Watch The Contenders

The Contenders is a television series airing on C-SPAN that premiered in 2011. The show is hosted by David Pietrusza, Peter Slen, and John J. Evers. The series focuses on the top presidential candidates of the 20th century, highlighting their lives, careers, and legacy. The Contenders is a comprehensive look at some of the most influential politicians of the past century and the campaigns that shaped American history.

Each episode of the show features one presidential candidate and their campaign. The series aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the candidates and the issues they faced. The show does not focus solely on the candidates’ political campaigns, but also includes personal insights and details about their lives outside of politics. With this approach, the hosts create a more personal and vivid representation of these historical figures.

The Contenders covers the lives and campaigns of fifteen presidential candidates, including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, George McGovern, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Each episode of the show is approximately an hour long, providing ample time for the hosts to delve into the details of each candidate's life and career.

The show's hosts are known for their expertise in political history and their engaging approach to storytelling. David Pietrusza is a prolific author of books on American history, including biographies of many of the presidential candidates featured on The Contenders. Peter Slen is a political journalist and news anchor, known for his in-depth coverage of Washington politics. John J. Evers is an experienced television producer, with a long career producing programs for C-SPAN.

The Contenders is not only a fascinating look at some of America's most influential politicians but also a great source of education about American history. Each episode offers a glimpse into a specific era in American politics, and the show's hosts provide context and background on each candidate's campaign. The show also includes footage from the candidates' speeches and debates, allowing viewers to experience these defining moments in American history firsthand.

One of the great strengths of The Contenders is its balanced approach to its subject matter. While the show does not shy away from highlighting the controversies and mistakes of each candidate, it also takes a fair and balanced look at their accomplishments and legacy. The show's hosts do not shy away from difficult topics, such as the civil rights movement or the Vietnam War, but they approach them with nuance and sensitivity, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the issues at stake.

The Contenders is a show that will appeal to history buffs and political enthusiasts alike. The show offers a rare glimpse into the lives and campaigns of some of America's most influential political figures, and its engaging storytelling style makes it a pleasure to watch. The show's hosts provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and their enthusiasm for their subject matter is infectious.

In conclusion, The Contenders is an engaging and informative television series that offers an in-depth look at some of America's most influential politicians of the 20th century. The show's balanced approach to its subject matter and engaging storytelling style make it a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or politics.

The Contenders is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between September 9, 2011 and on C-SPAN