Why Watch
"Master United States politics through sharp, data-driven Australian analysis that dissects Washington's highest-stakes battles with unparalleled precision."
Tone: Analytical, Incisive, Satirical Current Affairs
AI Critic Analysis
Series Deep Dive:
ABC TV's flagship international analysis series, Planet America, delivers an incisive breakdown of United States political warfare. Co-hosts John Barron and Chas Licciardello cut through partisan spin with forensic polling data and razor-sharp wit. Essential viewing for global observers, the program contextualizes the seismic shifts within Congress and the executive branch, offering an outsider perspective that cuts straight to the tactical core of modern governance.
Analysis Refined:October 2026
Scheduled next refinement: in 191 days
Season: 2026
| Watched? | # | Air Date | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Feb 02, 2026 | Minnesota Shootings: Will the federal agents be charged with murder? | Monday 2/2/2026 | |
| E2 | Feb 09, 2026 | Who has been implicated in the latest Epstein Files release? | Monday 9/2/2026 | |
| E3 | Feb 16, 2026 | Epstein Files: Allegations Trump committed "serious crimes" says Congressman | Monday 16/2/2026 | |
| E4 | Feb 23, 2026 | Epstein files fallout continues as Trump's tariffs are thrown into turmoil | |
| E5 | Mar 02, 2026 | Trump attacks Iran while Clintons face Epstein questions | |
| E6 | Mar 09, 2026 | Trump demands regime change, backtracks on Iran 'war' | |
| E7 | Mar 16, 2026 | Gas prices, democracy and the Iran war crisis | |
| E8 | Mar 23, 2026 | What's Iran's next move after Trump threatens critical infrastructure? | |
| E9 | Mar 30, 2026 | Who's cashing in on Trump's Iran war strategy? | |
| E10 | Apr 06, 2026 | Trump's F-bomb threat to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz | |
| E11 | Apr 13, 2026 | Trump orders naval blockade on Iran while Melania reignites Epstein scandal | |
| E12 | Apr 20, 2026 | Is Trump mentally fit? Mary Trump answers | |
| E13 | Apr 27, 2026 | Trump escapes would-be assassin as Iran talks stall | |
| E14 | May 04, 2026 | ‘STAGED’: false flag conspiracies and seashell ‘threats’ | |
| E15 | May 11, 2026 | Are Trump’s UFO files a weapon of mass distraction from Epstein? | |
| E16 | May 18, 2026 | What did the Trump-Xi summit actually achieve? | |
| E17 | May 25, 2026 | Republicans revolt over Trump’s taxpayer-funded 'slush fund' | |
| E18 | Jun 01, 2026 | Is Trump planning to attack Cuba? | |
| E19 | Jun 08, 2026 | Will a scandal-plagued political newcomer cost Democrats the Senate? | |
| E20 | Jun 15, 2026 | Trump claims Iran war victory. But is there a catch? | |
| E21 | Jun 22, 2026 | Trump threatens to resume war as Vance holds talks with Iran | |
| E22 | Jun 29, 2026 | The Supreme Court clears the way for mass deportations | |
| E23 | Aug 17, 2026 | Will the populist left hurt Democrats in the midterms? | |
| E24 | Aug 24, 2026 | How a series of scandals is shaping the 2026 US midterm election campaigns | |
| E25 | Aug 31, 2026 | US-Canada trade war escalates as Trump’s distraction game steps up | |
| E26 | Sep 07, 2026 | Military purges prompt calls for Pete Hegseth to be sacked | |
| E27 | Sep 14, 2026 | Will Trump's cash promise be enough to save Republicans in the midterms? | |
| E28 | Sep 21, 2026 | Trump announces ‘AI Force’ but continues to call AI apocalypse fears a “hoax” | |
| E29 | Sep 28, 2026 | Trump’s approval crisis: Will the GOP lose control? | |
| E30 | Oct 05, 2026 | Is Trump’s Republican party headed for a midterm’s disaster? | |
| E31 | Oct 12, 2026 | Republicans turn on Trump over shock diesel deal with Putin | |
| E32 | Oct 19, 2026 | The Mooch on White House press secretaries and how his old boss Trump is doing | |
| E33 | Oct 26, 2026 | Is this the new low in American Politics? | |
| E34 | Nov 02, 2026 | Midterms Preview | |
| E35 | Nov 09, 2026 | Is this the end for Trumpism? | |
| E36 | Nov 16, 2026 | TBA | |
| E37 | Nov 23, 2026 | TBA | |
| E99 | Feb 25, 2026 | Bonus Episode - State of the Union Special |
Scheduling Insights - Seasonal Series
Release Window: January to February
Planet America has maintained a steady Annual rhythm, typically returning in January. Hosted by John Barron and Chas Licciardello, the Australian public affairs series aligns its annual broadcasting schedule with the resumption of the United States political calendar each new year.
While originally debuting in February 2012, standard broadcast seasons consistently kick off in mid-to-late January, frequently timed around presidential inaugurations, congressional sessions, or pivotal election-year primaries. The program broadcasts throughout the year across ABC TV, ABC News, and iview before concluding its seasonal run late in the year.
While originally debuting in February 2012, standard broadcast seasons consistently kick off in mid-to-late January, frequently timed around presidential inaugurations, congressional sessions, or pivotal election-year primaries. The program broadcasts throughout the year across ABC TV, ABC News, and iview before concluding its seasonal run late in the year.
Oracle Insights Refined:October 2026
Scheduled next refinement: in 298 days
If you liked Planet America:
Frequently Asked Questions
Planet America is produced and broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on ABC TV and the ABC News channel. Episodes are also made available on-demand through ABC iview.
Planet America typically premieres its annual run in the late Southern Hemisphere summer or early autumn, corresponding to late January or February. This schedule aligns with the resumption of the United States political calendar.
Yes, Planet America operates as an ongoing staple of ABC News public affairs programming and maintains an active renewal status. It continues to return annually to cover US political developments.
A standard season consists of approximately 35 to 45 weekly episodes across the calendar year. The total count fluctuates slightly depending on major events such as US presidential and midterm elections.
The program is hosted by Australian journalists John Barron and Chas Licciardello. They break down the mechanics, nuance, and culture of United States politics for Australian viewers.
Episodes can be streamed on ABC iview within Australia shortly after broadcast. Selected segments and full episodes are also regularly posted to the ABC News YouTube channel for international viewers.
FAQ Refined:October 2026
Scheduled next refinement: in 294 days