EVENTS IN TRUMP'S WASHINGTON ARE "SHOCKING BUT NOT SURPRISING" IN A NEW SEASON OF THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE BIGGEST STORY ON EARTH PREMIERING SUNDAY, MARCH 19 AT 8 PM ET/PT ON SHOWTIME(R)

First Episode Features Behind-The-Scenes Footage And Backstage Access From Air Force One To Capitol Hill

NEW YORK - March 17, 2017 - The groundbreaking, real-time political documentary series THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE BIGGEST STORY ON EARTH returns with an all-new season this Sunday, March 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. The first episode, "Shocking But Not Surprising," examines the drama unfolding in Washington around Republicans' attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with a new healthcare law of their own, examining how both the plan's principal supporters and its opponents handle the wild unpredictability that has come to define President Donald Trump's first days in office. As always, THE CIRCUS cameras provide viewers with up-close, behind-the-scenes access to key players and major stories while the hosts offer unique context and critical analysis to explain the impact and implications of the week's major events.

Highlights of the first episode include host Mark Halperin covering President Trump as he flies around the country rallying support for the Republican healthcare bill, bringing viewers inside what it's like traveling with the President aboard Air Force One. Back in Washington, Mark McKinnon speaks with Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, two conservative opponents of their party's healthcare plan, who are busy firing up their allies against the legislation. This week's episode also goes behind the scenes at NBC's Today and MSNBC's Morning Joe as Halperin and John Heilemann provide insight on the week's news, and explores the new political dynamic in Washington that many may find shocking, but very few consider surprising. For a clip of this week's episode, go to https://youtu.be/J1lrSlrNEgU

THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE BIGGEST STORY ON EARTH is hosted by New York Times bestselling co-authors Mark Halperin and John Heilemann (Game Change and Double Down). THE CIRCUS is produced by Left/Right (a part of Red Arrow Entertainment Group) for SHOWTIME. Mark Halperin, John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Banks Tarver, and Ken Druckerman serve as executive producers.