The Circus was an American documentary television series initially following the 2016 presidential race, the Trump administration, the 2020 United States presidential election, and then the Biden administration. It was produced by Left/Right Productions, a North Road company, for Showtime.The docu-series premiered on January 17, 2016, and focused on the 2016 U.S. presidential election, January to November. It was renewed for a second season, which premiered on March 19, 2017, and focused on President Trump's first 100 days. It returned on April 15, 2018 for a third season, and focused on the mid-term elections, with CBS News anchor Alex Wagner stepping in as co-host to replace Mark Halperin, who was replaced on January 3, 2018, by the show, after sexual harassment allegations. Jennifer Palmieri joined as guest host beginning October 13, 2019, with season four episode twelve, Desperate Times, Desperate Measures, and joined as a permanent co-host in season 6.The first half of the fifth season premiered on January 26, 2020. The second half of the fifth season premiered August 16, 2020. The sixth season premiered on January 10, 2021. The seventh season premiered on March 6, 2022. The second half of the seventh season premiered on September 25, 2022. The eighth season premiered on February 26, 2023.On November 7, 2023 it was announced the series would come to an end after eight seasons, with the final episode airing on November 12, 2023.