FX.co ★ Best political TV series to watch

House of Cards (2013–2018)

This US TV series is widely popular across the world. Consisting of 6 seasons, it causes a different spectrum of emotions among critics and viewers. Yet, its controversial plot and not cliché-like characters will hook your attention from the first moments.

House Arrest (2018)

This is a Russian series that tells about an official caught on a bribe and sent under house arrest. Funny enough, he has to stay under house arrest not in his luxury mansion but in a communal apartment where he is officially registered.

Critics praise the performance of the main and supporting characters, as well as dialogues and plot. Nevertheless, they also note stereotypical situations where the creators of the show sometimes used rude jokes.

Besides, some critics believe that the series was made as a special project of the special services whose representatives (allegedly) looked like the only positive characters in this series.

Yes, Prime Minister (1980–1982)

The British satirical television series is considered the best in the history of political shows. Notably, after watching it, your lexicon of new phrases for a political dispute will be enriched significantly, e.g. "Government does not deal with the questions of good and evil – government mainly deals with the questions of order and chaos".

Overall, this series consists of three seasons. Displaying British politics from the inside, each episode lasts 30 minutes.

The Young Pope (2016)

Country: Italy, Spain, France

This series features quite unusual narration and a fresh approach to the old theme. This is why this show has gained the audience that is not primarily interested in politics. Intrigues in the high-church ranks (cardinals), poignant reflections on faith and human life ensured the success of the first season. The second season was less successful but it did not lose its loyal viewers.

The Brink (2015)

Country: the US

In this TV series, three characters whose reputation is far from being spotless are trying to prevent the Third World War while the rest simply do not know what to do. The Brink features frank assessments of the American policy in the Middle East and relations with Israel.

There is a rumor that the creators of the series did not shoot the second season for political reasons.

Designated Survivor (2016–2019)

Country: the US

The series represents a conjecture about what would happen if the government was destroyed and the country was on the verge of chaos. Some scenes from the series seem too far-fetched and sometimes idealistic. Yet, the main character’s actions (Kirkman) are sure to cause different emotions in the hearts of the views. Besides, in his political course, he relies mostly on his heart rather than cold logic. It enables him to understand what it is right and how he should act in different circumstances.

The Politician (2019–2020)

Country: the US

The politician is a new series released in the previous year. This craftily made show displays modern politics and how it works from different angles. There are lot of jokes about the stereotypes and stagnation of the current American political model. The series also covers one of the most sensitive subjects in the US - the life of gender and ethnic minorities. The second season is expected to focus more on the big political league.

Homeland (2011–2020)

This American series gives a contradictory assessment of US policy in the Middle East. Remarkably, the series does not represent only political thorny topics. It also shows the tragedy of human lives and how politics may cripple them.

Servant of the People (2015–2019)

The Ukrainian TV series is a satire comedy. Some critics say that behind a fair façade, the series illustrates to people an ideal candidate for the post of the president, which makes this series a very politicized project. What is more, the main character, Vasyl Petrovych Holoborodko, is played by Volodymyr Zelensky. Therefore, this series creates an image of an ideal political leader for voters. The show features many problems connected with the Post-Soviet countries, as well as skepticism of the Russian audience towards Ukraine.

Tyrant (2014–2016)

Country: the US

The series depicts the possibilities and limitations of North American political ideas in other civilized countries. Depending on their own stereotypes, the viewer can see either anti-American or anti-Eastern messages in the series.

Black Mirror (2011 – 2019)

Country: the UK

In the series, the current pseudo-progressive technologies and their accompanying fears are brought to the point of absurdity. This series consists of 5 seasons. However, fans and critics note that the quality of the project is declining. Perhaps, they are simply tired of a gloomy picture of the future represented by this series.