Politics makes up for great entertainment, which is why news is one of the most consumed media. As humans, we are born to survive, and survival often requires manipulating almost everything, from relationships to work to personal morals and values.
Stories of survival are the ones we most relate to because it feels like someone simply put a mirror in front of us – it feels real; it feels us, somehow, in all the drama, climax, action, emotion, and intensity of human survival. And that is where the best political TV shows hook you on!
Political entertainment on TV is all about delivering an agenda set on the premise of news, current affairs, gossip, scoops, and everything in between to satisfy your most cardinal need to relate—with ethical dilemmas, leadership, the feeling of power, and being in control. If you are a fan of politics or love to dig into interesting stories, these top 10 political dramas promise to provide you with everything you need. A story, an agenda, and the action!
The West Wing (1999–2006)
Creator: Aaron Sorkin
Set in the West Wing of the White House, this political drama, spanning across seven seasons, focuses on the administration of President Josiah Bartlet. It looks into the personal lives of the President and his senior staff as they deal with the task at hand — running the world’s most powerful country from the west wing of the most powerful building on earth.
The drama takes center stage each day as personal ambitions and personalities clash when making hard policy decisions, questioning one’s ethical and moral dilemmas in a very real, intimate manner.
What Makes It Stand Out: The show is known for its fast-paced dialogue, intricate plots, and a blend of drama and humor. As the series progresses, you will come to personally relate with the characters, their choices, and their circumstances within the overarching arc of American politics. The writing is sharp and witty, with a political commentary that rings true even in today’s American political landscape! You’ll be binge-watching this for sure.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Max, and Hulu
The Crown (2016–Present)
Creator: Peter Morgan
This critically acclaimed series explores the politics of monarchy. Set in the time of Queen Elizabeth II, it takes a microscope at the private lives of the British royal family, which on the outside is a beacon of power dictating the political showcase of Britain but on the inside, a regular family with its share of marital tensions, sibling rivalry, and jealous cousins.
What Makes It Stand Out: Watch this for the love of the British monarchy that defined power for most of the 20th century. The show is historically accurate in the case of many public events. However, interpersonal conversations are made up to offer you a different view of all the pivotal moments in history. It has done great justice to individual character arcs and story writing that is meticulously detailed. Each episode feels posh, with beautiful sets and costume designs. It gives a true feel of aristocracy and royalty in Britain.
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Diplomat (2023–Present)
Creator: Debora Cahn
A newly appointed U.S. ambassador to the UK is in the spotlight as she uses her wit and charm to defuse a high-stakes international crisis. But that is not all, she has to manage her public image while keeping his career-ambassador husband in check. The series follows Kate Wyler as she absorbs the pressure of her new job while grappling with his husband’s infidelity.
What Makes It Stand Out: Two words: great storytelling and strong acting. The show looks at how power, rules, and personal issues mix together in the backdrop of real-world problems. The tonality of the show, the characters, and their stories keep you interested. The writing is sharp, and the show’s modern feel gives it a new take on the genre. It’s definitely worth watching.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Borgen (2010–2013, 2022–Present)
Creator: Adam Price
Borgen chronicles Birgitte Nyborg’s rise from her early days as a minor centrist politician to Denmark’s first female prime minister. Along the way, the show explores how Birgitte handles her family life, societal expectations, and political challenges—all of which come at a very personal cost.
What Makes It Stand Out: Watch this for its beautiful portrayal of gender dynamics in politics and family. It is a refreshing take on the cost of power — the more you rise, the more compromises you have to make for your family. The show eventually explores the question of living a public life, the pressures of a public office, and whether all of it is worth it. The show is well-written and focuses on a variety of social issues, and ethical problems that will make you feel inspired. It strikes a beautiful balance between melodrama and soap opera.
Where to Watch: Netflix
House of Cards (2013–2018)
Creator: Beau Willimon
Frank and Claire Underwood are a power couple looking to climb the political ladder in Washington, D.C., and they will stop at nothing to reach the very top. As unchecked ambition takes over, clouding the moral compass, manipulation and deceit take center stage in this six-season drama series.
What Makes It Stand Out: The show is a masterclass in political strategy and manipulation, making it a must-watch for fans of intense drama. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are pure class, delivering an epic performance that is dark and compelling. Watch this show for its ruthlessness in politics and a very real take on corruption, ambition, and betrayal that is sure to keep the viewers on the edge.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Designated Survivor (2016–2019)
Creator: David Guggenheim
After a devastating attack during the State of the Union address leaves almost everyone in the government dead, the onus falls on one guy to keep the government running — a low-level cabinet member, Thomas Kirkman. Easily dismissed not to last a day, Kirkman defies the odds to lead the nation from a loss of epic proportions. What follows is a show of resilience, courage, leadership, and doing what’s right no matter the cost.
What Makes It Stand Out: It is a story of an underdog — defying the odds and standing the ground when everyone around you is rooting for you to fall. The plot story may not be easy to digest, as it tells of a freak event that cannot materialize in modern times. However, the storytelling is fantastic and evokes a sense of patriotism, with Kirkman delivering a compelling performance that mixes political drama with personal struggles.
Where to Watch: Netflix and ABC Network
Veep (2012–2019)
Creator: Armando Iannucci
This satire comedy series follows Vice President Selina Meyer and her team as they embrace the wild and often ridiculous world of U.S. politics — the pettiness, chaos, and ego clashes that are all too common in political life.
What Makes It Stand Out: Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ award-winning performance and sharp humor make Veep a must-watch. The show’s witty take on politics is both funny and smart. It humorously delivers the clumsiness and vanity of its characters, offering a fun contrast to more serious political dramas.
Where to Watch: HBO, Max, and Amazon Prime
The Thick of It (2005–2012)
Creator: Armando Iannucci
A sharp British satire peeks at the operations in government offices and the hectic lives of political spin doctors. It shows all the mess-ups, mixed signals, and chances people grab behind the scenes to make political considerations.
What Makes It Stand Out: Fans of satire need to see this because it’s loaded with raw jokes and sharp remarks on the madness and inability you don’t see in politics. The quick chat and keen humor guarantee giggles but also give you a real peek at what goes on in a government.
Where to Watch: BritBox, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer
Scandal (2012–2018)
Creator: Shonda Rhimes
Olivia Pope is a political fixer in Washington, D.C., handling high-profile scandals and deals while managing her complex personal life. The series mixes political secrets with personal issues, making it thrilling and binge-worthy.
What Makes It Stand Out: The show thrives thanks to Kerry Washington’s strong performance as Olivia Pope. Watch this for its intense political drama, unexpected twists, moral dilemmas, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps you hooked. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, perfect for anyone who loves a good drama.
Where to Watch: Hulu and Disney+
Madam Secretary (2014–2019)
Creator: Barbara Hall
Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst, professor, and mother of three, reluctantly accepts the position of Secretary of State. What follows is the balancing act required to manage personal and professional responsibilities while juggling international diplomacy and everyday crises.
What Makes It Stand Out: Featuring a strong female lead and well-balanced storytelling, this series highlights the complexities of global politics with authenticity at its heart. Its emphasis on diplomacy and problem-solving makes it a unique addition to the genre.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix
Honorable Mentions: Shows Worth Watching That Didn’t Make It to Our List!
There are a few more shows that are equally worth watching if you’ve got some spare time. While they are intense and take your emotions in a whirlwind, some of these shows are a limited series. Take a look if you might be interested in any.
The Newsroom (2012–2014)
Creator: Aaron Sorkin
The Newsroom is a gripping drama series centered around a hot-shot anchor, Will McAvoy, and his pursuit of truth, justice, and integrity in journalism. This will particularly be a treat to watch for all Political Science majors with a focus on journalism as the show gives you a lens into the chaos of producing a news program that covers real-world events. The ensemble cast led by Jeff Daniels truly delivers an excellent social commentary, with witty and sharp-tongued dialogues that are the way of modern journalism.
Where to Watch: Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime
Bodyguard (2018)
Creator: Jed Mercurio
This limited series on Netflix follows a war veteran assigned to protect a politician—the same one who pushed his country into war. With his loyalties disputed, protecting the politician takes a toll on him emotionally and physically. Watch this show for its action-packed themes of counterterrorism, espionage, the government’s misuse of power regarding privacy, and war veterans suffering from PTSD.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Final Say
The shows suggested here are how real it gets to reel life. Politics is in our genes, it is personal, and it is a means that justifies all our ends. These shows do not just depict humanity in all its goodness, they show the bad and the ugly and all that makes sense to us.
Watch these for the range of emotions they engage in, the drama, the laughter, the action, the thrill, and the suspense that will hook you to your screens. Also, do not forget to comment if you think any other series should make the cut or give us your pick for the next top 10.
