High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam is bringing one of the most talked-about interrogations in modern history to television screens. The eight-episode limited series stars Joel Kinnaman as CIA analyst John Nixon, the first American officer to question Saddam Hussein after his capture in December 2003. With the premiere just days away, here is everything you need to know about when and where to watch the first episode around the world.
What Is High Value Target The Hunt for Saddam About
The series is based on John Nixon’s 2016 memoir Debriefing the President. It follows Nixon’s search for answers as the United States struggled to understand what was happening in Iraq after the 2003 invasion. The story centers on the high-stakes exchanges between Nixon and Hussein, played by Waleed Zuaiter.
The show explores Nixon’s pursuit of answers from the former Iraqi leader about weapons of mass destruction and the far-reaching consequences of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The ensemble cast includes Lena Góra, Rebecca Night, Tom Berenger, Matt Barr, Paul Ryan, Christopher McDonald, Dar Salim, Ewan Miller and Talia Balsam.
When Does Episode 1 Premiere on TNT and HBO Max
TNT will air the first two episodes back-to-back on Sunday, September 13, 2026, starting at 9 PM ET/PT. Episode three follows on Monday, September 14 at 9 PM ET/PT. New episodes will continue on subsequent Sunday and Monday evenings, with the finale set for Sunday, October 4.
Viewers in the United States can also stream the series on HBO Max, which will carry the episodes alongside the TNT broadcast.
Exact Streaming Times for USA UK Canada Australia Germany France UAE and More
The 9 PM ET premiere translates to different local times depending on where you are watching. Here is a complete breakdown for major locations:
- United States (Eastern Time): Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 PM ET
- United States (Pacific Time): Sunday, September 13 at 6:00 PM PT
- Canada (Eastern Time): Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 PM ET
- United Kingdom (BST): Monday, September 14 at 2:00 AM BST
- Germany (CEST): Monday, September 14 at 3:00 AM CEST
- France (CEST): Monday, September 14 at 3:00 AM CEST
- UAE (GST): Monday, September 14 at 5:00 AM GST
- India (IST): Monday, September 14 at 6:30 AM IST
- Australia (AEST): Monday, September 14 at 11:00 AM AEST
These times apply to the TNT broadcast and the HBO Max streaming release in the United States. International viewers should check their local listings for exact availability in their region.
How to Watch in the Middle East and North Africa
Audiences across the Middle East and North Africa can watch the series exclusively on WATCH IT. The platform released the first two episodes on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, ahead of the TNT premiere. The series was filmed almost entirely in Egypt, with production taking place in January 2025 across locations including the Green Belt, West Airport, Prince Taz Palace, Al-Muizz Street, and the Media Production City.
Iraqi musician Youssef Abbas composed the series’ musical score. Director Leslie Greif said the production utilized Egypt’s large-scale capabilities to recreate both Iraqi and American settings.
Episode Schedule and Finale Date
The eight-episode season follows a two-night premiere pattern. Here is the complete schedule as announced by TNT:
- Episode 1 (Pilot): Sunday, September 13
- Episode 2 (Baghdad Burns): Sunday, September 13
- Episode 3 (Into the Red Zone): Monday, September 14
- Episode 4 (Blood Ties): Sunday, September 20
- Episode 5 (Ace of Spades): Monday, September 21
- Episode 6: Sunday, September 27
- Episode 7: Monday, September 28
- Episode 8 (Finale): Sunday, October 4
All episodes air at 9 PM ET/PT on TNT.
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Cast and Production Details
Joel Kinnaman leads the cast as John Nixon. The Swedish-American actor is known for his roles in For All Mankind and The Suicide Squad. Waleed Zuaiter, a Palestinian actor who appeared in Baghdad Central, plays Saddam Hussein.
The series is co-written and directed by Leslie Greif, an Emmy Award nominee. Executive producers include Alexander Rodnyansky, Jason Sarlanis, Sam Linsky, Stuart Manashil, Michael Kupisk, Tamer Mortada and Greif. The production companies are AR Content, Big Dreams Entertainment and Aroma Studios in association with WatchIt.
Jason Sarlanis, President of Turner Networks, said in a statement: “TNT has always been home to bold, character-driven drama, and High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam is exactly that. John Nixon found himself in a singular position at a pivotal moment in modern history – face-to-face with Saddam Hussein as the world sought answers about a war that would reshape the Middle East”.
Director Leslie Greif added: “This story is ripped from the headlines and is as urgent and relevant today as it was 20 years ago. Joel gives a fearless, deeply-human performance that is one of the best of his career”.
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