Buzz
As the intensity of the 2016 election unfolds, now is the perfect time to step away from live news and immerse yourself in some of the most compelling fictional political dramas. While traditional broadcasters once avoided politically charged content, the rise of cable and streaming platforms has allowed such shows to thrive. Beyond entertainment, these series offer profound reflections on our political systems, shedding light on the inner workings of local and national governance. Here are 10 political TV series to enjoy once you've had enough of cable news.
1. TANNER '88 (1988)
Where to watch it: HBO Now, Hulu
Directed by Robert Altman and co-created by Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau, Tanner ’88 is a mockumentary chronicling the journey of fictional Michigan Congressman Jack Tanner (Michael Murphy) as he campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination. Filmed on location in Iowa and New Hampshire, the series features appearances by real-life political figures like Bob Dole, Pat Robertson, Jesse Jackson, and Gary Hart. Its enduring relevance lies in its sharp satire of how television was transforming elections into overly staged and artificial events. Through Tanner’s ironic slogan, “For Real,” the show cleverly critiques the spectacle-driven nature of modern politics.
2. THE WEST WING (1999-2006)
Where to watch it: Amazon, Netflix
Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed White House drama presents an idealized portrayal of the president (Martin Sheen) and his team. Departing from the typical depiction of self-serving politicians, The West Wing portrays its characters as well-meaning individuals dedicated to public service. Covering topics ranging from Supreme Court appointments to counterterrorism and federal budget crises, the series remains strikingly relevant to contemporary political discourse. Its innovative storytelling includes a semi-improvised episode featuring a debate between Democrat Matthew Santos (Jimmy Smits) and Republican Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda), offering a compelling exploration of contrasting governmental philosophies.
3. THE WIRE (2002-2008)
Where to watch it: Amazon, HBO Now
David Simon’s masterful series delves into Baltimore’s drug trade, presenting a multifaceted view that includes law enforcement, dealers, and users, all impacted by systemic issues that perpetuate the marginalization of the black underclass. The Wire
4. PARKS AND RECREATION (2009-2015)
Where to watch it: Hulu, Netflix
Initially, Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope in this beloved NBC mockumentary sitcom comes across as an overzealous and somewhat clueless small-town official. However, her character evolves into a savvy and endearing advocate for the impact of local government. Her dynamic with Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), a staunch libertarian who paradoxically supports her, adds depth to the show. Parks and Recreation cleverly parodies real-world political events, such as Michael Bloomberg’s soda tax and Scott Walker’s recall, while featuring guest appearances by notable figures like Vice President Joe Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
5. VEEP (2012-PRESENT)
Where to watch it: Amazon, HBO Now
Developed by Armando Iannucci, the mind behind the British political satire The Thick of It, Veep stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, a charming yet largely ineffective Vice President. The series offers a scathing critique of Washington’s bureaucratic machinations and cutthroat ambition, as Selina’s team vies for influence and approval. In stark contrast to the idealistic portrayal of governance in The West Wing, the characters in Veep are motivated solely by self-interest, prioritizing optics over actual accomplishments. With a stellar cast led by Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale, and Anna Chlumsky, the show delivers one of the most incisive takes on American politics.
6. HOUSE OF CARDS (2013-PRESENT)
Where to watch it: Netflix
Inspired by a 1990 British miniseries, House of Cards became a groundbreaking Netflix original, starring Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood, a ruthless politician who schemes, deceives, and eliminates rivals in his relentless quest for power. Often likened to Shakespeare’s Richard III, the show portrays Underwood’s intricate vendettas against both personal and political foes. Spacey’s direct addresses to the audience, breaking the fourth wall, draw viewers into his cunning machinations, making them complicit in his actions.
7. SCANDAL (2012-PRESENT)
Where to watch it: ABC.com, Amazon, Hulu, Netflix
Though some critics label Scandal as overly dramatic, Shonda Rhimes’ hit series delivers a glamorous and gripping portrayal of political intrigue and ambition. Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope, a crisis manager who, along with her team of “Gladiators,” resolves scandals for elite clients. Her complicated relationship with President Fitzgerald Grant adds layers of tension, while the show explores themes of power and morality. Notable episodes, like season four’s “The Lawn Chair,” address pressing issues such as police brutality, and season one delves into the controversy of rigged voting machines.
8. THE AMERICANS (2013-PRESENT)
Where to watch it: Amazon
Set during the height of the Cold War in the early 1980s, The Americans follows Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, two KGB operatives posing as a married couple in suburban Washington. While spying on the U.S. government, they raise two children unaware of their parents' true identities. The series delves into the emotional strain of living a double life—balancing work, family, and relationships—while maintaining a facade. It also offers a thought-provoking reflection on modern issues like surveillance, espionage, and counterterrorism tactics.
9. THE GOOD WIFE (2009-2016)
Where to watch it: Amazon, CBS All Access, Hulu
This intricate legal drama centers on Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies), a lawyer who returns to her career after her husband, a disgraced politician, is embroiled in a scandal. As Florrick campaigns for State’s Attorney, she faces moral dilemmas about how far she’s willing to go to win. Beyond its political intrigue, the show offers a nuanced exploration of the legal system, tackling complex cases with depth and intelligence. One standout episode involves Florrick defending a client injured by a 3D-printed gun, raising questions about liability and innovation. The Good Wife masterfully addresses timely and intricate legal issues.
10. SHOW ME A HERO (2015)
Where to watch it: HBO Now
This miniseries, helmed by David Simon, creator of The Wire, chronicles the real-life struggles of Yonkers mayor Nick Wasicsko (Oscar Isaac) as he battles to enforce a federal mandate for public housing desegregation. Facing fierce opposition from the city’s white, middle-class population, the series highlights the tension and resistance to integration. Like The Wire and The Good Wife, Show Me a Hero delves into the complexities of local governance, exposing the flaws in urban political systems. Isaac delivers a compelling performance as Wasicsko, one of the youngest mayors in U.S. history, while Catherine Keener excels as Mary Dorman, a resident who evolves from opposing desegregation to understanding its necessity.
