Banfield is an American late-nighttelevision program that airs Monday through Friday on NewsNation in the United States, hosted by long-time cable news journalist Ashleigh Banfield. It originally premiered on March 1, 2021, and is considered the flagship interview program on the NewsNation network.[1]
Banfield was inspired by CNN's Larry King Live as a program which would seek to have a dialogue with guests, without interrogatory questions. Initially, Banfield said that most programs interview one guest, although multiple guests may be interviewed depending on events in the news.[2] However, since the show has begun, most episodes feature two guests interviewed separately, or a panel focused on a theme.
Sorkin is interviewed following his win for Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay and reflects on his career spanning multiple award winning movies and television shows.[3]
Olbermann discusses future projects, being fired and rehired from the major news networks, and a recent tweet about "wasting" COVID-19 vaccinations in Texas due to the recent decision by Governor Greg Abbott to remove mask requirements statewide.[5]
Edmondson and Ames discuss falling in love when they were both members of NXIVM, the HBO program The Vow about the cult, and their current podcast, “A Little Bit Culty,” about people in cults.[7]
Current member of the House of Lords Taylor, PR guru Bragman, tabloid news editors Lankston and Hill, distant royal family relative Oxenberg and psychiatrist Boberg react to the Oprah with Meghan and Harry special.[8]
Rowe discusses his background as a television host focusing on blue-collar jobs, the importance of skilled labor, and his new program, Six Degrees with Mike Rowe, on discovery+.[9]
Porizkova discussed her marriage and divorce with Ric Ocasek, being left out of Ocasek's will, and reflects on society's preconceptions regarding aging and beauty as a successful model in the 1980's.[10]
Grier discusses his career and the impact that In Living Color had on launching him to national attention, and on how the show resonated across racial and gender boundaries.[11]
Springfield reflects on a 50-year career in music, and the 40th anniversary of the Grammy award winning Working Class Dog and the hit song Jessie's Girl.[12]
In the first half, Kristol reflects on his tenure as a Republican Party thought leader and his move to become a leader of the Never Trump movement. In the second half, Schlapp defends former president Donald Trump and his positive changes to make the Republicans more representative of the country.[13]
Hart discusses his award winning song Sunglasses at Night, discusses meeting and marrying Julie Masse, and reflects on achieving musical success as a young adult and then stepping away from touring to spend more time with his family.[14]
Musician Connick reflects on his career, relationships, and faith, including recording the iconic soundtrack to When Harry Met Sally and his current turn toward gospel music.[15]
O'Brien talks about her role as one of the first hosts at MSNBC and her long tenure in cable news and why she left it, as well as her current project for Black Entertainment Television and her criticism about how cable news coverage occurs today.[16]
Groban discusses his career as a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony nominated singer, reflects on how he got to that position, and shares embarrassing moments in his career.[17]
TBA
March 22
TBA
The March 22 episode was preempted due to breaking news of the 2021 Boulder shooting.
In the first segment, Figliuzzi answers questions on how police would investigate the 2021 Boulder shooting. In the remainder of the program, actor Arnold discusses a recent editorial he wrote in the Hollywood Reporter about gun violence and the death of his nephew, his 30 year relationship with Donald Trump, and reflects on his multi-decade acting and producing career.[18]
Shatner discusses his 90th birthday, growing up in Canada, reflects on his many roles in television and film, and his most recent role in the movie Senior Moment.[19]
Celebrity chef De Laurentis talks about her upbringing in Italy, menopause, her career in cooking, her recent cookbook, and parenting children in the current environment of processed foods and larger portions.[20]
In the first segment, Mesereau and Copeland discuss opening statements in State v. Chauvin, the trial for the murder of George Floyd. In the second segment, Carolla reacts to the murder of George Floyd and the potential decisions the jury in State v. Chauvin must make, cancel culture and how it impacts Carolla's early comedic work and the state of comedy today, and his experience on Celebrity Apprentice.[22]
In the first segment, defense attorney O'Mara and Banfield review the second day of the State v. Chauvin trial. In the second segment, law professor Kobilinsky discusses forensic evidence in the State v. Chauvin trial and possible defenses for Derek Chauvin. In the remaining half, Jenna Elfman discusses her acting career, initial national success on Dharma and Greg, and the final season of Fear the Walking Dead.[23]
In the first segment, McCabe, who appeared as a featured EMS operator in Banfield's previous show Live Rescue, discusses the causes of death for George Floyd and the medical care Floyd received prior to death. In the second segment, jury consultant Jo-Ellan Dimitrius talks about the type of jurors the prosecution and defense in State v. Chauvin are looking for and the stress on jurors given the day's testimony. In the final half, Vargas discusses her thoughts on the Chauvin trial, race in America, her struggles with addiction and anxiety, and the reboot of America's Most Wanted which uses modern technology that goes beyond the mugshots and reenactments of the original show.[23]
In the first segment, Grant and Banfield recap the fourth day of the State v. Chauvin trial. Moret and Copeland discuss the trial's witness testimony to date and the defense cross examination strategy. Finally Banfield interviews YouTube video makers Kim and Penn Holderness about their success on the platform and their new book.[24]
In the first half, O'Mara and Kobilinsky review the testimony to date in State v. Chauvin, including testimony from Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo and forensic evidence regarding George Floyd's cause of death. In the second half, Brenneman discusses her roles playing the judge in Judging Amy and new roles that try to avoid being typecast as a judge.[26]
In the first half, Court TV anchor Grant, forensics scholar Morgan, former FBI assistant director Fuentes and trial attorney Copeland recap the day's developments in State v. Chauvin, including whether the use of force on George Floyd was a result of police training. In the second half Perkins talk about her recent acting roles and how Weeds was a trailblazer in portraying race, gender, and class issues in television.[27]
In the first half, Geragos and Morgan recap the day in the State v. Chauvin trial, including evidence that George Floyd may have ingested fentanyl prior to Chauvin's knee on the neck and audio from a previous arrest of Floyd for drug use. In the second half, Snider talks about being in the band Twisted Sister, testifying in Congress about rock and roll music and youth, his influences in heavy metal, and opinions about his music being used for commercials and political campaigns.[28]
In the first half, Court TV anchor Grant and personal injury attorney Kelly recap the day in the State v. Chauvin trial, including toxicology testimony and the debate over George Floyd's cause of death. In the second half, Springer talks about the George Floyd case and racial justice protests in the context of his experience as mayor of Cincinnati, reflects on his years of hosting The Jerry Springer Show, as well as how Robert F. Kennedy inspired him to pursue law and the future of Donald Trump.[29]
In the first half, Wecht and O'Mara recap the day in the State v. Chauvin trial, including medical testimony on George Floyd's cause of death and how Floyd's existing heart condition may have contributed to death. In the second half, House of Lords member Taylor, "royal watcher" Fordwich, and website editor Pantazi discuss the legacy of Prince Philip, the death and funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and attendance of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in light of the Oprah with Meghan and Harry television special.[30]
In the first third, Rawlings-Blake discusses the impact of the deaths caused by police on the African American community and her response when she was mayor of Baltimore. In the second third, Mesereau, Copeland, and Kobilinsky discuss State v. Chauvin, including previewing the next week of defense testimony, whether Chauvin should testify in his own defense, and the impact of medical testimony on the jury. In the final segment, Fuentes discusses the state of policing in the United States in the wake of recent incidents such as the killing of Daunte Wright and police stop of Caron Nazario.[31]
In the first half, Court TV anchor Grant and attorneys Geragos and Williams discuss State v. Chauvin, including the first day of defense testimony and whether there are effective rebuttals to prosecution forensic witnesses. In the second half, Carlson discusses her thoughts on State v. Chauvin, as well as surviving sexual harassment at Fox News and inspiring the Me Too movement.[32]
In the first third, O'Mara discusses the defense testimony in State v. Chauvin, including the defense medical expert and the prosecution's cross examination and how it would affect the jury. In the second segment, Fuentes discusses the charges filed in the killing of Daunte Wright and how jurors might be affected by the Daunte Wright protests. The last segment has Smith discuss being a black doctor, racial disparities in medicine, and his recent book about losing weight.[33]
In the first segment, Grant and Geragos discuss the defense in State v. Chauvin, including the decision to not have Chauvin take the stand and the judge blocking the prosecution's request to bring in a carbon monoxide test to debunk the defense claim that carbon monoxide poisoning could have caused George Floyd's death. The remaining two-thirds of the program features Williams discuss race relations in the United States, his military service and his family's legacy of public service, highlights from The Montel Williams Show, and his current work helping military families and advocating for medical cannabis.[34]
In the first half, Steve Madden discusses his career and hardships he has suffered in ultimately building a billion dollar design empire. In the second half, Warwick talks about her nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the life of a performer during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her 60 year music career.[35]
Leno reflects on his tenure as the longest serving host of The Tonight Show, the comedy writing process, his relationship with Johnny Carson, the Tonight Show conflict between Leno and David Letterman, and his love of cars through Jay Leno's Garage. Banfield also announced that Leno would serve as a regular guest host for Banfield during the summer.[36]
In the first half, O'Mara, Copeland, and Geragos discuss the guilty verdicts in State v. Chauvin, including commentary about the competency of the defense, potential sentencing, and whether the comments of Maxine Waters during deliberation are sufficient for an appeals court to overturn the verdict. In the second segment, Rawlings-Blake discusses her reaction to the verdict as a former mayor of Baltimore, and the final segment has Levine discuss Derek Chauvin's future prison experience, from a background as a former 10 year inmate in federal prison.[37]
Black discusses his stand-up comedy career, the origins of his comedy growing up, his experience at the Yale School of Drama, opposing those who are against the COVID-19 vaccine, cancel culture, and his encounters with political figures and other celebrities.[38]
In the first half, Brockovich reflects on Earth Day and her landmark case against Pacific Gas & Electric, the Flint water crisis, and other issues in water infrastructure, as well as the differences between her real persona and how she was portrayed by Julia Roberts in the eponymous movie. In the second half, Evangelista discusses her podcast about lingerie, the history of women's underwear and underwear used as clothing, and her favorite lingerie brands.[39]
In the first segment, Moret previews the upcoming Academy Awards and projects that the telecast will have record low ratings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and general disinterest in awards shows. In the remainder, Matlin and her American Sign Language interpreter discuss how COVID-19 and mask mandates have affected deaf people, and being the executive producer of the Academy-Award nominated film Feeling Through.[39]
In the first half, Steele discusses race in policing, cancel culture, reparations, and white guilt from the perspective as a black conservative. In the second half, former police sergeant Kenda discusses his experience as an officer, policing reform measures, and his new show American Detective on discovery+.[40]
The Robertsons discuss being featured in Duck Dynasty, which was the most watched cable reality show, raising adopted biracial children, racism in America, future political aspirations, and their new show, At Home with the Robertsons, on Facebook Watch.[41]
In the first half, Davidson discusses being adopted by a white family after being abandoned as an infant, his work on In Living Color, his book Living in Color: What’s Funny about Me, and race relations in the United States. In the second half, Devine reflects on her 40+ year Broadway and Hollywood, winning an Emmy for Gray's Anatomy and being written off the show days later, and her most notable role as a cast member in Dreamgirls.[43]
Supermodel Ireland discusses building a two billion dollar personal brand, the origins of her business and personal success, reflections on her Christian religion and spirituality, ageism in modeling, and personal challenges.[44]
Darren Basford, Mary Rodee, Paul Davis, Jennifer and David McDaniel, Dr. Robi Ludwig
The parents of two teens who killed themselves as a result of cyberbullying and sextortion (Basford, Rodee, and the McDaniels), cybersecurity expert Davis, and psychotherapist Ludwig discuss how to protect children from online bullies, predators, and blackmailers, and discuss the increase in these activities and reduced intervention from teachers and parents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[53]
In the first half, Brown, Craigmyle, and Lamb discuss the cancellation of the reality show Live PD (where they were featured participants), the defund the police movement, and recent deaths of police officers on duty. In the second half, Cupp and Gleib discuss news of the week, including the cancellation of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and DeGeneres's alleged treatment of her staff, the recent recoupling of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, Caitlyn Jenner's run for California governor, and the merit of chicken sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A and Popeyes.[54]
In the first half, Geragos, Copeland, and Craigmyle debate the decision by prosecutors to not charge police officers in the killing of Andrew Brown Jr.[56] In the second half, Atlanta mayor Lance Bottoms discusses a spike in violent crime in her city, the aftermath of the killing of Rayshard Brooks on policing, the reopening of the investigation of the Atlanta murders of 1979–1981, and her decision to not run for reelection.[57]
57
May 19
Robert Dunham, Kristina Roth, Randy Gardner, Austin Sarat
Richland County, South Carolina sheriff's deputy Brown and Pasco County, Florida sheriff's deputy Pini discuss police morale and declining recruitment in the wake of recent high profile officer involved shootings and deaths of law enforcement officers, and comment on the use of consent decrees and body cameras in policing. In the second half, Cupp and Gleib provide humorous commentary on news in the past week.[60]
Williams discusses her mental health struggles, her book Checking In about mental health issues as a musician, and answers questions about whether Destiny's Child will reunite. In the second half, Hines, a man who survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, and psychiatrist Reidenberg discuss suicide prevention and efforts to prevent deaths on the Golden Gate Bridge.[61]
61
May 25
Philonise Floyd, Ben Crump, Mark O'Mara, Ron Haley, Cheryl Dorsey, Mark Lamb, Alana Wilson
Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, and Floyd family attorney Crump discuss the impact of the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. O'Mara, Dorsey, and Lamb discuss changes in law enforcement from the perspective of a defense attorney, former police officer, and elected sheriff. Attorney Haley and Ronald Greene's sister Wilson discuss the Greene case and what they would like to see.
In the first half, Greenberg discusses the new state of travel following the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased summer travel, tips on finding deals, and the status of foreign travel for Americans. In the second half, Edelstein discusses acting on the Netflix show The Kominsky Method, her book Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, as well as her history of acting on shows such as Seinfeld and The West Wing.[64]
Weisselberg and Kelley discussed the grand jury in New York investigating Donald Trump. In the second half Reiser discussed acting on The Kominsky Method, his role on the long running sitcom Mad About You, stories from his early acting career, and working with co-lead Helen Hunt.[65][66]
Craigmyle and Lamb discuss policing in America, the new Texas law to allow the carrying a handgun without a license, banning officers from participating in programs such as Live PD, and whether police officers should be given "customer service" training. In the final segment, Gleib and Obeidallah discuss news of the week, including Meghan McCain's comments about anti-semitism and Seth Rogen's comments on cancel culture.[67][68]
Hancock discusses serving in Iraq and the impacts of post traumatic stress disorder on his health and family. Junger discusses the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and his book Freedom, where he walked 400 miles as a nomad to explore the United States.[69][70]
June
No.
Original air date
Guest(s)
66
June 1
Mark Lamb, James Craigmyle, Garo Brown, Danny Brown
Sheriff Lamb and three law enforcement officers discuss the surge in violent crime, possible targeting of police officers, the defund the police movement, and whether reality shows that feature police should be banned.[71]
Abrams discusses a potential indictment of Donald Trump by a grand jury in New York, his book Kennedy's Avenger on the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby, and expresses disappointment at the cancellation of Live PD, which Abrams created and hosted. Fiorina discusses why she selected Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, Biden's 100 days, her 2016 presidential campaign, and her accomplishments as a woman technology CEO.[72]
Moby discusses his new album Reprise, stories from his long musical career, his dislike for touring, and reflections on feuds with other musicians such as Eminem and Michael Jackson. Elisa Donovan reflects on her acting career in iconic teen movies like Clueless and shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, whether there will be a Clueless reboot, and her struggles with anorexia and depression as an actress.[73][74]
Riley Benson, Patricia DiMango, Tod Burke, Adrian Rink, Andrew Thomas, Susannah Carr, Robi Ludwig
Local television reporter Benson, former judge DiMango, and retired professor of criminal justice Burke discuss the killing of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, members of a prominent Charleston, South Carolina family. In the second half, Banfield discusses the rise in disruptive passengers on commercial airplanes with Rink, who subdued a disruptive passenger on a flight; aviation author Thomas, flight attendant Carr, and psychotherapist Ludwig.[80]
Local television reporter Benson, attorney Geragos, and forensic scientist Kobilinsky discuss developments in the investigation of the Murdaugh deaths. In the second half, Joni Ernst reflects on her background and career as a US representative and senator.[81]
Benson, criminal defense lawyer O'Mara, former FBI profiler Clemente, and forensic scientists Morgan discuss the Murdaugh killings and a possible connection to Paul Murdaugh's boat crash in 2019 which killed a friend. Hilton discusses her role on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.[82]
78
June 17
Sean Larkin, Danny Brown, Mark Lamb, James Craigmyle
Former featured officers on Live PD reunite and discuss policing in America.[83]
Talk show hosts Cupp and Dominick discuss weird news stories of the week, while Baptiste is profiled about his comedy and touring internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic.[84]
Reporters Shure and Davis discuss recent developments in the Murdaugh homicide investigation, including forensic evidence and the search for a suspect. Kobilinsky and DeLong discuss a possible profile of the killer. Hale reflects on his comedic and voiceover career.[85]
Shure discusses his reporting from Hampton, South Carolina on the Murdaugh killings, possible links to another homicide years ago, and the local prosecutor's reluctance to turn over the investigation to the state attorney's office. In the remaining 40 minutes, Pippen reflects on his NBA career, experience as a member of the Dream Team, and discusses his book, Unguarded about working with Michael Jordan and other NBA stars.[86]
Reporter Davis, forensic scientist Kobilinsky, criminal defense lawyer O'Mara, and profiler DeLong discuss the death of Stephen Smith, a 19 year old man who was killed in the South Carolina Lowcountry six years prior to the deaths of the Murdaughs, the different attention each case received, and other strange deaths in the Lowcountry area in the last decade.[87]
Entin reports live from the Surfside condominium building collapse. Forensic scientist Morgan discusses the police investigation into the building's cause of failure. Attorney Geragos and physician Sophy discusses the fight for Britney Spears to be released from a conservatorship, while Kasem provides perspective from someone who fought to take control over the care of her father Casey Kasem. Morgan then rejoins to discuss the forensic evidence in the death of the Murdaughs in South Carolina and a $100,000 reward offered by the father and wife of the victims.[88]
83
June 25
Marni Hughes, Brian Entin, Pete Panuccio, Craig Moss, Julie Grant, Mark Geragos