TV season
2026-04-22
Episode 1
2026-04-22 • 26 min
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the confrontation between Iran and the United States in the Gulf, looks at the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and examines the effect of the downfall of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, on the European Union.
Episode 2
2026-04-29 • 26 min
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the pressure on President Trump to find an end to the confrontation with Iran, examines the way in which the war in the Middle East has affected China and analyses the first elections in Gaza for twenty years.
Episode 3
2026-05-06 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the Iranian position in their confrontation with the United States in the Gulf, examines the state of play in Russia’s war with Ukraine and looks at the chances of Benjamin Netanyahu surviving as Israeli prime minister after elections later this year.
Episode 4
2026-05-13 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what is preventing the United States and Iran from reaching an agreement to end their conflict, examines the global economic impact of the confrontation, and looks at the growing threat from jihadists in West Africa.
Episode 5
2026-05-20 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether there has been a significant shift in the relationship between the United States and China, examines the long-term political turmoil in the United Kingdom, and looks at the psychological impact of Artificial Intelligence.
Episode 6
2026-05-27 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the possibility of the US forcing regime change in Cuba, examines the effect of the war in Ukraine on Vladimir Putin’s standing in Russia and looks at the increasing popularity of prediction markets.
Episode 7
2026-06-03 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the feelings of ordinary Iranians about the conflict with the United States, analyses the latest extreme global weather warnings and looks at the state of Ethiopia as it heads to the polls.
Episode 8
2026-06-10 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the impact of Israel's recent attacks on Lebanon, analyses the flotation of SpaceX and what it will mean for Elon Musk, and looks at the outcome of the election in Armenia.
Episode 9
2026-06-17 • 26 min
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the new deal aimed at ending the war between the US and Iran, analyses Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and looks at the worsening situation for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Episode 10
2026-06-27 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the factors behind the latest resignation of a British prime minister, explores the state of US politics and society on the eve of the country's 250th birthday and analyses the results of the Colombian presidential election.
Episode 11
2026-09-16 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the latest outbreak of hostilities in Yemen, examines whether there is any hope for a Palestinian state in the Middle East, and explores the potential dangers of Artificial Intelligence.
Episode 12
2026-09-23 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of the German government after resounding regional election defeats, looks at the effect of American cutbacks on the future of the United Nations and examines what we can learn from the tightly controlled elections in Russia.
Episode 13
2026-09-30 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, analyses the state of the relationship between China and the United States and examines the possibility of renewed civil war in Ethiopia.
Episode 14
2026-10-07 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the October 7th attacks, analyses the possible impacts of the mid-term elections on the Trump presidency, and examines the civil war in Yemen.
Episode 15
2026-10-14 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the effect on civilians of Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukrainian cities, looks at how Turkey has become a more authoritarian state and analyses China’s decision to regulate AI chatbots.
Episode 16
2026-10-21 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the toll on Saudi Arabia of ongoing attacks by the Houthis, explores whether the Japanese will end their post-war pacifism, and looks at the possible effects on English football of Manchester City being found guilty of breaching financial rules.
Episode 17
2026-10-28 • 26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the challenges facing Ukraine in the war against Russia as winter approaches, analyses the causes of the widespread protests in France, and looks at the unexpected victory for President Lula in the Brazilian election.
Episode 18
2026-11-04 • 26 min
Episode 19
2026-11-11 • 26 min
