Watch Iconoclasts

Iconoclasts is a critically acclaimed television series that aired on Sundance Channel from 2005 to 2012. The show brought together two influential, creative and iconic figures from different fields and explored their relationship and the impact they have on the world. Famous duos from the entertainment, fashion, sports, art, design, politics and business worlds were featured, providing insights into the lives of some of the most intriguing and visionary personalities of our time.

The series was hosted by Robert Redford, who discussed the celebrities' careers, artistic processes, and personal philosophies with them. Each hour-long episode consisted of in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and clips of the two individuals collaborating and discussing their ideas.

One of the most fascinating episodes was with James Franco and Kalup Linzy, two artists on the cutting edge of the creative world. James Franco is a Hollywood actor, director, and writer, known for his roles in films such as Spider-Man, 127 Hours, and The Disaster Artist, as well as for his boundary-pushing work in experimental film and theatre. Kalup Linzy is a multi-media performance artist and musician who has gained a loyal following for his hilarious and subversive work in drag, singing, and video performance. Together, these two artists delved into the creative process that drives their work, discussing their inspirations, their passions, and their struggles.

Another fascinating episode featured the basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Chuck D, the frontman of the iconic rap group Public Enemy. These two stalwarts of their respective fields spoke candidly about their careers, their experiences as Black men navigating the public eye, and their shared passion for social justice. The episode was an inspiring tribute to the power of art and activism to bring about change in the world.

Christy Turlington, the supermodel turned maternal health advocate, was featured in another episode of the series. Turlington is known for her work with organizations that seek to improve childbirth outcomes for mothers and infants around the world. Her partner in the episode was the chef and author Alice Waters, who is the founder of the legendary restaurant Chez Panisse and an advocate for sustainable food practices. Together, they explored the connections between food, health, and social justice, highlighting the importance of living sustainably and with awareness of our global impact.

Throughout its run, Iconoclasts brought together a wide range of visionaries to explore the ways in which creativity, activism, and leadership intersect. Other duos featured on the show included the musician and activist Willie Nelson and the actor Woody Harrelson, the artist and designer Tom Ford and the architect Tadao Ando, and the actress Isabella Rossellini and the inventor Dean Kamen.

Overall, Iconoclasts was a groundbreaking series that challenged viewers to think deeply about the role of art, innovation, and leadership in shaping our world. Each episode was a unique glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential and creative people of our time, providing inspiration and insight into the human condition. The series was a true testament to the power of art to change lives and transform the world.

Iconoclasts is a series that ran for 6 seasons (57 episodes) between November 17, 2005 and on Sundance Channel