Political interests always increases during a presidential election year so it is not unusual that networks are heavily investing in television shows involving Capitol Hill and politics.
With Election Day finally over, TV junkies might be having an election hangover.
Even political junkies need a break.
No worries because the tube is filled with political dramas and comedies.
These shows do have big shoes to follow. For seven seasons, The West Wing dominated the airwaves as the show follows the presidential staff during a Democratic administration.
Even though the show was labeled by critics “The Left Wing” for portraying an ideal liberal president, this didn’t stop the success of the show.
With over a dozen Emmy’s won, ranked fourth all-time in number of Emmy’s, the show proved that viewers could handle the balance between politics and entertainment.
Since The West Wing, many shows have tried their formula and failed.
Yet the shows below have been able to keep audiences laughing (or in tears) while keeping it politically accurate.
Political Animals USA
Maybe having a political drama during an election year was not the best idea for the USA Network, but that didn’t stop them from creating the mini-series Political Animals. Despite receiving rave reviews from viewers and TV critics, USA decided to cancel the series. Big mistake. With Sigourney Weaver as a former First Lady turned Secretary of State trying to keep her family together – very Hilary Clinton, the show was a hit and run with all of the Capitol Hill drama. Well, thank god for Hulu where fans of the show can watch season one with fond memories.
Parks & Recreation NBC – Thursday @ 7:30 p.m.
In four season, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) has captured the hearts of millions as she tries to take over the city of Pawnee – one stack of waffles at a time. This comedy shows a different side of politics in the hardships of city government. With an hilarious cast including comedian Aziz Ansari, “Treat Yo Self” by checking out this show every Thursday night.
Boss Starz
Sure, Kelsey Grammer’s personal life is constantly in the tabloids, but that doesn’t take away from his incredible work on Starz’s political drama Boss. Portraying Tom Kane, the fierce mayor of Chicago, this critically-acclaimed show just wrapped up its second season finale. Boss has been criticized for being too cynical, but that is the City of Chicago!
The Newsroom HBO
Is anyone else counting the days until this show comes back on TV? The Newsroom is the perfect mixture of a political and journalism drama from the mind of Aaron Sorkin. The producers and the network have been slammed by people like Glenn Beck who viewed the show as too preachy, but that is the charm of this show. The struggles the show faces when it comes to the relationship between the media and the government is strangely accurate. The second season will premiere in June 2013.
VEEP HBO
Not only is this show filled with hilarious political satire, it rejuvenated the career of funny lady Julie Louis-Dreyfus. The former Seinfeld actresses plays Selina Meyer, who is vice president of the U.S. Let the comedy begin as this sitcom with The Office like camera angles, shows the mishaps of the VEEP. She’s funnier than Joe Biden, but not as dangerous as Hilary Clinton.
The Good Wife CBS – Sundays @ 7 p.m.
This show is for every women out there who has been cheated on by a man in politics. Thankfully, this CBS drama is more than just about a bitter wife. The series focuses on the Florrick family – Peter, former state attorney turned Illinois governor candidate and his wife Alicia, third-year associate at a law firm. Alicia struggles with being “the good wife” when her husband gets caught in the middle of a sex scandal.