Watch Tanner '88

Tanner '88 is a political mockumentary television series directed by Robert Altman and written by Garry Trudeau, the creator of Doonesbury. The show's premise is a fictional political campaign of a former US Representative Jack Tanner, played by Michael Murphy, as he attempts to run for the office of President of the United States.

The series is presented in a documentary style, with fictional and real-life characters interacting to create a satirical yet somewhat authentic portrayal of the American political process. It features both scripted scenes and improvisation, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The show chronicles Tanner's run for President during the 1988 presidential election. The real-life candidates, such as George H.W. Bush, Jesse Jackson, and Bob Dole, are also part of the show, and their interactions with Tanner provide a unique perspective on the dynamics of a presidential campaign.

As Tanner travels around the country, he meets with voters, delivers speeches, and participates in debates, all while battling the challenges and pressures of running for president. The show deals with various political issues that were relevant at the time, such as healthcare, drug abuse, and foreign policy.

One of the show's strengths is its ability to blur the line between fiction and reality. The show includes real-life interviews with political analysts and reporters, providing a commentary on the proceedings of the fictional campaign. The use of authentic news footage and real-life events, such as the Iowa caucuses, also adds to the show's unique style.

Tanner '88 is full of witty dialogue and sharp satire, which is a trademark of Trudeau's writing style. The show manages to poke fun at the political process without feeling overly cynical, and the characters are all well-crafted and believable.

Michael Murphy delivers a standout performance as Jack Tanner. He portrays Tanner as a relatable and intelligent candidate who genuinely cares about the issues. Murphy's ability to communicate his character's convictions and charisma is one of the show's biggest highlights.

The supporting cast is also excellent. Pamela Reed plays Tanner's campaign manager, T.J. Cavanaugh, who is often at odds with Tanner but still has his best interests at heart. Cynthia Nixon plays Alex Tanner, Jack's daughter, who is always in search of the perfect photo opportunity for her father's campaign.

Tanner '88 also includes some notable guest appearances by political figures such as Pat Robertson, Gary Hart, and Bob Dole, among others. These appearances help to increase the show's satirical edge, and provide an insight into the inner workings of a political campaign.

The show's ending is the standout moment of the entire series. Without giving any spoilers, the finale perfectly encapsulates the chaotic nature of politics while remaining grounded in the show's fictional world.

Tanner '88 may have been released over thirty years ago, but the issues it deals with are still relevant today. The show provides a unique commentary on the political process, one that is free of partisan bias and brimming with satire.

Criterion Collection's release of Tanner '88 includes the entire series, along with a plethora of extras such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and audio commentaries. The release provides a deep dive into the making of the show, and is a must-have for fans of Altman, Trudeau, or Murphy.

In conclusion, Tanner '88 is a political satire masterpiece that still holds up today. Its unique blend of fiction and reality and its sharp writing make it a must-watch for political junkies and fans of good television alike.

Tanner '88 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (11 episodes) between March 13, 1988 and on Criterion Collection