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All Seasons

Season 2024

  • S2024E01 an election story

    • September 20, 2024
    • PBS

    Join Aaron Tang of UC Davis School of Law as he guides a panel of thought leaders through complex, ethical dilemmas based on real-life scenarios. The special encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

Season 2025

  • S2025E01 BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play

    • May 20, 2025
    • PBS

    A Power Play sparks civil dialogue in polarized times. Guided by UC Davis Law Professor Aaron Tang, a diverse panel explores ethical dilemmas in a fictional tale of executive power-told through two fictional U.S. Presidents from opposing parties. Complex, timely, and thought-provoking.

  • S2025E02 BREAKING the DEADLOCK: Truth Under Fire

    • October 21, 2025
    • PBS

    Facing a gripping hypothetical dilemma-disinformation about a controversial school board decision spreading rapidly on social media-a panel of experts grapples with what is true, and what truth even means today.

Season 2026

  • S2026E01 A Matter of Life and Death

    • January 20, 2026
    • PBS

    What does "freedom" mean-and what is the role of government-when people face life-and-death choices? Moderator Aaron Tang and a panel of experts with divergent views take on a hypothetical scenario that raises questions about reproductive rights and the right to die. BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, encourages dialogue, and the possibility of common ground. Watch the open.

  • S2026E02 Gambling With Your Life

    • March 24, 2026
    • PBS

    Online sports gambling has exploded. Should it be further regulated? What does it mean for college athletic programs and professional sports? How is AI transforming it? What is the public health impact? In BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: Gambling with Your Life, Moderator Aaron Tang guides panelists through scenarios to explore dilemmas around online sports gambling, and its impact on young men.

  • S2026E03 Breaking the Deadlock: How to Fix an Election

    • July 7, 2026
    • PBS

    At America’s 250th, moderator Aaron Tang guides nine panelists through a gripping hypothetical election crisis where civic integrity is on the line. As tensions rise, a provocative question emerges: what would you risk to defend the democracy? The scenario reveals deep divides over protest, principle, and truth — challenging what it will take to sustain democracy’s future.