What happens when an ordinary government official suddenly becomes president? Designated Survivor explores that scenario through Tom Kirkman, a relatively low-ranking cabinet member who becomes President of the United States after a devastating attack kills the president and much of Congress. He must rebuild the government while investigating the conspiracy behind the attack. The political thriller provides an entertaining mix of political drama, action, and witty dialogue. | © ABC Studios
Alpha House is a political satire show that follows four Republican senators who share a rented house in Washington, D.C. Away from the Senate floor, the politicians deal with campaign pressures, personal relationships, and the occasional questionable decision. Starring John Goodman, this show uses the bizarre living arrangement to poke fun at eccentricities of American political culture and the personalities behind the country's legislative process. | © Amazon Studios
We know that Parks and Recreation isn't exactly the first show that comes to mind when you think of political TV shows, but that's the beauty of it. Not every great political show needs to revolve around presidents and international crises, some take a more lighthearted approach. It follows enthusiastic local government employee Leslie Knope as she tries to improve her community in the town of Pawnee. Alongside memorable supporting characters, the mockumentary series finds plenty of comedy in bureaucracy, elections, meetings, and the everyday challenges of small-town government. | © Universal Television
One of Britain's most celebrated political comedies, Yes Minister follows newly appointed government minister Jim Hacker as he attempts to implement his policies. Unfortunately, his plans regularly clash with the interests of other career civil servants, particularly Sir Humphrey Appleby. Through clever dialogue and hilarious political maneuvering, the series dissects bureaucracy and the complicated relationship between elected officials and public servants. | © BBC
Based on Philip K. Dick's novel, The Man in the High Castle imagines an alternate reality in which Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan won World War II and divided control of the United States. The dystopian series follows several characters living under these oppressive regimes as resistance movements begin to emerge. Its exploration of authoritarian governments, propaganda, and control makes it an especially chilling political drama. | © Amazon Studios/Scott Free Productions
Madam Secretary centers on Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst who becomes the United States Secretary of State. In her new role, she must handle diplomatic crises, international conflicts, and complicated negotiations while also managing her challenging family life. The political drama series offers a look at the challenges of American foreign policy and the responsibilities that come with one of the most influential positions in government. | © Revelations Entertainment/CBS Television Studios
Kelsey Grammer delivers a very different kind of performance in Boss, playing Tom Kane, the powerful and ruthless mayor of Chicago. Behind his pristine public image, Kane is secretly dealing with Lewy body dementia while trying to maintain control over his political empire. It's an explosive series that explores corruption, ambition, and the disastrous cost of holding onto power. | © Lionsgate Television
Scandal revolves around Olivia Pope, a crisis management expert who specializes in protecting powerful people from public embarrassment. Her work frequently brings her into contact with the White House, where political calamity, secret relationships, and dangerous conspiracies threaten to destroy people and their professional careers. The show also capitalizes on cliffhanger moments, making it rather addictive television for some. | © ABC Studios/Shondaland
The Thick of It is a British political comedy takes a brutally funny look at the chaos behind government operations. At the center is Malcolm Tucker, an aggressive government communications director at the fictional Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship who spends much of his time dealing with incompetent politicians and catastrophic media situations. Known for its fast-paced dialogue and biting humor, it's a show that offers a rather satirical perspective on politics. | © BBC
This political thriller follows Kate Wyler, an experienced American diplomat who is unexpectedly appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom during an international crisis. While trying to prevent a diplomatic disaster, she must also navigate complicated relationships with British officials and her politically influential husband. Ultimately, The Diplomat is a gripping show that does a phenomenal job of combining international politics, sharp dialogue, and personal drama into one entertaining package. | © Netflix
Borgen is a Danish drama that follows Birgitte Nyborg, a relatively unknown politician who unexpectedly becomes Denmark's prime minister. As she adjusts to her new position, she must balance political negotiations, media scrutiny, family responsibilities, and the demands of governing a country. Its nuanced storytelling, realistic political conflicts, and flawed characters earned the show international recognition as one of the finest political dramas in recent times. | © DR Drama/SAM Productions
Instead of portraying politicians as inspirational public servants, Veep presents them as insecure, self-serving individuals who constantly try to protect nothing but their careers. The comedy follows Selina Meyer, a vice president who finds herself dealing with political disasters, office rivalries, and embarrassing public appearances. In a standout role, Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivers an outstanding performance, which helped make the show one of television's sharpest political satires. | © HBO Entertainment
Few political shows are as ruthless as House of Cards. The drama follows Frank Underwood, a calculating politician who uses manipulation, blackmail, and betrayal to climb the political ladder and fulfill his insatiable aspirations. Alongside his equally ambitious wife, Claire, Frank stops at almost nothing to gain and maintain power. We appreciate its extremely dark portrayal of Washington politics, snappy dialogue, and fourth-wall breaking. Of course, we can't ignore that the final season was dismal, following Kevin Spacey's departure. | © Netflix/Trigger Street Productions
The Crown offers a fascinating look at the relationship between Britain's monarchy and its elected government. Spanning several decades, the series explores Queen Elizabeth II's reign and her interactions with numerous prime ministers, including Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Its portrayal of political tensions and national crises is gripping from start to finish. On top of that, Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton deliver exceptional performances as the monarch over the years. | © Sony Pictures Television/Left Bank Pictures
Widely regarded as one of the greatest political dramas ever made, The West Wing gives a look inside the White House during the fictional presidency of Josiah Bartlet. The series follows his administration as staff members navigate political controversies, international crises, policy debates, and personal challenges. As a whole, its sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and rather idealistic approach to public service made it a television classic. | © John Wells Productions/Warner Bros. Television
Politics has always made compelling television. Over the years, the intense election campaigns, behind-the-scenes power struggles, government conspiracies, and the personal lives of those running the country have delivered some incredible political TV series that explore how power works and what people are willing to do to get it. That said, here are 15 of the best political TV shows you can watch right now.
