5 Political TV Shows to Know
Take a Deep Dive into Episodic Series Set in Politics
Need a break from the news these days? Seems there's no better time than election week to explore scripted shows that are set in the world of politics. While these types of series run the gamut from classic network dramas, to edgy, bingeable thrillers and an array of satirical comedies, they each offer a unique perspective on power and government.
Since there are many political series out there, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where to start your viewing. Here’s a short list of pilots to put on your watch list. For the full impact of the subgenre, commit to watching all five.
The West Wing – Aaron Sorkin’s classic network drama casts an optimistic take on politics and is a nostalgic, if not sobering reminder of days gone by. While the show premiered in 1999, it’s still considered a television masterpiece, known for its incredibly well-defined characters, fast-paced dialogue and “walk and talk” scenes. You can read a draft of the pilot script here.
House of Cards – based on the 1990 BBC series of the same name, the reimagined Netflix version became the platform’s first major original series. The show is darkly satirical and designed for streaming, ending episodes on cliff hangers that have you clicking “Keep Watching” every time. Both the BBC and Netflix versions of the show feature the main protagonist, Francis Underwood, breaking the fourth wall. You can read the pilot script here.
Veep - Created by Simon Blackwell and Armando Iannucci, this satirical show is centered around Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a determined, self-centered politician who over the run of the series, ascends from Vice President to President. Selena and her quarelling staffers, who range from insanely loyal to completely self-absorbed, really deliver on this character-rich, messy, dark-ish workplace comedy. You can read the pilot script here.
Parks and Rec – This is small town politics, set in the Parks and Recreation Department of the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Created by Greg Daniels (The Office, King of the Hill) and Michael Schur (The Good Place, Brooklyn 99 and also The Office), the series is known for its mockumentary-style format, where characters often talk to camera confessional style. At the heart of the show is Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), the glass half-full, ambitious and passionate Deputy Director committed to improving her community. You can read the pilot script here.
Servant of the People – If you haven’t heard of this half-hour political satire set in the Ukraine by now, thanks to Netflix (and subtitles), it’s never too late. The show ran from 2015-19 and stars Volodymyr Zelenskyy (yes, that Volodymyr Zelenskyy), who plays Goloborodko, a divorced high school teacher who becomes president of the Ukraine. After a student posts a video of his angry outburst in class about government corruption and posts it online, it goes viral. Goloborodko is an average, honest man who is unexpectedly drawn into politics and stays in, optimistic and determined to create change in a resistant system. The comedy is a little corny at times, but overall it’s charming and though extremely heightened, a rare peek into Ukraine before the war. Don’t have the script, but you can read more about the series in this Atlantic article.
Additional shows set in politics that you may want to check out (some international) are: The Diplomat, Madam Secretary, Scandal, The Good Wife, The Thick of It, Yes Minister, Borgen, Designated Survivor and of course The Crown.