7.8
Where can I stream Tanner '88 legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Tanner '88
1988·Show
Tanner '88 fingerprint
Very funny, masterful craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Nostalgia6
- Catharsis5
- Pathos4
Humor
Plenty of satire and sharp wit
- Satire & Parody10
- Wit & Wordplay8
- Situational Comedy5
World
Politics, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Novelty10
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Sound Centrality7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Tanner '88 is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
Very highPlenty of satire and sharp wit
Expect plenty of satire and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody10Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay8Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighPolitics, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around politics, society, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Politics10Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative9Stories about storytelling.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
For real.
In 1988, renegade filmmaker Robert Altman and Pulitzer Prize–winning Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau created a presidential candidate, ran him alongside the other hopefuls during the primary season, and presented their media campaign as a cross between a soap opera and TV news. The result was the groundbreaking Tanner ’88, a piercing satire of media-age American politics.
Political SatireMockumentaryGroundbreaking TVMedia CriticismElection DramaRobert AltmanSharp DialogueMeta-CommentaryPeriod Piece
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Tanner '88
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Tanner '88 worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 89%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Tanner '88 rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How many seasons does Tanner '88 have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 12 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on Tanner '88?
Critics89
Audiences78
Not quite. Critics rate Tanner '88 higher (89) than audiences (78). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did Tanner '88 air?
S1
It ran from 1988 to 1988 and has ended.
What language is Tanner '88 in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Tanner '88?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Tanner '88 in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.