5 TV Shows That Made Politics Compelling
This year’s over-the-top presidential campaign may be a ratings magnet, but politics can be a tough sell in primetime. (Example: CBS’s summer flop BrainDead.) Madam Secretary and ABC’s new hit Designated Survivor are bucking the trend, and here are five shows that got our vote as the best (political) party animals of all time.
The West Wing
(1999–2006)
Where to Watch
iTunes, Netflix
Why It Got Our Vote
Aaron Sorkin’s impassioned, idealized vision of the Oval Office soared with witty rhetoric. We still miss President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his fabulously entertaining staff.
Veep
(2012–present)
Where to Watch
Amazon Prime, HBO Go, HBO Now, iTunes
Why It Got Our Vote
As brutally, hilariously cynical as The West Wing was high-minded, HBO’s unforgiving satire shows Washington at its incompetent worst. That’s why we love it.
House of Cards
(2013–present)
Where to Watch
iTunes, Netflix
Why It Got Our Vote
Devilishly enjoyable intrigue, as an unscrupulous congressman (Kevin Spacey) schemes his way to the top. And the original 1990 British miniseries (on Netflix) is even better.
Tanner ’88 (1988)
Where to Watch
HuluWhy It Got Our Vote
Robert Altman and Doonesbury’s Garry Trudeau used actual politicians and journalists to ground this fascinating dramedy about a fictional contender (Michael Murphy) in reality.
The Good Wife
(2009–2016)
Where to Watch
Amazon Prime, CBS All Access, Hulu, iTunes
Why It Got Our Vote
No show has more convincingly or enjoyably revealed the private toll that being in public life takes on flawed players with great ambitions.
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