18 Best Political Series on Netflix, Ranked

Political turmoil and humor could make for excellent tv. From these primarily based 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 at all times considered true. Reveals like Designated Survivor and The West Wing paved the way in which for a style of present that at finest can encourage, and at worse, can repulse.

Netflix has an in depth catalog of political collection 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 mates. This lengthy recreation typically interprets properly onto the small display. Fiction or not, many political collection which might be featured on Netflix resonate with the actual world.

18

‘The Whirlwind’ (2024 – )

Created by Park Kyung-soo

For audiences in search of a recent political thriller, look no additional than The Whirlwind, a Korean restricted collection about two politicians vying for energy. The 12-episode collection 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.

The typical 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 facet will discover The Whirlwind a passable stream and a Korean drama collection value 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 among the finest political collection 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 an advanced previous. Adam now questions every part 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 collection 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

2022 – 2021

Writers

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 regulation college, 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 show 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 authentic started filming its second season earlier this yr.

Critics and audiences flocked to this collection throughout its premiere for plenty of causes, together with its breakout star, Noah Centineo, and its capability to exist with out taking itself too critically. Political dramas are often stone-cold, tackling severe topic issues whereas toeing the road of political views. 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

December 16, 2022

Community

Netflix

15

‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018)

Written by Kim Eun-sook

For political collection audiences, Mr. Sunshine brings a departure from the style procedurals, infusing the only season with romance and drama. The Korean collection stars Squid Recreation‘s Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, an officer within the American army who fled Korea as a boy throughout 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 collection requires dedication to binge however is value 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 dangerous, and the corruption. The 2-season Showtime authentic is at present on Netflix, detailing the blurring of moral and judicial traces 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 unintentionally 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 shocking second season, however it’s a political crime drama greater than value a marathon on its new streaming residence. – 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 shocking efficiency as a girl in the course of the nation’s greatest 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 might err barely on the fantastical facet, this can be a character-driven present that is enjoyable to observe for its wild journey. 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.

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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 Recreation, the Australian political thriller collection 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 underneath risk from forces past her management.

Secret Metropolis soars because of 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

2016 – 2018

Administrators

Emma Freeman, Tony Krawitz, Daniel Nettheim

11

‘Anatomy of a Scandal’ (2022)

Developed by David E. Kelley, Melissa James Gibson

Anatomy of a Scandal is a miniseries primarily based on Sarah Vaughan‘s novel of the identical title. Downton Abbey‘s Michelle Dockery is again on the small display. Right here, she’s a Crown prosecutor, tasked with prosecuting a British Tory MP accused of sexual assault. In six episodes, the court docket case unfolds, in addition to the reality in regards to 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 collection a must-watch for these with a little bit of time on their arms.

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 practice wreck.

What makes The Politician so partaking is the entire randomness of the storylines. The comedy might not land each time. When it does, the comedic collection is a significant biting commentary on American politics. It is a message that resonates at this time, with some moments feeling jarringly acquainted. The collection is a frankly hilarious have a look at the unintended penalties of childhood needs coming true.

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 collection 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 telephone 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.

Stuffed with gripping motion, heart-pounding drama, and genuinely lovable characters followers can root for, The Night time Agent has one thing to supply all forms of viewers. Begin looking ahead to the political conspiracy and keep for the romance between Peter and the sensible 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

March 23, 2023

Community

Netflix

Forged

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  Hiro Kanagawa

  FBI Director Willett

8

‘Madam Secretary’ (2014 – 2019)

Creator: Barbara Corridor

The long-running CBS collection has discovered a streaming residence 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 pressure 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 collection, Madam Secretary is a stand-out stand-in on Netflix for streamers in search of that The West Wing fashion of collection. Within the technology of streaming originals, an excellent 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 always flies underneath the radar in big-budget political collection, offering a singular entry into the style for audiences uninterested in 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 throughout the State of the Union deal with. Because the titular survivor, he is now answerable for a whole nation after beforehand holding a really low submit, to not point out the foremost conspiracy he finds himself in quickly after accepting his new function.

Designated Survivor has additionally been re-made as a South Korean collection, Designated Survivor: 60 Days. For anybody who acquired at the least a part of their schooling from The West Wing, Designated Survivor presents an illustration of a horrific situation during 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 value trying out. This present represents a grounded drama that feels prefer it might be occurring in real-time. Starring Squid Recreation‘s Lee Jung-jae, the collection follows politicians and numerous 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 might not at all times be sympathetic, however they’re at all times 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 collection The Diplomat, Keri Russell masterfully performs Kate Wyler, the brand new US ambassador to the UK. She quickly realizes that the political state of affairs is rather 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, nevertheless it would not at all times go her approach,

Created by Debora Cahn, the nail-biting collection is stuffed with brilliantly crafted situations that really feel near actual life. Followers of political thrillers will get pleasure from how suspenseful and sophisticated The Diplomat is. After all, Keri Russell’s unbelievable efficiency because the clever and crafty Kate is the true standout that makes the political drama collection value watching.

The Diplomat

Launch Date

2023 – 2022

Showrunner

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 Conflict, as he is charged with defending a politician he loathes. The restricted collection ran for a mere six episodes, however nonetheless managed to pack a punch. The collection additionally incorporates 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 collection is a captivating have a look at the world of British politics from the attitude of somebody who’s virtually on the within, however probably not.

3

‘Borgen’ (2010 – 2022)

Created by Adam Value

This optimistic Danish collection 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 throughout the Danish political system, into personal enterprise, after which again once more.

What makes Borgen so compelling is its pressure 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. Among the finest political drama collection on the market, this present might maintain the excellence of being among the finest exhibits you have by no means seen.

Borgen

Launch Date

October 29, 2011

Watch on Netflix

2

‘Home of Playing cards’ (2013 – 2018)

Created by Beau Willimon

One of the crucial recognizable and finest 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 would not pull any punches with regards to portraying its characters within the worst mild potential. Following the controversial sexual misconduct allegations towards Spacey, Home of Playing cards‘ ultimate 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.

1

‘The Crown’ (2016 – 2023)

Created by Peter Morgan

From the start of this collection, Netflix’s political present The Crown has re-contextualized one of the crucial documented households on the earth. Seeing the British royal household at numerous levels has put a human face on a household that famously operates as a enterprise. Netflix’s disclaimer would 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 collection has make clear some lesser-known, horrific elements of the royals’ secrets and techniques. The collection additionally successfully portrays these royals as flawed as the remainder of us, albeit with bigger stakes. Speculating in regards to the behind-the-scenes of the royals is probably the most compelling a part of The Crown, which has undoubtedly change into a beloved traditional for a lot of followers.

The Crown

Launch Date

2016 – 2022

Writers

Peter Morgan

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