Chicago Week in Review premiered on January 20, 1978. For 35 years, host Joel Weisman and his panel of guest journalists have taken WTTW viewers behind the headlines of the top stories of the week. Politics, of course, has always been a staple of the show. Here we have collected some programs broadcast around key political events of the past 35 years, along with a few others.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

In this web extra edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Joel Weisman turns the tables and lets his guests ask him questions.

He's been bringing you the "Week in Review" for 35 years. We celebrate and reminisce with Joel Weisman about this historic milestone.

Visit THE WEEK IN REVIEW: 35TH ANNIVERSARY to watch vintage "Week In Review" shows from the past 35 years.

Weisman Tries Out For WTTW Job

Joel Weisman talks with John Callaway in this 1974 audition tape produced prior to Weisman being hired to work on WTTW’s Public News Center.

Byrne Beats Bilandic

In this special edition of Chicago Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his guests discuss Jane Byrne’s shocking victory over incumbent Mayor Michael Bilandic in the Democratic mayoral primary.

Local Politics

David Axelrod, architect of President Obama’s election victories, then a Chicago Tribune reporter, is among the guests in this discussion of city, county and state politics, as is Chicago Tonight’s Carol Marin.

Harold Washington Wins Primary

Harold Washington beats Mayor Jane Byrne and Richard M. Daley in the Democratic primary for mayor.

Harold Washington Elected Mayor

Harold Washington becomes Chicago’s first African-American mayor by beating Republican Bernard Epton in the general election.

Harold Washington Dies

Mayor Harold Washington dies, leaving a lasting legacy and creating at least temporary chaos as various factions line up to back possible replacements.

Chicago Week in Review @20

This special edition of Chicago Week in Review recounts some of the most memorable stories and guests from the first two decades of the program.

George Ryan Arrested

Less than a year after leaving office, former Gov. George Ryan is arrested and charged with corruption.

Barack Obama Elected President

The historic election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

Rod Blagojevich Arrested

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is arrested at his home and charged with trying to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat, among other crimes.