Political Dramas On Netflix To Distract From Real Life

The world is filled with commentary about the recent inauguration of Donald J Trump as US President Trump. The executive orders, the tweets, the Muslim Ban – all of it is filling up our news feeds and media. When we’re not hearing about that, we’re hearing about Brexit. Or Putin. Or Syria. Our own politics here in Ireland is not making many waves (aside from the Health Service) in comparison. We’re fascinated. It’s like Car Crash Watching – just so awful but we can’t turn away. So, in the spirit of not quite looking away but finding a distraction from the doom, I’ve found alternatives. Here are 9 Political Dramas on Netflix to satisfy curiosity but protect from the doom.

House of Cards

Having announced a new season kicking off in May, perhaps it’s time to get a catch up with the Underwoods! If you’ve not seen it or heard of it before, welcome from under your rock! House of Cards is an American political drama web television series showing the dark, devious and dangerous goings on in Capitol Hill in search of power. Based (loosely) on the original BBC series, this tale of Frank Underwood, his wife Clare and the people around them making moves into power in the White House is fascinating. Even if you’re not into your Political dramas (this post may not be for you), Clare Underwood’s wardrobe is awe-worthy if nothing else. Make sure to catch up on the previous series (I loved 1 & 2, struggled through 3 and ADORED series 4 – so hang in there on Series 3, it’s worth it!) before the new one airs in May!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULwUzF1q5w4

Designated Survivor

What happened to Jack Bauer of 24? Well, he got old. And then wound up in the White House, in entirely unrelated (though it’s fun to think of a world where they aren’t) circumstances. The Designated Survivor is a candidate picked out to be left out of big congress/governmental events as to have a leftover if, per chance, everyone else died in a massive attack. It’s a real life thing – the policy originated during the Cold War, and continues to this day. (At the 2016 State of The Union, and 2017 Presidential Inauguration, it was the Head of Homeland Security and President pro tempore of the Senate).

Sutherland’s Kirkman is, at the start of the premiere, 13th in line and not doing so great in politics. That is, until the entirety of the US government is wiped out with a massive explosion during the State of The Nation, for which he is the Designated Survivor. It’s an interesting concept, and it definitely kept me gripped. We watch as  Interesting fact: Kal Penn, who plays Seth Wright, a White House Speech Writer, was actually Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement in the Obama Administration, and also serves as a political consultant for the show.

Homeland

More American government stuff – this time, a marine rescued after eight years of being a prisoner of war in Afghanistan returns home a hero – but CIA intelligence suspect that he may actually be an enemy agent. It’s won lots of awards and is definitely one to get stuck into if you like your fast-paced suspense drama. Clare Danes is the leading lady, she gives a really compelling performance. Worth checking out!

The Ides of March 

The Ides of March takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign press secretary (Ryan Gosling) finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate’s shot at the presidency. As well as Gosling, this one has some heavy hitters in the starring roles – Evan Rachel Wood, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman and many more.

The Thick Of It 

A classic, for a reason! The Thick of It is a British comedy television series that satirises the inner workings of modern British government. It was first broadcast for two short series on BBC Four in 2005. It started initially with a small cast focusing on a government minister, his advisers and their party’s spin-doctor but soon grew to a much bigger production. Malcolm Tucker is an unforgettable character, you won’t look at the government the same way again. Bit of a tonic for the Brexit Post-Truth era. All four series are available on Netflix.

Mitt

Mitt is a 2014 American documentary film that chronicles the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. It covers filming over 6 years. It tells the story of both campaigns. While we know the endings already – clearly, he didn’t win – it does make for a compelling watch if you’re into looking behind the scenes or the everyday political bits!

Race For The White House

Race for the White House is an American political show discussing various presidential election campaigns throughout US history. It’s narrated by Kevin Spacey, i.e. Frank Underwood of House of Cards. One for the history buffs, or those looking for some random trivia about US presidents!

An Inconvenient Truth

One of the major points brought out in the last week (and there are SO many) is that the Trump administration does not care for Climate Change. Someone should maybe sit them in charge down in front of this. It’s an eyeopening documentary directed by Davis Guggenheim about former United States Vice President Al Gore’s campaign to educate citizens about global warming via a comprehensive slide show that, by his own estimate made in the film, he has given more than a thousand times. This one might not make you feel any less filled with doom, but it will definitely educate you.

So, there we are – Political Dramas on Netflix so we can ignore whats going on in the outside world for a few hours, while remaining on topic! Have you spotted any more that I’m missing out on? Let me know in the comments!

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Disclosure:I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team and received a Netflix subscription and an iPad Mini in return for posting Netflix updates and reviews, however, all opinions are my own, and I already had a personal subscription before joining the Stream Team.

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