TV series
In 1988, renegade filmmaker Robert Altman and Pulitzer Prize–winning Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau created a presidential candidate, ran him alongside the other hopefuls during the primary season, and presented their media campaign as a cross between a soap opera and TV news. The result was the groundbreaking Tanner ’88, a piercing satire of media-age American politics.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Tanner '88 premiered February 15, 1988. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
In 1988, renegade filmmaker Robert Altman and Pulitzer Prize–winning Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau created a presidential candidate, ran him alongside the other hopefuls during the primary season, and presented their media campaign as a cross between a soap opera and TV news. The result was the groundbreaking Tanner ’88, a piercing satire of media-age American politics.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
On the weekend before the make-or-break New Hampshire primary, Representative Jack Tanner (D-MI) and his opinionated daughter visit with potential voters, while a videotape of his first campaign commercial is evaluated by a focus group.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars Frank Barhydt, Robert Gerringer, Patricia Falkenhain, Michael Poisson, Stephen Altman, Wiley Moore, Dee Nelson, Bob Dole
Episode 2
Although their first attempt at a TV commercial is not well received, Tanner's staff hopes that an impromptu speech about why he's running for president will make a good enough TV ad to keep his campaign going past the New Hampshire primary.
Directed by Robert Altman
Episode 3
Tanner's television commercial showing that his passion is ""For real"" generates new interest from the press in his campaign as he heads for Nashville. He also has an apparent attempt on his life, which gains him more publicity and qualifies him for secret service protection, even thought it was just a big misunderstanding.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase, Waylon Jennings, Danny Darst
Episode 4
In an attempt to garner the black vote, Jack heads to Nashville to seek the advice of an old friend, now a black-rights activist. Meanwhile, one of Tanner's staff recovers from an attack at the campaign event, a busload of campaigners get stuck on the highway, and TJ mulls a one-night stand.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars Cleavon Little, Andy Stahl, Stephen Kelly, Daniel Butler, Larry Black, Marshall Fallwell Jr., Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase
Episode 5
After Tanner offends Reverend Crier, resulting in more attention towards the campaign, he and his daughter must learn to cope with the constant protective presence of secret service agents; Taggerty uncovers some unusual family dynamics when interviewing Tanner's father; Alex persuades Jack to participate in an anti-Apartheid rally.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars E.G. Marshall, Tom Mehican, Joe Banks, John Elko, Gregory McKinney, Sidney Blumenthal, Hodding Carter III, James Davidson
Episode 6
After being released from jail, Tanner meets with fellow candidate Bruce Babbitt, who just dropped out of the race but has plenty to say on Jack's campaign; Stringer makes a startling discovery when he is tempted to join the Dukakis campaign; Deke produces a controversial new campaign ad.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars Bruce Babbitt, Joan Cushing
Episode 7
Tanner attends a whirlwind of campaign events, ranging from a pool party in Hollywood to a meeting with children at a day care center. He also runs into his ex-wife's husband an attends a speech seminar with Dorothy Sarnoff. Meanwhile, Barney joins the Tanner campaign following Deke's firing, while Molly hires Deke after her cameraman quits.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars John Considine, David Alan Grier, Cameron Thor, Ned Bellamy, Ken Daly, Malcolm Jenkins, James Terry, Rebecca De Mornay
Episode 8
Tanner mulls the issue of drug policy in a debate with Jesse Jackson, moderated by Linda Ellerbee. Trying to escape from a number of persistent reporters asking about his relationship with Joanna, Tanner later ends up in a dangerous situation that dramatically affects the campaign.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars James "Gypsy" Haake, David Alan Grier, John Calkins, Ken Daly, Malcolm Jenkins, Alice Carter, Linda Ellerbee, Julius Carry
Episode 9
Tanner has to decide what to do about his secret girlfriend Joanna Buckley, an employee of main competitor Michael Dukakis. Meanwhile, the Tanner campaign heads to a rough Detroit neighborhood, where a shocking discovery changes the course of the campaign.
Directed by Robert Altman
Episode 10
Tanner heads to his aunt's house in suburban Michigan to marry Joanna, but his announcement that he's getting married causes varied reactions from his relatives; Molly confides in TJ when she begins to wonder if she's about being fired by NBC; Deke crashes the wedding via helicopter; Tanner makes a number of surprise choices for his cabinet.
Directed by Robert AltmanGuest stars Lee Hamilton
Episode 11
Having reached the Democratic National Convention knowing that he has no hope of overcoming Dukakis's lead on his own, Tanner considers forging an alliance with Jesse Jackson; T.J. calls in sugar-fueled coordinator Billy Ridenour to work his backroom magic; in a last-ditch effort, Tanner walks onto the convention floor.
Directed by Robert Altman
Episode 12
Having failed to secure the Democratic nomination, TJ and company try to launch a third-party campaign; the crew hires college co-eds for telemarketing, which provides mixed results; Joanna has coffee with Kitty Dukakis.
Directed by Robert Altman
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
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HBOUnited States
