If you’re a fan of political dramas like The West Wing, you’re in for a treat! This genre offers captivating storylines, complex characters, and intense political intrigue. Here are 18 TV shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. House of Cards
query=House+of+Cards’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=House+of+Cards
House of Cards follows the ruthless political ascent of Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey. Robin Wright co-stars as his equally ambitious wife, Claire. The show is filled with power plays, manipulation, and backdoor deals.
2. Scandal
query=Scandal’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Scandal
In Scandal, Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope, a crisis manager who handles political scandals. The series delves into the personal and professional lives of those in Washington, D.C., blending drama with high-stakes political maneuvering.
3. The Newsroom
query=The+Newsroom’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Newsroom
The Newsroom provides an inside look at a fictional news network, focusing on anchor Will McAvoy, portrayed by Jeff Daniels. The show explores the challenges of modern journalism and the ethical dilemmas faced by the news team.
4. Madam Secretary
query=Madam+Secretary’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Madam+Secretary
Madam Secretary stars Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned Secretary of State. The series combines political drama with personal stories, showcasing the complexities of international diplomacy.
5. Designated Survivor
query=Designated+Survivor’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Designated+Survivor
In Designated Survivor, Kiefer Sutherland plays Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who becomes President after an attack on the Capitol. The show follows his struggle to lead the nation through crisis and rebuild the government.
6. Veep
query=Veep’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Veep
Veep is a political satire starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, a fictional Vice President and later President. The series hilariously portrays the absurdities and chaos of political life in Washington, D.C.
7. The Good Wife
query=The+Good+Wife’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Good+Wife
The Good Wife features Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick, a lawyer returning to the workforce after a scandal involving her husband, a former State’s Attorney. The show combines legal drama with political intrigue.
8. The Crown
query=The+Crown’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Crown
The Crown chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, with Claire Foy and Olivia Colman portraying the monarch at different stages of her life. The series delves into the political and personal challenges faced by the British royal family.
9. Homeland
query=Homeland’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Homeland
Homeland stars Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison, a CIA officer battling terrorism and her own mental health issues. The series is known for its intense plot twists and deep exploration of political and security issues.
10. The Americans
query=The+Americans’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Americans
The Americans follows two KGB spies, played by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, posing as an American couple during the Cold War. The show is a gripping blend of espionage, family drama, and political tension.
11. Boss
query=Boss’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Boss
Boss stars Kelsey Grammer as Tom Kane, the powerful and ruthless mayor of Chicago. The series explores his political machinations and personal struggles as he battles a degenerative neurological disorder.
12. Borgen
query=Borgen’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Borgen
Borgen is a Danish political drama centered around Birgitte Nyborg, played by Sidse Babett Knudsen, who becomes the first female Prime Minister of Denmark. The show offers a realistic look at the complexities of political leadership.
13. The Thick of It
query=The+Thick+of+It’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Thick+of+It
The Thick of It is a British political satire that follows the inner workings of the government. Peter Capaldi stars as Malcolm Tucker, a foul-mouthed spin doctor, navigating the chaotic world of politics.
14. Political Animals
query=Political+Animals’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Political+Animals
Political Animals features Sigourney Weaver as Elaine Barrish, a former First Lady and Secretary of State. The miniseries delves into her political and personal life, offering a compelling look at the challenges faced by women in power.
15. The Man in the High Castle
query=The+Man+in+the+High+Castle’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Man+in+the+High+Castle
The Man in the High Castle is an alternate history drama based on Philip K. Dick’s novel. The series imagines a world where the Axis powers won World War II, and stars Alexa Davalos and Rufus Sewell.
16. State of Play
query=State+of+Play’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=State+of+Play
State of Play is a British political thriller that follows a journalist investigating the murder of a political researcher. The series stars John Simm, David Morrissey, and James McAvoy.
17. The Diplomat
query=The+Diplomat’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Diplomat
The Diplomat centers on the life of a British diplomat navigating international crises and political intrigue. The show stars Sophie Rundle and offers a gripping look at the world of diplomacy.
18. 24
query=24’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=24
24 stars Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent. The series is known for its real-time format and high-stakes action, as Bauer races against the clock to thwart terrorist threats.
