Political turmoil and humor can make for great television. From those based on real life, like The Crown, to those with a fictional premise like Anatomy of a Scandal, telling the stories of political figures is a balancing act. These political shows on Netflix can re-contextualize lived realities, and shine new light on stories that were always thought to be true. Shows like Designated Survivor and The West Wing paved the way for a genre of show that at best can inspire, and at worse, can repulse.
Netflix has an extensive catalog of political series that can inspire both hope and cynicism, ready to stream. Politics is not for those who are afraid of drama. Those who have reached the height of political power didn’t get there by making friends. This long game often translates well onto the small screen. Fiction or not, many political series that are featured on Netflix resonate with the real world.
18
‘The Whirlwind’ (2024 – )
Created by Park Kyung-soo
For audiences looking for a fresh political thriller, look no further than The Whirlwind, a Korean limited series about two politicians vying for power. The 12-episode series 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 current president fail, Soo-jin embarks on her own agenda, a power struggle ensuing with the structure of South Korean politics hanging in the balance.
Viewers who thrive with strategic political games and the chess moves required to outwit the opposing side will find The Whirlwind a satisfactory stream…
The average runtime of each episode is around 48 minutes, making it a binge-able breeze to get through. Viewers who thrive with strategic political games and the chess moves required to outwit the opposing side will find The Whirlwind a satisfactory stream and a Korean drama series worth recommending.
Watch on Netflix
17
‘Treason’ (2022)
Created by Matt Charman
Catering to fans of double-crossing spy thrillers, Treason fits the bill to secure a spot as one of the best political series currently on Netflix. Charlie Cox stars as rising MI6 agent Adam Lawrence whose career and perception of his reality are about to be shattered when he is reunited with Kara (Olga Kurylenko), a Russian agent with whom he shares a complicated past. Adam now questions everything he thought he knew about his career and his life, wondering where to go from here.
A compelling and manageable five episodes, Treason is the TV version of the Oscar-winning espionage thriller, Bridge of Spies. Where the series succeeds is in its full immersion in a fictional storyline, allowing audiences to willingly suspend belief to fully indulge in enjoying the suspense and genre double-crossing tropes. – Ali Teske
Treason
- Release 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, audiences craving espionage thrillers have time to binge-watch this dramatic political thriller. Recruited right out of law school, attorney Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo) joins the CIA and quickly becomes entangled in the throes of international politics when a former CIA asset threatens to expose the agency’s long-term relationship with her. The Recruit was halted after the first season, delayed by the industry strikes, but the Netflix original began filming its second season earlier this year.
Critics and audiences flocked to this series during its premiere for a number of reasons, including its breakout star, Noah Centineo, and its ability to exist without taking itself too seriously. Political dramas are frequently stone-cold, tackling serious subject matters while toeing the line of political opinions. The Recruit caters to a new generation of viewers who seek out relatable characters, like Owen, who fit a new mold in the genre formula. – Ali Teske
The Recruit
- Release Date
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December 16, 2022
- Network
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Netflix
15
‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018)
Written by Kim Eun-sook
For political series audiences, Mr. Sunshine brings a departure from the genre procedurals, infusing the single season with romance and drama. The Korean series stars Squid Game‘s Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, an officer in the American military who fled Korea as a boy during the Shinmiyangyo Incident in 1871. When he returns as an adult, he falls for Ae-Sin (Kim Tae-ri), the daughter of a wealthy man; however, their relationship is complicated by the political landscape and efforts to colonize their homeland.
With only one season, Mr. Sunshine boasts a hefty 24 episodes, all over an hour long. A refreshing entry in Netflix’s political drama catalog, this Korean series requires dedication to binge but is worth every hour spent watching a period romance unfold during a historic political moment. – Ali Teske
14
‘Your Honor’ (2020 – 2023)
Created by Peter Moffat
For fans of Breaking Bad, streaming Your Honor brings yet another satisfying Bryan Cranston performance rooted in the good, the bad, and the corruption. The two-season Showtime original is currently on Netflix, detailing the blurring of ethical and judicial lines by Judge Michael Desiato after his son is involved in a fatal hit-and-run. Not just a courtroom drama, Your Honor dives into political corruption and the politics of organized crime when Desiato’s son accidentally kills the son of a notorious mob boss.
In Cranston’s first major TV role since his iconic portrayal of Walter White, he dons another character with consistent morally gray choices before succumbing to committing full-fledged crimes to protect his family. Your Honor tapered off with its surprising second season, but it is a political crime drama more than worth a marathon on its new streaming home. – Ali Teske
13
‘Ingobernable’ (2017 – 2018)
Developed by Veronica Velasco, Epigmenio Ibarra, Natasha Ybarra-Klor
Ingobernable is a Mexican political drama, revolving around the fictional first lady of Mexico. Kate del Castillo gives a stunning performance as a woman in the middle of the country’s biggest fictional political scandals. The show chronicles her loss of faith in institutions, as well as her husband, and the subsequent devastation.
While the actual political situations of Ingobernable may err slightly on the fantastical side, this is a character-driven show that’s fun to follow for its wild ride. The political show starts with a literal bang, and really never lets up. At the very least, this show keeps everyone guessing as the twists and turns get more severe, even if many of these shocking revelations aren’t quite rooted in reality.
Watch on Netflix
12
‘Secret City’ (2016 – 2019)
Directed by Emma Freeman, Tony Krawitz, and Daniel Nettheim
Based on the best-selling books The Marmalade Files, The Mandarin Code, and The Shadow Game, the Australian political thriller series titled Secret City is a hidden gem for fans of the genre. Starring the underrated Anna Torv as political journalist Harriet Dunkley, the show takes place in the seemingly straightforward city of Canberra. As Harriet begins to unravel a conspiracy beneath the surface, her life comes under threat from forces beyond her control.
Secret City soars thanks to Torv’s compelling performance, which helps viewers navigate the sometimes tricky plot with ease. The story, though sometimes predictable, is well-structured enough to hold its own until the very end. Even fans who aren’t familiar with the books will likely find some entertainment value here.
Secret City
- Release Date
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2016 – 2018
- Directors
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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 on Sarah Vaughan‘s novel of the same name. Downton Abbey‘s Michelle Dockery is back on the small screen. Here, she’s a Crown prosecutor, tasked with prosecuting a British Tory MP accused of sexual assault. In six episodes, the court case unfolds, as well as the truth about the scandal.
Although Anatomy of Scandal is a work of fiction, it feels all too real. Today’s politicians don’t have the ability to hide previous crimes as they used to be able to, with every move being documented on social media. The twists and turns may be predictable, but they are no less captivating, making this short Netflix series a must-watch for those with a bit of time on their hands.
10
‘The Politician’ (2019 – 2020)
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan
The Politician is a comedic look at careers in public service gone awry. The first season follows Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), who has dreamed of being President of the United States since childhood. The second season follows Hobert as he runs for real politics, with chaos and dysfunction that makes for a hilarious train wreck.
What makes The Politician so engaging is the complete randomness of the storylines. The comedy may not land every time. When it does, the comedic series is a meaningful biting commentary on American politics. This is a message that resonates today, with some moments feeling jarringly familiar. The series is a frankly hilarious look at the unintended consequences of childhood wishes coming true.
The Politician
- Release Date
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2019 – 2019
- Directors
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Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk
9
‘The Night Agent’ (2023 – )
Created by Shawn Ryan
A combination of the spy, thriller, action, and political genres, The Night Agent is a refreshing and exciting Netflix series that thankfully already has a second season in the works. It follows FBI Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who is given the supposedly boring role of a Night Agent in the White House’s basement, sitting by a phone that never rings – until it does. Before he understands what’s going on, Peter is thrust into a chaotic conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the government, and also touches on a painful part of his past.
Full of gripping action, heart-pounding drama, and genuinely lovable characters fans can root for, The Night Agent has something to offer all types of viewers. Start watching for the political conspiracy and stay for the romance between Peter and the brilliant Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) – whatever the reason, viewers will likely find themselves pleasantly surprised and eagerly waiting for The Night Agent Season 2’s events.
The Night Agent
- Release Date
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March 23, 2023
- Network
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Netflix
8
‘Madam Secretary’ (2014 – 2019)
Creator: Barbara Hall
The long-running CBS series has found a streaming home with Netflix. Led by Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, Madam Secretary follows McCord as she leaves her as a CIA analyst to serve as the Secretary of State. Over six seasons, McCord is a driving force as she battles internal and external politics, international diplomacy, and national affairs, all the while trying to balance a home life with her husband and three kids.
A true network political series, Madam Secretary is a stand-out stand-in on Netflix for streamers looking for that The West Wing style of series. In the generation of streaming originals, a good old-fashioned network drama is refreshing and needed, operating by a different set of rules than the digital giants. Madam Secretary shines a light on a political position that often flies under the radar in big-budget political series, providing a unique entry into the genre for audiences tired of the same stories. – Ali Teske
7
‘Designated Survivor’ (2016 – 2019)
Created by David Guggenheim
Designated Survivor follows Thomas Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development who becomes President of the United States following an unprecedented attack on the Capitol during the State of the Union address. As the titular survivor, he’s now responsible for an entire country after previously holding a very low post, not to mention the major conspiracy he finds himself in soon after accepting his new role.
Designated Survivor has also been re-made as a South Korean series, Designated Survivor: 60 Days. For anyone who received at least part of their education from The West Wing, Designated Survivor presents an illustration of a horrific scenario in which a Designated Survivor becomes necessary. It’s sobering, to say the least.
6
‘Chief of Staff’ (2019)
Developed by JTBC
For fans of gripping South Korean dramas, Chief of Staff is a political drama worth checking out. This show represents a grounded drama that feels like it could be happening in real-time. Starring Squid Game‘s Lee Jung-jae, the series follows politicians and various staffers as they work within South Korea’s political machine.
What makes Chief of Staff so intriguing is its take on political scheming, which is a hallmark of real-life politics. The characters may not always be sympathetic, but they are always incredibly compelling. Watching these power struggles play out is both alarming and validating. These contrasting ambitions make for tense but enthralling viewing.Watch on Netflix
5
‘The Diplomat’ (2023 – )
Created by Debora Cahn
In the hit Netflix series The Diplomat, Keri Russell masterfully plays Kate Wyler, the new US ambassador to the UK. She soon realizes that the political situation is much more dire than anyone expected and finds herself in the middle of an international crisis (not to mention a marital one). The protagonist soon has to make strategic moves to do her job properly, but it doesn’t always go her way,
Created by Debora Cahn, the nail-biting series is full of brilliantly crafted scenarios that feel close to real life. Fans of political thrillers will enjoy how suspenseful and complex The Diplomat is. Of course, Keri Russell’s incredible performance as the intelligent and cunning Kate is the true standout that makes the political drama series worth watching.
The Diplomat
- Release 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 War, as he’s charged with protecting a politician he loathes. The limited series ran for a mere six episodes, but still managed to pack a punch. The series also features a compassionate look at the realities of living with PTSD.
So many episodes of Bodyguard play like thrillers. The stories are fast-paced and barely give audiences time to breathe. Not every single plot reveal works, but the ones that do are jaw-droppingly effective. This series is a fascinating look at the world of British politics from the perspective of someone who’s almost on the inside, but not really.
3
‘Borgen’ (2010 – 2022)
Created by Adam Price
This optimistic Danish series Borgen revolves around Birgitte Nyborg, a Danish politician who has to reconcile her idealism with the political realities her nation faces. Viewers follow her journey within the Danish political system, into private enterprise, and then back again.
What makes Borgen so compelling is its tension that never feels unearned or overdone. The political drama feels authentic, and ripped from real-world headlines about real-life politicians. The characters are also fun to follow, as they navigate increasingly intense political minefields. One of the best political drama series out there, this show may hold the distinction of being one of the best shows you’ve never seen.
Borgen
- Release Date
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October 29, 2011
Watch on Netflix
2
‘House of Cards’ (2013 – 2018)
Created by Beau Willimon
One of the most recognizable and best political TV shows out there, House of Cards takes place in Washington, D.C. and revolves around the morally questionable Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a Democrat from South Carolina, alongside his audacious and cunning wife, Claire (Robin Wright). The duo scheme and manipulate the political game for power and influence, slowly climbing the ranks as they go through betrayal and lies.
A grim depiction of American politics, House of Cards doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to portraying its characters in the worst light possible. Following the controversial sexual misconduct allegations against Spacey, House of Cards‘ final season was made better with Wright’s character front and center, as with a stellar performance, she manages to carry the story through to its powerful conclusion.
House of Cards
- Release Date
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2013 – 2017
- Network
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Beau Willimon
- Directors
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Beau Willimon
1
‘The Crown’ (2016 – 2023)
Created by Peter Morgan
From the beginning of this series, Netflix’s political show The Crown has re-contextualized one of the most documented families in the world. Seeing the British royal family at various stages has put a human face on a family that famously operates as a business. Netflix’s disclaimer doesn’t change the fact that so many of these events were incessantly recorded.
The Crown is going to get a lot more politically relevant, as Charles III‘s regency begins in earnest. This series has shed light on some lesser-known, horrific parts of the royals’ secrets. The series also effectively portrays these royals as flawed as the rest of us, albeit with larger stakes. Speculating about the behind-the-scenes of the royals is the most compelling part of The Crown, which has undoubtedly become a beloved classic for many fans.
The Crown
- Release Date
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2016 – 2022
- Writers
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Peter Morgan
