Frontline poster

TV series

Frontline

1983TV-MA45 seasons6.5 / 10

Since it began in 1983, Frontline has been airing public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience. Frontline's goal is to extend the impact of the documentary beyond its initial broadcast by serving as a catalyst for change.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 2, 2026

Frontline is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

Since it began in 1983, Frontline has been airing public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience. Frontline's goal is to extend the impact of the documentary beyond its initial broadcast by serving as a catalyst for change.

Season 35 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 34

Episode 1

The Choice 2016

1.0 / 10

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are two of the most polarizing presidential candidates in modern history. Veteran Frontline filmmaker Michael Kirk goes beyond the headlines to investigate what has shaped these two candidates, where they came from, how they lead and why they want one of the most difficult jobs imaginable.

Episode credits

Guest stars Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Ivana Trump, Melania Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Tiffany Trump, Eric Trump, Vanessa Trump

Where to watch Frontline

Episode 2

Confronting ISIS

Reporting from Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey, Frontline correspondent Martin Smith examines the successes, failures and challenges of the fight against ISIS, as the terror group loses ground in the region but strikes out abroad.

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Episode 3

Terror in Europe

1.0 / 10

As Europe reels from a terror onslaught, top security officials describe their struggle to contain the unprecedented threat revealed by attacks in France and Belgium.

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Episode 4

Exodus

finale

The first-person stories of refugees and migrants fleeing war, persecution and hardship — drawing on footage filmed bythe families themselves as they leave their homes on dangerous journeys in search of safety and refuge in Europe.

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Episode 5

President Trump

1.0 / 10

Frontline examines the key moments that shaped President-elect Donald Trump. Interviews drawn from The Choice 2016 with advisors, business associates and biographers reveal how Trump transformed himself from real estate developer to reality TV star to president.

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Episode 6

Divided States of America (1)

1.0 / 10

Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, "Divided States of America" looks back at events during President Barack Obama's years in office that revealed deep divisions in our country. The documentary offers an in-depth view of the partisan gridlock in Washington, the rise of populist anger on both sides of the aisle, and the racial tensions that erupted throughout the country.

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Episode 7

Divided States of America (2)

1.0 / 10

Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, "Divided States of America" looks back at events during President Barack Obama's years in office that revealed deep divisions in our country. The documentary offers an in-depth view of the partisan gridlock in Washington, the rise of populist anger on both sides of the aisle, and the racial tensions that erupted throughout the country.

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Episode 8

Trump's Road to the White House

1.0 / 10

An investigation of how Donald Trump defied expectations to win the presidency -- and what it suggests about how he will govern.

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Episode 9

Battle for Iraq / Hunting ISIS

Battle for Iraq: Reporter Ghaith Abdul-Ahad goes inside the battle against ISIS for control of the city of Mosul. Hunting ISIS: a dramatic report on an Iraqi unit at the center of the fight.

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Episode 10

Out of Gitmo / Forever Prison

1.0 / 10

Out of Gitmo: The dramatic story of a Gitmo detainee released from the controversial U.S. prison after more than a decade. With NPR, a report on the struggle over freeing prisoners once deemed international terrorists. Forever Prison: a collaboration with Retro Report exploring the untold history of the Guantanamo Bay prison.

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Episode 11

Iraq Uncovered

FRONTLINE investigates allegations of abuse of Sunni Muslim civilians by powerful Shia militias.

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Episode 12

Last Days of Solitary

Inside one state’s ambitious attempt to decrease its use of solitary — and what happens when prisoners who have spent considerable time in isolation try to integrate back into society.

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Episode 13

The Fish on My Plate

1.0 / 10

Best-selling author and lifelong fisherman Paul Greenberg spends a year eating fish at breakfast, lunch and dinner to help answer the question: “What fish should I eat that’s good for me and good for the planet?”

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Episode 14

Second Chance Kids

1.0 / 10

Frontline investigates the fight over the fate of juveniles serving life in prison for murder, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling. The film examines the impact of the order to re-evaluate thousands of juvenile murder cases and follows two of the first convicts to be released.

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Episode 15

Poverty, Politics and Profit

3.0 / 10

An investigation with NPR into the billions spent on housing low-income people, and why so few get the help they need. The film examines the politics, profits and problems of an affordable housing system in crisis.

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Episode 16

American Patriot: Inside the Armed Uprising Against the Federal Government

53m1.0 / 10

Frontline investigates how the Bundy family's fight against the government invigorated armed militias and "patriot" groups. The film goes inside the family's standoffs over public land in the West, and examines how groups aligned with them have grown to levels not seen in decades.

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Episode 17

Bannon's War

1.0 / 10

The team behind "The Choice 2016" and "Divided States of America" tells the inside story of Trump adviser Stephen Bannon and his war with Washington, with White House rivals and with Islam. Frontline explores Bannon's personal crusade to dramatically transform America, and his role in the power struggles and policy clashes within the Trump administration.

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Episode 18

Life on Parole

1.5 / 10

With unique access, Frontline and The New York Times go inside an effort to change the way parole works in Connecticut and reduce the number of people returning to prison. The film follows four former inmates as they try to find work, stay sober and keep out of trouble while navigating their first year on parole.

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Episode 19

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail

3.0 / 10

From acclaimed director Steve James, the little-known story of the only U.S. bank prosecuted in relation to the 2008 financial crisis. An Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature in 2018.

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Episode 20

North Korea's Deadly Dictator

3.5 / 10

Who killed Kim Jong-un’s half brother, Kim Jong-nam? What does the murder reveal about the North Korean leader and his regime? As nuclear tensions grow, Frontline examines claims that Kim Jong-un ordered the assassination of his half brother, and sheds light on his broader intentions.

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Episode 21

War on the EPA

1.0 / 10finale

How did Scott Pruitt go from fighting the EPA to running it and rolling back years of environmental protections? With access to key players behind his rise, and former EPA officials, Frontline provides an inside look at the ascent of the anti-regulatory movement in America.

Where to watch Frontline

Episode information updated Sep 15, 2026

More about Frontline

Cast

Jessica SavitchSelf - Host
Will LymanSelf - Narrator (voice)
Judy WoodruffSelf - Host
Reuven FrankHimself
Larry Storch
Roger StoneSelf
Jared KushnerSelf (archive footage)
Newt GingrichSelf

Credits

Created by
David Fanning
Written by
Neil Docherty, Ric Esther Bienstock, Michael Kirk, Mike Wiser, Rick Young

Production details

Status
Returning Series
Series type
Documentary
Episodes
855
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • PBSUnited States
  • GBHUnited States
  • FRONTLINEUnited States

Themes

investigative journalism