152)
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