Plot Synopsis

Each 60-minute episode of FACING tackles the myths, legends and truths behind powerful headline-makers, including Pablo Escobar, Saddam Hussein, Suge Knight, Vladimir Putin and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Through first-person interviews with those who "faced" them -- their adversaries, allies, peers and those in their inner circle -- along with select journalists and those affected by their actions, good and bad, this series offers a sometimes startling perspective on these modern icons. Interviewees include: Steve Murphy, Javier Pena and Joe Toft, the real-life DEA agents depicted in the Netflix series NARCOS; John Jairo 'Popeye' Velasquez, Escobar's No. 1 hitman; musicians Vanilla Ice and The D.O.C.; Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie, who was tortured by Saddam Hussein and then later oversaw his execution; award-winning journalist Dan Rather; Pussy Riot co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova; former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates; action stars Carl Weathers and Lou Ferrigno; international photographer Platon; film director Ivan Reitman; and more.
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On Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT, Nat Geo premiered FACING SCHWARZENEGGER, the season finale of the series. From bodybuilder to blockbuster action star to politician, this episode takes an unabashed look at the life of a man who followed his dreams. Hear from actor and retired bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno; COMMANDO co-star Rae Dawn Chong; action star Carl Weathers; producer and director Ivan Reitman; Schwarzenegger's former training partner Ric Drasin; and Rep. Tom McClintock, who ran against Schwarzenegger for California governor.