Political turmoil and humor could make for excellent tv. From these based mostly on actual life, like The Crown, to these with a fictional premise like Anatomy of a Scandal, telling the tales of political figures is a balancing act. These political exhibits on Netflix can re-contextualize lived realities, and shine new mild on tales that have been all the time regarded as true. Exhibits like Designated Survivor and The West Wing paved the way in which for a style of present that at greatest can encourage, and at worse, can repulse.
Netflix has an intensive catalog of political sequence that may encourage each hope and cynicism, able to stream. Politics isn’t for many who are afraid of drama. Those that have reached the peak of political energy did not get there by making pals. This lengthy recreation usually interprets properly onto the small display screen. Fiction or not, many political sequence which are featured on Netflix resonate with the true world.
18
‘The Whirlwind’ (2024 – )
Created by Park Kyung-soo
For audiences on the lookout for a recent political thriller, look no additional than The Whirlwind, a Korean restricted sequence about two politicians vying for energy. The 12-episode sequence stars Sul Kyung-gu as Prime Minister Park Dong-ho and Kim Hee-ae as Deputy Prime Minister Jeong Soo-jin. When Dong-ho’s plans to assassinate the present president fail, Soo-jin embarks on her personal agenda, an influence battle ensuing with the construction of South Korean politics hanging within the steadiness.
Viewers who thrive with strategic political video games and the chess strikes required to outwit the opposing aspect will discover The Whirlwind a passable stream…
The common runtime of every episode is round 48 minutes, making it a binge-able breeze to get by way of. Viewers who thrive with strategic political video games and the chess strikes required to outwit the opposing aspect will discover The Whirlwind a passable stream and a Korean drama sequence price recommending.
Watch on Netflix
17
‘Treason’ (2022)
Created by Matt Charman
Catering to followers of double-crossing spy thrillers, Treason suits the invoice to safe a spot as probably the greatest political sequence at present on Netflix. Charlie Cox stars as rising MI6 agent Adam Lawrence whose profession and notion of his actuality are about to be shattered when he’s reunited with Kara (Olga Kurylenko), a Russian agent with whom he shares a sophisticated previous. Adam now questions all the things he thought he knew about his profession and his life, questioning the place to go from right here.
A compelling and manageable 5 episodes, Treason is the TV model of the Oscar-winning espionage thriller, Bridge of Spies. The place the sequence succeeds is in its full immersion in a fictional storyline, permitting audiences to willingly droop perception to completely indulge in having fun with the suspense and style double-crossing tropes. – Ali Teske
Treason
- Launch Date
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2022 – 2021
- Writers
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Matt Charman, Amanda Duke
16
‘The Recruit’ (2022 – )
Created by Alexi Hawley
With a second season on the way in which, audiences craving espionage thrillers have time to binge-watch this dramatic political thriller. Recruited proper out of legislation faculty, legal professional Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo) joins the CIA and shortly turns into entangled within the throes of worldwide politics when a former CIA asset threatens to reveal the company’s long-term relationship together with her. The Recruit was halted after the primary season, delayed by the trade strikes, however the Netflix unique started filming its second season earlier this 12 months.
Critics and audiences flocked to this sequence throughout its premiere for a lot of causes, together with its breakout star, Noah Centineo, and its potential to exist with out taking itself too critically. Political dramas are steadily stone-cold, tackling critical topic issues whereas toeing the road of political beliefs. The Recruit caters to a brand new technology of viewers who hunt down relatable characters, like Owen, who match a brand new mildew within the style system. – Ali Teske
The Recruit
- Launch Date
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December 16, 2022
- Community
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Netflix
15
‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018)
Written by Kim Eun-sook
For political sequence audiences, Mr. Sunshine brings a departure from the style procedurals, infusing the only season with romance and drama. The Korean sequence stars Squid Sport‘s Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, an officer within the American navy who fled Korea as a boy through the Shinmiyangyo Incident in 1871. When he returns as an grownup, he falls for Ae-Sin (Kim Tae-ri), the daughter of a rich man; nevertheless, their relationship is sophisticated by the political panorama and efforts to colonize their homeland.
With just one season, Mr. Sunshine boasts a hefty 24 episodes, throughout an hour lengthy. A refreshing entry in Netflix’s political drama catalog, this Korean sequence requires dedication to binge however is price each hour spent watching a interval romance unfold throughout a historic political second. – Ali Teske
14
‘Your Honor’ (2020 – 2023)
Created by Peter Moffat
For followers of Breaking Unhealthy, streaming Your Honor brings one more satisfying Bryan Cranston efficiency rooted within the good, the unhealthy, and the corruption. The 2-season Showtime unique is at present on Netflix, detailing the blurring of moral and judicial strains by Choose Michael Desiato after his son is concerned in a deadly hit-and-run. Not only a courtroom drama, Your Honor dives into political corruption and the politics of organized crime when Desiato’s son by chance kills the son of a infamous mob boss.
In Cranston’s first main TV function since his iconic portrayal of Walter White, he dons one other character with constant morally grey selections earlier than succumbing to committing full-fledged crimes to guard his household. Your Honor tapered off with its stunning second season, however it’s a political crime drama greater than price a marathon on its new streaming house. – Ali Teske
13
‘Ingobernable’ (2017 – 2018)
Developed by Veronica Velasco, Epigmenio Ibarra, Natasha Ybarra-Klor
Ingobernable is a Mexican political drama, revolving across the fictional first girl of Mexico. Kate del Castillo offers a surprising efficiency as a lady in the course of the nation’s largest fictional political scandals. The present chronicles her lack of religion in establishments, in addition to her husband, and the next devastation.
Whereas the precise political conditions of Ingobernable could err barely on the fantastical aspect, it is a character-driven present that is enjoyable to observe for its wild experience. The political present begins with a literal bang, and actually by no means lets up. On the very least, this present retains everybody guessing because the twists and turns get extra extreme, even when many of those surprising revelations aren’t fairly rooted in actuality.
Watch on Netflix
12
‘Secret Metropolis’ (2016 – 2019)
Directed by Emma Freeman, Tony Krawitz, and Daniel Nettheim
Based mostly on the best-selling books The Marmalade Information, The Mandarin Code, and The Shadow Sport, the Australian political thriller sequence titled Secret Metropolis is a hidden gem for followers of the style. Starring the underrated Anna Torv as political journalist Harriet Dunkley, the present takes place within the seemingly simple metropolis of Canberra. As Harriet begins to unravel a conspiracy beneath the floor, her life comes beneath risk from forces past her management.
Secret Metropolis soars due to Torv’s compelling efficiency, which helps viewers navigate the generally tough plot with ease. The story, although generally predictable, is well-structured sufficient to carry its personal till the very finish. Even followers who aren’t acquainted with the books will doubtless discover some leisure worth right here.
Secret Metropolis
- Launch Date
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2016 – 2018
- Administrators
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Emma Freeman, Tony Krawitz, Daniel Nettheim
- Writers
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Matt Cameron, Belinda Chayko, Greg Waters, Elise McCredie, Angela Betzien
11
‘Anatomy of a Scandal’ (2022)
Developed by David E. Kelley, Melissa James Gibson
Anatomy of a Scandal is a miniseries based mostly on Sarah Vaughan‘s novel of the identical title. Downton Abbey‘s Michelle Dockery is again on the small display screen. Right here, she’s a Crown prosecutor, tasked with prosecuting a British Tory MP accused of sexual assault. In six episodes, the courtroom case unfolds, in addition to the reality concerning the scandal.
Though Anatomy of Scandal is a piece of fiction, it feels all too actual. As we speak’s politicians haven’t got the flexibility to cover earlier crimes as they used to have the ability to, with each transfer being documented on social media. The twists and turns could also be predictable, however they’re no much less charming, making this brief Netflix sequence a must-watch for these with a little bit of time on their fingers.
10
‘The Politician’ (2019 – 2020)
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan
The Politician is a comedic have a look at careers in public service gone awry. The primary season follows Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), who has dreamed of being President of the US since childhood. The second season follows Hobert as he runs for actual politics, with chaos and dysfunction that makes for a hilarious prepare wreck.
What makes The Politician so partaking is the entire randomness of the storylines. The comedy could not land each time. When it does, the comedic sequence is a significant biting commentary on American politics. It is a message that resonates at this time, with some moments feeling jarringly acquainted. The sequence is a frankly hilarious have a look at the unintended penalties of childhood needs coming true.
The Politician
- Launch Date
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2019 – 2019
- Administrators
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Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk
9
‘The Night time Agent’ (2023 – )
Created by Shawn Ryan
A mix of the spy, thriller, motion, and political genres, The Night time Agent is a refreshing and thrilling Netflix sequence that fortunately already has a second season within the works. It follows FBI Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who’s given the supposedly boring function of a Night time Agent within the White Home’s basement, sitting by a cellphone that by no means rings – till it does. Earlier than he understands what is going on on, Peter is thrust right into a chaotic conspiracy that reaches the best ranges of the federal government, and likewise touches on a painful a part of his previous.
Filled with gripping motion, heart-pounding drama, and genuinely lovable characters followers can root for, The Night time Agent has one thing to supply all varieties of viewers. Begin expecting the political conspiracy and keep for the romance between Peter and the good Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) – regardless of the cause, viewers will doubtless discover themselves pleasantly shocked and eagerly ready for The Night time Agent Season 2’s occasions.
The Night time Agent
- Launch Date
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March 23, 2023
- Community
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Netflix
8
‘Madam Secretary’ (2014 – 2019)
Creator: Barbara Corridor
The long-running CBS sequence has discovered a streaming house with Netflix. Led by Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, Madam Secretary follows McCord as she leaves her as a CIA analyst to function the Secretary of State. Over six seasons, McCord is a driving power as she battles inside and exterior politics, worldwide diplomacy, and nationwide affairs, all of the whereas attempting to steadiness a house life together with her husband and three children.
A real community political sequence, Madam Secretary is a stand-out stand-in on Netflix for streamers on the lookout for that The West Wing model of sequence. Within the technology of streaming originals, old style community drama is refreshing and wanted, working by a special algorithm than the digital giants. Madam Secretary shines a light-weight on a political place that usually flies beneath the radar in big-budget political sequence, offering a novel entry into the style for audiences bored with the identical tales. – Ali Teske
7
‘Designated Survivor’ (2016 – 2019)
Created by David Guggenheim
Designated Survivor follows Thomas Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), the previous Secretary of Housing and City Improvement who turns into President of the US following an unprecedented assault on the Capitol through the State of the Union tackle. Because the titular survivor, he is now chargeable for a complete nation after beforehand holding a really low publish, to not point out the most important conspiracy he finds himself in quickly after accepting his new function.
Designated Survivor has additionally been re-made as a South Korean sequence, Designated Survivor: 60 Days. For anybody who acquired no less than a part of their training from The West Wing, Designated Survivor presents an illustration of a horrific state of affairs through which a Designated Survivor turns into vital. It is sobering, to say the least.
6
‘Chief of Employees’ (2019)
Developed by JTBC
For followers of gripping South Korean dramas, Chief of Employees is a political drama price testing. This present represents a grounded drama that feels prefer it might be taking place in real-time. Starring Squid Sport‘s Lee Jung-jae, the sequence follows politicians and varied staffers as they work inside South Korea’s political machine.
What makes Chief of Employees so intriguing is its tackle political scheming, which is a trademark of real-life politics. The characters could not all the time be sympathetic, however they’re all the time extremely compelling. Watching these energy struggles play out is each alarming and validating. These contrasting ambitions make for tense however enthralling viewing.Watch on Netflix
5
‘The Diplomat’ (2023 – )
Created by Debora Cahn
Within the hit Netflix sequence The Diplomat, Keri Russell masterfully performs Kate Wyler, the brand new US ambassador to the UK. She quickly realizes that the political scenario is way more dire than anybody anticipated and finds herself in the course of a global disaster (to not point out a marital one). The protagonist quickly has to make strategic strikes to do her job correctly, however it does not all the time go her means,
Created by Debora Cahn, the nail-biting sequence is stuffed with brilliantly crafted situations that really feel near actual life. Followers of political thrillers will take pleasure in how suspenseful and complicated The Diplomat is. In fact, Keri Russell’s unbelievable efficiency because the clever and crafty Kate is the true standout that makes the political drama sequence price watching.
The Diplomat
- Launch Date
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2023 – 2022
- Showrunner
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Debora Cahn
4
‘Bodyguard’ (2018)
Created by Jed Mercurio
Bodyguard is a British political thriller miniseries that follows the titular bodyguard, a veteran of the Afghanistan Warfare, as he is charged with defending a politician he loathes. The restricted sequence ran for a mere six episodes, however nonetheless managed to pack a punch. The sequence additionally includes a compassionate have a look at the realities of dwelling with PTSD.
So many episodes of Bodyguard play like thrillers. The tales are fast-paced and barely give audiences time to breathe. Not each single plot reveal works, however the ones that do are jaw-droppingly efficient. This sequence is an interesting have a look at the world of British politics from the attitude of somebody who’s virtually on the within, however not likely.
3
‘Borgen’ (2010 – 2022)
Created by Adam Worth
This optimistic Danish sequence Borgen revolves round Birgitte Nyborg, a Danish politician who has to reconcile her idealism with the political realities her nation faces. Viewers observe her journey inside the Danish political system, into non-public enterprise, after which again once more.
What makes Borgen so compelling is its stress that by no means feels unearned or overdone. The political drama feels genuine, and ripped from real-world headlines about real-life politicians. The characters are additionally enjoyable to observe, as they navigate more and more intense political minefields. Probably the greatest political drama sequence on the market, this present could maintain the excellence of being probably the greatest exhibits you’ve got by no means seen.
Borgen
- Launch Date
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October 29, 2011
Watch on Netflix
2
‘Home of Playing cards’ (2013 – 2018)
Created by Beau Willimon
One of the recognizable and greatest political TV exhibits on the market, Home of Playing cards takes place in Washington, D.C. and revolves across the morally questionable Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a Democrat from South Carolina, alongside his audacious and crafty spouse, Claire (Robin Wright). The duo scheme and manipulate the political recreation for energy and affect, slowly climbing the ranks as they undergo betrayal and lies.
A grim depiction of American politics, Home of Playing cards does not pull any punches in relation to portraying its characters within the worst mild doable. Following the controversial sexual misconduct allegations in opposition to Spacey, Home of Playing cards‘ last season was made higher with Wright’s character entrance and middle, as with a stellar efficiency, she manages to hold the story by way of to its highly effective conclusion.
Home of Playing cards
- Launch Date
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2013 – 2017
- Community
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Beau Willimon
- Administrators
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Beau Willimon
1
‘The Crown’ (2016 – 2023)
Created by Peter Morgan
From the start of this sequence, Netflix’s political present The Crown has re-contextualized one of the crucial documented households on the earth. Seeing the British royal household at varied levels has put a human face on a household that famously operates as a enterprise. Netflix’s disclaimer does not change the truth that so many of those occasions have been incessantly recorded.
The Crown goes to get much more politically related, as Charles III‘s regency begins in earnest. This sequence has make clear some lesser-known, horrific components of the royals’ secrets and techniques. The sequence additionally successfully portrays these royals as flawed as the remainder of us, albeit with bigger stakes. Speculating concerning the behind-the-scenes of the royals is essentially the most compelling a part of The Crown, which has undoubtedly develop into a beloved traditional for a lot of followers.
The Crown
- Launch Date
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2016 – 2022
- Writers
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Peter Morgan
