GBH’s New Special 'Deadlock' Encourages Civil Discourse About Ethical Dilemmas

Deadlock, a dynamic new one-hour special from GBH, airing and streaming nationwide on PBS, aims to facilitate civil dialogue in an era dominated by polarizing debates. Moderated by Aaron Tang, professor at UC Davis School of Law, the series will feature a diverse panel of influential figures from legal, political, and cultural spheres delving into complex, ethical dilemmas based on real-life scenarios.  A host will begin the hour, setting the tone and topic. The special will premiere nationwide on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, 9 p.m. ET (check local listings) and stream on PBS.org, YouTube and the PBS app.

Over the hour, Tang will skillfully navigate panelists through thought-provoking hypothetical situations designed to challenge their beliefs and prompt deep introspection.

"The current climate of American discourse finds us deeply entrenched and overconfident in our own beliefs,” said moderator Aaron Tang, Professor of Law at UC Davis. “Deadlock aims to illuminate how, for many of the difficult challenges facing our nation, the honest answers are nuanced and complex. Our goal is to spark open-mindedness and help people find the middle ground instead of retreating to our usual corners.” 

Deadlock will explore fundamental topics about community and responsibility, triggering legal, moral and ethical responses. As the hypothetical scenarios follow intricate twists and turns, panelists and viewers alike will find themselves asking the soul-searching question, "What would I do?"

“As viewers grow weary of 'winner/loser' debates, Deadlock offers a refreshing alternative," said Executive Producer Andrew Lack, Executive Chairman and Founder of the Pulitzer Prize-winning non-profit Mississippi Today. “We hope it will humanize the conversation on important topics, explore areas of common ground and facilitate a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.”

Deadlock will be filmed before a live audience on Saturday, Sept. 7 at historic Federal Hall in New York City, the site of America’s first Congress, Supreme Court and Executive branch offices – an apt setting for a compelling exploration of a hypothetical scenario. To facilitate honest and unfiltered opinions, panelists will learn of the program’s featured topic shortly before each live taping.

“Deadlock will bring together participants with a diverse range of viewpoints,” said Executive Producer John Bredar, GBH VP of National Programming. “The goal is to help audiences connect on all sides of a topic and to further the heartfelt dialogue Americans are seeking.”