Plot Synopsis

Host Dan Rather talks with celebrities and entertainment icons to explore their lives, careers, and outside interests, while learning about their passions and what they're really about. Each one-hour episode, filmed in a different and fitting location, features an interview with one or two celebrities, including these stars in Season 1: Aaron Sorkin, the creator of THE NEWSROOM and THE WEST WING, who opens up about his inspirations and his writing process, tackles criticisms about his projects regarding left-wing propaganda and sexism, and reveals his first choice to play the President on THE WEST WING; Roger Daltrey, the front man of The Who, who talks about his work with teens who have cancer, while talking with Rather at the Gibson Guitar Center in New York, where he is joined by Australian pop singer Cody Simpson, who talks about his role in Teen Cancer America; Merle Haggard, the country-music legend, who speaks with Dan before a performance at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in North Carolina, where he speaks candidly about everything form his time in prison to his politics, touring with Bob Dylan, and his biggest fear in life; and Daryl Hannah, the famous Hollywood actress and activist, who talks about her relationships with JFK Jr. and RFK Jr. and life around the Kennedys, offers insights into challenges faced by older women in Hollywood, and reveals why she's an environmental activist with several arrests.

THE BIG INTERVIEW returned for its second season on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on AXS TV with 10 consecutive weeks of new episodes. In the Season 2 opener, Dan Rather sat down with controversial filmmaker-and three-time Academy Award-winner-Oliver Stone, who opened up about his distinguished career, discussed the work of some of his contemporaries, and revealed details about his latest project: a 10-part Showtime series focusing on the history of the United States following World War II. In subsequent episodes in Season 2, Rather talked with: Edward Norton; David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash; Jane Lynch; Carol Burnett; Alan Alda; David Simon; Darius Rucker; and more.

AXS TV aired the Season 3 premiere of THE BIG INTERVIEW on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, as Dan Rather chatted with Wynonna Judd. Subsequent guests in Season 3 include: Carlos Santana (Jan. 20); Marty Stuart (Jan. 27); 'Weird Al' Yankovic (Feb. 3); Daryl Hall (Feb. 10); and Don Rickles (Feb. 17); Trisha Yearwood (Apr. 14); Vince Gill (Apr. 21); Lindsey Buckingham (Apr. 28); Josh Groban (May 5); Florida Georgia Line (May 12); Paul Haggis (May 19); Frankie Valli (May 26). On Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on AXS TV, Dan Rather returned with six all-new interviews with some of entertainment's biggest names: Emmylou Harris (July 7); John Leguizamo (July 14); Pat Benatar (July 21); Rascal Flatts (July 28); Dwight Yoakam (August 4); and Bob Weir (August 11). THE BIG INTERVIEW returned with the first of seven new episodes on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on AXS TV. In the Season 3 Fall premiere, Rather sits down with trailblazing rock n' roll pioneers Ann and Nancy Wilson, beloved front women of the band Heart, whose signature vocals and guitars have crafted a catalogue of hits such as "Crazy On You," "Alone," and "Barracuda," selling over 35 million records worldwide. Also appearing on THE BIG INTERVIEW this fall is R&B Queen Patti LaBelle on October 27; prolific Allman Brothers Band founder Gregg Allman on November 3; rock hero Bryan Adams on November 10; groundbreaking country music star Charley Pride on November 17; legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino on November 24; and supermodel-turned-super-mogul, leading lifestyle designer and activist Kathy Ireland on December 1.

Season 4 of THE BIG INTERVIEW premiered on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on AXS TV. This season's lineup presents even more intimate discussions with some of the industry's biggest names, kicking off on January 12 with GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and acclaimed Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty, as he talks about the early days of CCR, the creative process behind "Born On The Bayou" and "Proud Mary," and much more. Then, on January 19, Rather sits down with Oscar-winning actor Benicio Del Toro, the fan-favorite leading man whose acclaimed filmography includes unforgettable roles in hits such as TRAFFIC, SIN CITY, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and the upcoming blockbuster STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII. And, on January 26, Rather welcomes beloved Country music hero Willie Nelson, the celebrated author, poet, actor, and activist whose trademark vocals have powered a library of classics such as "Always On My Mind," "On The Road Again," "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain," and "Whiskey River," among others. Iconic Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons sat down with Dan Rather (Feb 9) and gets personal about America's flawed food industry, his passion for veganism, Donald Trump's presidential run and the impact that yoga has had on his life. One week later (Feb 16), country stars John Rich and Big Kenny (aka Big & Rich) open up about the trials and tribulations of creating their own label, their musical influences, the creation of the MuzikMafia, and how to determine what qualifies as real country music.

On Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, AXS TV premiered the 18-episode fifth season of THE BIG INTERVIEW. Season 5 kicks off with Dan Rather having a candid conversation with Kid Rock, the musician, actor, and activist whose unique blend of country, hip-hop, and rock has earned him five Grammy nominations, over 35 million records sold worldwide, and a legion of fans. The season also includes chart-topping sensation Sheryl Crow; singer Kix Brooks, formerly of Brooks & Dunn -- the highest-selling duo in Country music history; influential ZZ Top axeman Billy Gibbons; and groundbreaking Country queen Crystal Gayle, the first female Country artist to have an album go platinum. Complete dates and additional guests will be announced at a later date. "For over 60 years, Dan Rather has been one of the most respected names in journalism," said Michele M. Dix, AXS TV's senior vice president, programming and development. "His unprecedented ability to connect and get his subjects to candidly speak about their lives and careers adds a new depth to his interviews, giving viewers a chance to see a side of their favorite artists that isn't often made visible to the public." Subsequent guests include: Ice Cube (Feb 21); Kix Brooks (Feb 28); Crystal Gale (March 7); Billy Gibbons (March 14); Norah Jones (March 21); Clint Black (March 28). A new season of THE BIG INTERVIEW premiered on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 9pm ET/6pm PT on AXS TV. In the season opener, Dan sits down with Sharon Osbourne to talk about what it's like to be both a celebrity judge and a talk show host. She also speaks candidly about her marriage to rocker, Ozzy Osbourne, and a life in rock 'n' roll. Subsequent episodes feature these guests: The Doobie Brothers (October 17), Geddy Lee of Rush (October 24), Jewel (October 31), Kiefer Sutherland (November 7), Steve Miller (November 14), Peter Frampton (November 21), Michael Stipe from R.E.M. (November 28); and Steven Van Zandt (December 5).

AXS TV premiered the sixth season of THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH DAN RATHER on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 9pm ET/6pm PT. In the season opener, Dan chats with legendary rock musician, and Led Zeppelin frontman, Robert Plant about growing up in post-World War II England, his feelings about some of Led Zeppelin's most famous songs, the 1977 death of his five-year-old son and how his approach to singing has changed over the course of his career. Their conversation touches on Plant's most personal lyrics and the stories behind some of rock's most lasting hits. During this interview, Dan asks Plant if "Kashmir" is his all-time favorite Zeppelin song, and Plant remarks about the iconic song's unique qualities but doesn't commit to liking any particular Zeppelin song more than another. Plus, Plant explains why he never stops working and tells Dan, "there's still a lot of rebel yell inside of me." Guests for the rest of the season include: The Doors' John Densmore and Robby Krieger (March 20); Eddie Money (March 27); Shania Twain (April 3); Billy Ray Cyrus (April 10); Styx (April 17); John Mellencamp (April 24); and The Oak Ridge Boys (May 1). On Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 9pm ET/6pm PT on AXS TV, THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH DAN RATHER kicked off the second half of its sixth season by celebrating its 100th episode. Guests for the rest of Season 6 include: Ringo Starr (Oct 2); Rod Stewart (Oct 9); Toby Keith (Oct 16); Lynyrd Skynyrd (Oct 23); Kansas (Oct 30); Joan Baez (Nov 6); Dan Aykroyd (Nov 13); Buddy Guy (Nov 20); Brian Setzer (Nov 27); Ricky Skaggs (Dec 4); Kenny Loggins (Dec 11); and Dickey Betts (Dec 18).

On Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, AXS TV premiered the seventh season of THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH DAN RATHER. In the season opener, Dan chats with Steve Perry -- an American singer and songwriter, as well as former Journey frontman -- who is responsible for Journey's most triumphant moments throughout the '70s & '80s. Perry was ranked no. 76 on Rolling Stone magazine's "100 Greatest Singers of All Time," and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey. In this interview, Steve reveals why he walked away from the spotlight at the height of his career and what brought him back to music now. Later this season Dan also sits down with: Paul Stanley (Apr 23); Cyndi Lauper (Apr 30); Foreigner (May 7); REO Speedwagon (May 14); Billy Bob Thornton (May 21); Carl and Rob Reiner (May 28); Travis Tritt (Jun 4); Boz Scaggs (Jun 11); and Paul Shaffer (Jun 18). The second half of Season 7 debuted on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on AXS TV. Guests for the new season include: Brian Johnson (Oct 2); Cheap Trick (Oct 9); Chicago (Oct 16); Bret Michaels (Oct 23); Alice Cooper (Oct 30); Little Big Town (Nov 6); Bob Costas (Nov 13); David Byrne (Nov 20); America (Nov 27); Bryan Cranston (Dec 4); Yes' Jon Anderson (Dec 11); The Marshall Tucker Band (Dec 18).

The eighth season of THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH DAN RATHER premieres on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Dan kicks off the new season with Huey Lewis, the lead singer and harmonica for Huey Lewis and the News. Before his music took off, Lewis had plans of attending Cornell, playing baseball, and he even achieved a perfect score on the math portion of the SAT. All of this changed when his father asked for a favor; take a year off of school and bum around Europe. Armed with just a harmonica and a Bob Dylan record, Lewis hitchhiked across the country, busked around Europe, and made a very important realization that would change his life forever: he wanted to be a musician. Huey Lewis and the News hit the big time with their third album Sports in 1983, which is one of the best-selling pop releases all time and of course their contributions to the soundtrack for BACK TO THE FUTURE. Additional guests in Season 9 include: Debbie Harry (Apr 22); Don Felder (Apr 29); Robbie Robertson (May 6); Ian Anderson (May 13); Don McLean (May 20). After a 7.5-month break, THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH DAN RATHER returned with new episodes on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on AXS TV, with: Perry Farrell (Jan 6); Luke Combs (Jan 13); Regina King (Jan 20); and Randy and Mary Travis (Jan 27).

On Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, AXS TV premieres the ninth season of THE BIG INTERVIEW. Season 9 begins with six all-new episodes featuring a diverse slate of artists and entertainers, with a special focus on musical families. Each episode was filmed remotely due to the pandemic, utilizing both Zoom and in-person camera teams, and puts the spotlight on candid conversations with entertainment icons and influencers as they open up about their legendary lives and acclaimed careers. The season kicks off on April 14 with Hillary Scott of the chart-topping Country band Lady A and her husband, drummer Chris Tyrrell. The couple reflects on their 10-year-relationship (which was the inspiration behind the group's smash hit "Just A Kiss"), the band's decision to change their name, and raising their three daughters. Other Season 9 highlights include hip-hop trailblazer Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz of the influential New York trio Beastie Boys and his wife Kathleen Hanna, frontwoman of Bikini Kill and the punk rock pioneer who helped give life to the Riot Grrrl Movement (Apr 21); and Creedence Clearwater Revival founder John Fogerty and his children, Shane, Tyler, and Kelsy, who banded together last year to perform CCR favorites and other hits for a new family album Fogerty's Factory (Apr 28). The season continues on May 5 with Jason Isbell -- who achieved success both as a member of the Drive-By Truckers and as a solo artist -- and his wife Amanda Shires, singer, songwriter and violinist who has collaborated with some of the music industry's biggest names. Then, Rather welcomes hit-making rap superstar Lil Jon to the show, joined by his son Slade, the highly in-demand DJ who is putting his own spin on the club scene (May 12). Season 9 comes to a close with a pair of rockers, as soulful songstress Michelle Branch and her multi-talented husband Patrick Carney, of The Black Keys, sit down to discuss their lives and careers.
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On Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, AXS TV premiered the spring finale of THE BIG INTERVIEW, soulful songstress Michelle Branch and her multi-talented husband Patrick Carney, of The Black Keys. Dan chats with the duo about their family, influences, and their recent collaborations in the studio.