PBS and WGBH have launched a new series called “Breaking The Deadlock,” which brings together journalists, politicians, and legal experts to discuss fictional crisis scenarios. The second episode, titled “A Power Play,” will feature prominent figures such as Leslie Stahl from “60 Minutes” and Scott Jennings, a CNN contributor.
The series is inspired by the Fred Friendly Seminars, a series of televised symposia that covered a wide range of topics and ethical dilemmas. The seminars were produced by Fred Friendly and his wife, Ruth, and aired on PBS over the course of two decades.
In “Breaking The Deadlock: A Power Play,” the panel will be moderated by Aaron Tang, a professor at UC Davis School of Law. The episode will premiere on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 9 p.m. eastern time and will be available for streaming on PBS.org, YouTube, and the PBS app. The program will be introduced by journalist Katie Couric.
The panel for this episode includes a diverse group of experts such as former U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and CBS correspondent Leslie Stahl. The discussion will focus on how the nation might react to a scenario where the President asks officials to investigate a political detractor.
The pilot episode of “Breaking The Deadlock” has been nominated for the 46th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards in the category of “Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis.” More episodes are currently in development and are set to air later this year. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on pressing issues facing our nation.
