12 Political Drama Series That Kept Us On The Edge

1. The Thick of It

In the UK's government corridors, Malcolm Tucker, the Prime Minister's Director of Communications, rules with an iron fist and a razor-sharp tongue. Gaffes, blunders, and PR nightmares? He's the cleaner, and his methods? Well, they're unconventional. Darkly comedic and cynically real, The Thick of It presents a chaotic world of spin doctors and media mishaps. Because in politics, sometimes the real drama is behind the headlines.

2. House of Cards

Francis Underwood, with his southern drawl, weaves a web of deceit in Washington. With Claire, his equally ambitious wife, they navigate a chessboard of political treachery. But what happens when the pawns fight back? Backstabbings (literal and figurative) are the name of the game. As Francis ascends the ladder of power, bodies and secrets get buried deep. Power corrupts, and absolute power? Well, you know the drill.

3. Designated Survivor

Explosion! The Capitol is razed, and the U.S. government? Virtually wiped out. Tom Kirkman, a lower-tier cabinet member, suddenly finds himself as the President. Ill-prepared yet determined, he navigates a maze of conspiracies, political sharks, and personal trials. Who can be trusted when a nation teeters on the brink? Designated Survivor asks how an ordinary man can find his presidential stride amidst chaos.

4. Scandal

Enter Olivia Pope, D.C.'s top fixer with a knack for managing mega-scandals. Her team, the gladiators in suits, handle high-profile clients and quell erupting crises. But, ah, what's this? Olivia herself is ensnared in a torrid affair with the President. Secrets, betrayals, and covert operations become daily staples. Politics gets personal, and lines blur between heroes and villains. Scandal reminds us that in Washington, everyone wears a mask.

5. The Crown

Across the pond, we dive into the life of Queen Elizabeth II. From young monarch to seasoned sovereign, her reign faces storms both political and personal. Prime Ministers come and go, but the Crown must remain steadfast. Yet, how does one balance duty with desire? Through opulent palaces and smoky backrooms, The Crown chronicles the price of wearing the UK's heaviest headgear. In this regal dance, every step, misstep, and sidestep counts.

6. Borgen

From the corridors of Copenhagen, Borgen unveils the story of Birgitte Nyborg, Denmark's first female Prime Minister. Election victories? Check. Coalition conundrums? Double-check. As she juggles politics, press, and personal life, the challenges are as relentless as the Nordic winter. Throw in media manipulations and you've got a political potboiler. In Denmark's halls of power, every decision echoes with consequence.

7. Madam Secretary

Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst, unexpectedly becomes U.S. Secretary of State. Think it's all smooth sailing? Think again. From coups to controversies, her tenure is a tightrope walk on the world stage. Backed by her whip-smart team, and sometimes clashing with them, Elizabeth tackles global issues with grit and gumption. Throw in a dash of family dynamics, and Madam Secretary becomes a masterclass in multitasking. Diplomacy might be a delicate dance, but Elizabeth pirouettes with aplomb.

8. Billions

In New York's financial jungle, two lions stand tall: Bobby Axelrod, a hedge fund king, and Chuck Rhoades, a tenacious U.S. Attorney. When money meets the law, sparks fly. Their cat-and-mouse game involves power plays, betrayals, and, of course, billions at stake. But in this high-stakes world, is anyone truly clean? As lines blur, alliances shift like sand. Billions unravels a tale where every move is a calculated gamble, and the house doesn't always win.

9. Veep

Selina Meyer, once a senator, now the Vice President. Sounds grand, right? But the VP office isn't as glamorous as it seems. Amidst PR disasters, political faux pas, and a team that's often more hindrance than help, Selina strives for the top spot. With sharp wit and biting humor, Veep offers a satirical peek behind the political curtain. In this comedy of errors, one thing's certain: in D.C., every chuckle comes with a side of cynicism.

10. Bodyguard

David Budd, a war veteran-turned-royalty protection officer, is tasked with guarding the UK's Home Secretary. But when threats emerge, personal and political, his duty becomes a tangled web. Espionage, bombings, and betrayals punctuate this high-octane drama. But who's the real enemy? Bodyguard is a thrilling ride that proves that in politics, danger lurks in every shadowed corner.

11. The West Wing

Step into the White House, where President Jed Bartlet and his charismatic team grapple with global crises and domestic politics. Is running a country easy? Hardly. Policy clashes, political maneuvering, and the constant eye of the public make the stakes unfathomably high. Under Aaron Sorkin's pen, rapid-fire dialogue meets intricate political ballets. Scandals arise, alliances shift, but the heart of democracy beats strong. Through seven seasons, The West Wing showcases the dreams and disillusionments of those who dare to lead.

12. Tyrant

Bassam "Barry" Al-Fayeed, the younger son of a war-torn country's dictator, returns home after two decades in America. Think it's a happy reunion? Far from it. Political unrest, family feuds, and power struggles ensue. As he grapples with his legacy and identity, the nation teeters on the brink of revolution. Tyrant delves deep into the complexities of power, family, and loyalty. In this desert drama, every decision can spark a sandstorm.