Episode 1
Part One
Highlights the 40 year struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia for dominance in the Middle East, in part, on behalf the the Shite or Sunni factions of Islam.
Where to watch Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia
TV series
Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia
2018TV-MA1 season2.0 / 10
Bitter Rivals illuminates the essential history - and profound ripple effect - of Iran and Saudi Arabia's power struggle. It draws on scores of interviews with political, religious and military leaders, militia commanders, diplomats, and policy experts, painting American television's most comprehensive picture of a feud that has reshaped the Middle East.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia premiered February 20, 2018. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Bitter Rivals illuminates the essential history - and profound ripple effect - of Iran and Saudi Arabia's power struggle. It draws on scores of interviews with political, religious and military leaders, militia commanders, diplomats, and policy experts, painting American television's most comprehensive picture of a feud that has reshaped the Middle East.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Part Two
Frontliine explores the postulate that the current turmoil in the Middle East, particularly in Syria Iraq and Yemen, is a primarily a manifestation of a forty year power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Where to watch Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi ArabiaEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia
Cast
Ali KhameneiSelf
Prince Mohammed bin Salman al SaudSelf
Turki Al-FaisalSelf
Mohammad Javad ZarifSelf
Adel Al-JubeirSelf
Bashar al-AssadSelf
Martin SmithSelfCredits
- Written by
- David Fanning, Linda Hirsch, Martin Smith, Linda Hirsch
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 2
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States
FRONTLINEUnited States- RAINmediaUnited States
BBCUnited Kingdom
Themes
geopoliticsiranmiddle eastpoliticspower politicssaudi arabia