20 TV series about politics that will tell about intrigue or just amuse

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

World hits from the USA and Europe, as well as a couple of domestic projects.

20. The last minister

• Russia, 2020 - present.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 6, 5.

Once Yevgeny Aleksandrovich Tikhomirov was elected mayor of the Ural city due to a typo, which he then accidentally destroyed. Now he is appointed to head the "Ministry of Perspective Planning and Development of Socio-Economic Policy". True, those who organized this have one goal - to destroy the new unit. But Tikhomirov develops a vigorous activity, wishing to improve the life of the country. And most often it turns out very badly.

"The Last Minister" is one of the first own series of "KinoPoisk HD". You should not expect serious criticism of society from him. Even the authors themselves say that they have embellished reality a little. So the project can be perceived simply as a comedy, and not a satire on contemporary politics.

19. Servant of the people

• Ukraine, 2015-2017.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 6, 9.

Once the history teacher Vasily Goloborodko obscenely expressed his dissatisfaction with the country's leadership in front of a colleague. This was secretly recorded by the students, and the emotional video hit the internet. Thanks to this, Goloborodko received the support of the people and, unexpectedly for himself, became the President of Ukraine. He sincerely wants to make life in the country better, but this is much more difficult than it seems at first glance.

Today literally everyone knows the ironic fate of this series. Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, who played the main role in Servant of the People, was indeed elected President of Ukraine in 2019. We can say that he repeated the fate of his character, and the television project became an ideal election campaign.

18. The last candidate

• USA, 2016-2019.
• Drama, detective, thriller.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

During the terrorist attack in the Capitol, the President of the United States and all his deputies are killed. Now power in the country passes to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Tom Kirkman. But the problem is not only that he has absolutely no idea how to run the state. It turns out that this explosion is just the beginning of terrible events.

There is indeed a special position in the United States called designated survivor. This is an official from a not very important unit like the Ministry of Transport, who should be in a safe haven when the country's leadership gathers in one place. If the remaining candidates die, the politician becomes president. So the plot of the series is realistic in many ways. And it's also a great opportunity to see Kiefer Sutherland not as a cool hero, as in the TV series "24 Hours," but in a completely different way.

17. Gray cardinals

• France 2012-2016.
• Drama.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

The French president is assassinated. He is on the verge of life and death, and in the meantime, Prime Minister Philippe Deleuvre, hiding the truth about the real circumstances of the attack, is already planning to take his post. Then an experienced political strategist decides to find a candidate who will compete with the head of government and prevent him from seizing power. Anne Visage becomes such a person.

The authors of the French TV series do not hesitate to show behind-the-scenes political games in all their brutality. The heroes use blackmail, black PR and wiretapping to bypass the competitor. Unfortunately, after the first season, Natalie Bye, who played Anne Visage, left the project. The script for the sequel had to be radically changed, which affected the quality of the series.

16. Alpha house

• USA, 2013–2014.
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

Four American senators live in Washington in the home of one of them. Here they can take a break from the attention of the press and freely discuss both political and personal issues. But a local correspondent finds out about their habitat.

The comedy series starring the famous John Goodman combines a sarcastic tale of dirty politics with a funny story about four roommates with completely different personalities.

15. Politician

• USA, 2019 - present.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

Peyton Hobart decided to become the president of the United States as a child. He consistently goes to his goal, and first he needs to win the school elections. It turns out that the political games here are also cruel: candidates are ready to substitute each other and use other dishonest methods.

The author of "American Horror Story" Ryan Murphy created another striking project with a very beautiful production. And besides, using the example of school elections, he very ambiguously showed how politicians use various minorities and even deadly diseases for their own purposes. By the way, after the middle of the season, the plot dramatically changes the mood.

14. Secretary of State

• USA, 2014-2019.
• Drama.
• Duration: 6 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 6.

Former CIA analyst Elizabeth McCord has retired and enjoys a quiet family life, lecturing at a local university. Suddenly, she learns that the US Secretary of State has died. And now it is Elizabeth who will take his place. True, the woman immediately manages to make enemies for herself in the White House, and then uncovers a criminal conspiracy.

One fact testifies to the popularity and quality of this series. In the fifth season of the project, three real secretaries of state dropped in at once: Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell.

13. Scandal

• USA, 2012–2018.
• Drama, thriller.
• Duration: 7 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

Olivia Pope was once a public relations specialist in the presidential administration. After leaving, she created an anti-crisis agency that deals with the problems of high-ranking clients and does not let them go public.

This series was created by the famous Shonda Rhimes - the author of Grey's Anatomy and the producer of the project How to Avoid Punishment for Murder. Surprisingly, after the first season, "Scandal" was almost closed due to low ratings. But then he became very popular with a wide audience and stayed on the screens for seven years.

12. Politicians

• USA, 2012.
• Drama.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

Former President's wife Elaine Barrish decided to start her political career. She won the gubernatorial elections, and then she swung into the highest office in the state. As a result, Barrish became Secretary of State, but not only political problems, but also turmoil in her personal life interfere in her work.

The miniseries by Greg Berlanti consists of only six episodes. But even during this short time, the authors managed to tell a very rich story about the heroine and her relatives. The leading role was played by the magnificent Sigourney Weaver.

11. House arrest

• Russia, 2018.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

The mayor of the city of Sineozersk, Arkady Anikeev, was caught on a bribe on an especially large scale. The court orders him only house arrest. But the fact is that Anikeev is not registered in his mansion, but in a communal apartment. Finding himself in very cramped conditions, he decides to help his childhood friend - excavator Ivan - become the new mayor of the city. Of course, with a selfish purpose.

The humor and plot twists in this show may not be original. But still, the story of how the government is facing the life of the very people for whom it supposedly works, already deserves attention.

10. Absolute power

• UK, 2003-2005.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

Charles Prentiss and Martin McCabe run a prestigious PR agency located in the heart of London. They are approached by pop stars and even politicians who want to change their image or hush up some scandal.

Initially, this project originated in the format of a radio show. But the TV version is strikingly different from the original. It is ironic that a lot of real British stars took part in the filming, who played themselves. But, of course, the main advantage of the project is Stephen Fry in the title role.

9. Brainless

• USA, 2016.
• Comedy, fantasy.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

Laurel Healy dreamed of making documentaries, but so far she has to work in Congress as an assistant to her brother, a Senator from Maryland. Soon, the heroine reveals a terrible secret: alien beetles climbed into the heads of some politicians and ate their brains.

Black comedy with charming Mary Elizabeth Winstead pleases with an unusual presentation. For example, at the beginning of each episode, the previous events are described in the form of a funny song under the ukulele. Well, the idea itself is very sarcastic: American politicians are shown literally brainless.

8. Boss

• USA, 2011-2012.
• Drama, crime.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

Chicago Mayor Thomas Kane has been in power for many years. He supports businessmen who give him high ratings and holds on tightly to his place. One day, Kane finds out that he is terminally ill, and this affects his memory and reason. Meanwhile, the next elections are approaching, and his numerous abuses of power surface.

Actor Kelsey Grammer is known to many exclusively for his comedic roles, for example, in the TV series "Fraser" or the movie "Remove the Periscope". All the more surprisingly, his talent is revealed in the role of the tough Thomas Kane, who, on the one hand, does many terrible things, on the other hand, he fights a deadly disease.

7. Vice President

• USA, 2012–2019.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 7 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

Selina Meyer became US Vice President and soon realized that her job was not at all what she had previously imagined. The heroine has to follow literally every word, and any good deed turns into a problem. After all, using environmentally friendly dishes means quarreling with plastic manufacturers, and advocating a healthy diet means offending huge fast food chains.

This project was created by a lover of hard humor Armando Iannucci - the future director of the scandalous film "Death of Stalin". And the "Vice-President" very clearly shows the problem of politicians: instead of actually doing something, the heroine has to be careful all the time so as not to say too much.

6. Government

• Denmark, 2010-2013.
• Drama.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 5.

Due to scandals with compromising evidence between the liberals and the opposition, the "Party of Moderates" unexpectedly wins the elections. Its leader, Birgitte Nyborg, with strict moral principles, becomes prime minister and forms the country's government. But the new position changes the heroine. Moreover, her personal life is crumbling.

The producers of the famous "Murder" are behind the creation of this series. And "Government" in the same way combines the atmosphere of a thriller and a drama that reveals living human characters.

5. Yes, Mr. Minister

• Great Britain, 1980-1984.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 6.

Secretary of the Department of Administrative Affairs James Hacker is a gentle man who is easily influenced by others. He is manipulated by colleagues, assistants and even his own wife. It is important that ordinary people do not guess about the lack of independence of the politician's decisions.

This satirical comedy is a true British television legend. Moreover, jokes about deceiving voters and empty promises instead of real deeds, alas, are not outdated to this day. After three successful seasons, the protagonist went up for promotion. The sequel was already titled “Yes, Mr. Prime Minister,” which hints at a major plot twist.

4. The thick of things

• UK, 2005-2012.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 4 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 7.

The mock-documentary series follows the aggressive communications director Malcolm Tucker. He is pushed around by the Minister of Social Affairs Hugh Abbott, who controls many other parts of the government, and all other officials.

And one more work by Armando Iannucci. This time it is darker and cruelly ridiculed of political intrigue. The series will also be of interest to those who know Peter Capaldi only by his cute image from Doctor Who. Here he is revealed in a completely different way.

3. Crown

• UK, 2016 - present.
• Drama, biography.
• Duration: 4 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 7.

The Netflix series is dedicated to the life of the current British Queen Elizabeth II. It all begins in her youth, when she just ascends the throne and makes the first difficult decisions. Throughout her life, the queen will have to maintain a balance between personal affairs and government.

The authors of the series decided to cover the whole life of Elizabeth. That is why the first two seasons are focused on her early years (the queen is played by Claire Foy), then the action is transferred to the 60s and 70s (now in the form of Elizabeth Olivia Colman). The story will end in the fifth season, where Imelda Staunton will play the main role.

2. House of Cards

• USA, 2013–2018.
• Drama, thriller.
• Duration: 6 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 7.

Smart and brutal Congressman Frank Underwood is making his way to the heights of power with all his might. First, he is aiming for the post of secretary of state. But then the president, whom the hero helped to take up the post, denies him a place. Then Frank begins to take revenge.

The first Netflix original series, based on the British project of the same name, quickly outgrew the original and became the real era for television and streaming services. After five successful seasons, a scandal erupted around the leading actor Kevin Spacey. He was fired from the project, and in the finale, Frank's wife became the main character. This somewhat blurred the ending.

1. West wing

• USA, 1999-2006.
• Drama.
• Duration: 7 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 8.

The series tells about the work of the US presidential administration. Heroes have to contact Congress, communicate with the press, think over laws and do other routine.

Oddly enough, the main and most important series about politics is not devoted to some large-scale conspiracies or coups, but to the everyday life of officials. It was this approach that made the "West Wing" as realistic as possible. And the brilliant work of the writers and actors turns each episode into a vivid spectacle, filled with witty dialogues and plot twists.