10 Must-Watch Political Dramas To Stream Right Now
There would be nothing like a political drama series to get you addicted and give you something binge on. Be it a series inspired by true events or a fictional story of a heroic personality, a great political drama can show us some complicated aspects of humanity through its gripping plot and impactful storytelling. Political drama has become a TV genre as popular as politics itself, with plenty of hilarious as well as thrilling shows. If there is something that politics has always taught us, it is that you can’t make everyone happy all of the time. This applies to political dramas, as not all the shows would be appealing to everyone. So, to make your task easier, we have narrowed it down to some of the best political dramas that you should stream right now.
Designated Survivor is a gripping political thriller series created by David Guggenheim. It revolves around a true government backup in the US in which Thomas Kirkman, a low-level Cabinet member, becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic explosion kills everyone ahead of him in the presidential line of succession. He is chosen to stay at an undisclosed secured location, away from events such as State of the Union addresses and presidential inaugurations.
Created by Jed Mercurio, Bodyguard is a contemporary political thriller series set around the corridors of power. The series tells the fictional story of David Budd, a heroic but volatile war veteran now working as a Specialist Protection Officer for the Royalty and Specialist Branch of London’s Metropolitan Police Service. Budd finds himself torn between his duty and a few other distractions as he is assigned as the principal protection officer (PPO) for the ambitious and powerful Home Secretary Julia Montague, whose politics he despises.
One of the best political dramas of all time, rhis six-part spy-thriller by Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard is based on the intensely secretive world of intelligence and the enigmatic US/Australia joint defense facility in central Australia. Loosely based on a true story, with Pine Gap quite literally a US satellite surveillance base, the series delves into the famously strong alliance between the two countries. The show itself follows the real lives of the analysts at Pine Gap and the crumbling relationship that begins to separate the historically strong alliance.
The first political comedy-drama on the list, The Politician follows the story of Payton Hobart, a wealthy Santa Barbara student. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan each season of the series revolves around a different political race involving Hobart. Having been born into a rich family, Payton was sure that he was going to be President, but he had to navigate the most treacherous political landscape of all: high school.
Secret City is a political thriller based on the bestselling novels The Marmalade Files, The Mandarin Code, and The Shadow Game by Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis. Set in the “Secret City” that lies beneath the placid facade of Canberra, amidst rising tension between China and America. Senior political journalist Harriet Dunkley uncovers dangerous deals, interlocked conspiracies, divided loyalties, lies and opportunism that are putting danger in the innocent lives of “Secret City.” Secret City is a bit of an underrated series but is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Those who love intriguing Scandinavian shows shouldn’t be missing this multi-award-winning Danish political drama series by Adam Price. This landmark Nordic Noir drama revolves around the shocking turn of events that puts Birgitte Nyborg as the first female Prime Minister of Denmark, and the machinations of those within and outside her circle. Compelling political intrigue combined with unexpected twists and turns, Borgen is sure to keep you more on your couch.
Created by Armando Iannucci, Veep is HBO’s long-running political satire comedy series that is blended with a worthy yet uneven final stretch of episodes. The hilarious series revolves around the whirlwind day-to-day existence of the US Vice President Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Each episode focuses on her political fires, public juggles, and private demands and defense for the interests of the chief executive, with whom she shares a uniquely dysfunctional relationship.
Parks and Recreation is a political satire mockumentary series created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. The series started its run as a fairly typical mirror of The Office, but became one of the best sitcoms of all time with the release of its third season. Parks and Recreation tops the list of classic sitcoms with its perfect and equally important cast. The show has has flourished this year for its unique and interesting characters.
Created by David Simon, The Wire is a political crime drama series for HBO that revolves around the Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement officers. The series expands its social canvas through each season, with the police department, politicians, school teachers and journalists getting locked in a vicious cycle of high-minded ideals beaten down by harsh realities. It is a great work of art that portrays a deeply pessimistic big picture.
The West Wing is a political drama series created by Aaron Sorkin that revolves around the lives of staffers in the West Wing of the White House. It is about everything that the current American politics is not. The show centers around President Josiah “Jed” Bartlet, who has the folksiness of Jimmy Carter, the wide grin of Bill Clinton and the politics of an Episcopal priest. The West Wing is a great show to watch when reality’s politics goes awry, as it reminds you of the noble dream of what American politics could be if everyone was a little nicer to each other.
We hope that the political dramas on this list become your favourite! Do you think that this list should have some more titles? Let us know in the comment below?
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