Political turmoil and humor can create compelling television experiences. Shows based on real-life events, such as The Crown, and those with fictional narratives, like Anatomy of a Scandal, illustrate the delicate art of storytelling about political figures. These political dramas on Netflix not only reframe lived experiences but also bring fresh perspectives to narratives long assumed to be accurate. Notable titles like Designated Survivor and The West Wing have laid the groundwork for this genre, which can either inspire audiences or provoke strong reactions.
Netflix hosts an expansive collection of political series that can evoke both hope and cynicism, available for immediate streaming. Politics is not for the faint-hearted; those who ascend to the highest levels of political power often do so amid intense competition. This ongoing struggle often translates effectively onto the small screen. Whether fictional or based on true events, many political series featured on Netflix resonate deeply with real-world issues.
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‘The Whirlwind’ (2024 – )
Created by Park Kyung-soo
For viewers yearning for a new political thriller, The Whirlwind offers a gripping narrative, showcasing a Korean limited series that centers around two ambitious politicians engaged in a fierce battle for power. The 12-episode series features Sul Kyung-gu as Prime Minister Park Dong-ho and Kim Hee-ae as Deputy Prime Minister Jeong Soo-jin. Following a failed assassination attempt on the current president, Soo-jin takes matters into her own hands, initiating a power struggle that puts the very structure of South Korean politics at stake.
Viewers who thrive on strategic political maneuvering and the tactical chess moves necessary to outsmart opponents will find The Whirlwind an exhilarating watch…
The average episode runs for about 48 minutes, allowing for an engaging binge-watching experience. Fans of calculated political strategies and the intricate maneuvers needed to outwit rivals will find The Whirlwind a rewarding choice and a must-see Korean drama series.
Watch on Netflix
17
‘Treason’ (2022)
Created by Matt Charman
For enthusiasts of double-crossing spy thrillers, Treason secures its place among the top political series currently available on Netflix. Charlie Cox takes center stage as the ambitious MI6 agent Adam Lawrence, whose career and worldview come crashing down when he reunites with Kara (Olga Kurylenko), a Russian agent with whom he shares a tumultuous past. This unexpected encounter leads Adam to question the integrity of his professional life and personal choices.
This captivating series consists of five episodes, offering a compact yet immersive experience reminiscent of the Academy Award-winning espionage film, Bridge of Spies. The series excels in its ability to envelop audiences in a captivating fictional narrative, allowing them to willingly suspend disbelief and fully engage with the suspense and classic tropes of the genre. – Ali Teske
Treason
- Release Date
- 2022 – 2021
- Writers
- Matt Charman, Amanda Duke
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‘The Recruit’ (2022 – )
Created by Alexi Hawley
With anticipation for a second season, audiences eager for espionage thrillers have the perfect opportunity to binge-watch this compelling political series. The story follows Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo), a freshly recruited attorney who becomes embroiled in international politics after a former CIA asset threatens to expose the agency’s long-standing connections. The Recruit faced delays during production due to industry strikes, but filming for its second season commenced earlier this year.
Critics and audiences alike praised this series upon its release, drawn in by its standout star, Noah Centineo, and its unique approach to the genre. Political dramas often tackle serious themes with a heavy tone, but The Recruit appeals to a new generation of viewers seeking relatable characters, like Owen, who embody a refreshing take on the genre. – Ali Teske
The Recruit
- Release Date
- December 16, 2022
- Network
- Netflix
15
‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018)
Written by Kim Eun-sook
For fans of political series, Mr. Sunshine offers a refreshing departure from procedural norms, weaving romance and drama into a single captivating season. The series features Squid Game‘s Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, a military officer who fled Korea during the Shinmiyangyo Incident in 1871. Upon his return, he becomes entangled in a complex romance with Ae-Sin (Kim Tae-ri), the daughter of a wealthy family, complicating their relationship with the evolving political landscape and colonization efforts.
Comprising just one season, Mr. Sunshine is packed with 24 episodes, each exceeding an hour. This unique addition to Netflix’s political drama lineup requires commitment to binge-watch but rewards viewers with a rich narrative set against a historically significant backdrop. – Ali Teske
14
‘Your Honor’ (2020 – 2023)
Created by Peter Moffat
Fans of Breaking Bad will find Your Honor to be another captivating performance by Bryan Cranston, exploring themes of morality, corruption, and the blurred lines within the judicial system. This two-season series from Showtime, now available on Netflix, follows Judge Michael Desiato, whose life spirals into chaos after his son is involved in a tragic hit-and-run incident. Your Honor goes beyond a typical courtroom drama; it delves into the murky waters of political corruption and organized crime, especially after Desiato’s son accidentally kills the child of a notorious mobster.
Cranston steps into another morally complex role after his iconic portrayal of Walter White, showcasing a character faced with significant ethical dilemmas that lead him to commit serious crimes to safeguard his family. Although the series concluded with a rather unpredictable second season, it stands as a compelling political crime drama that is well worth a binge-watch on its new streaming platform. – Ali Teske
13
‘Ingobernable’ (2017 – 2018)
Developed by Veronica Velasco, Epigmenio Ibarra, Natasha Ybarra-Klor
Ingobernable is a gripping Mexican political drama that centers around the fictional first lady of Mexico. Kate del Castillo delivers a powerful performance as a woman caught in the midst of the nation’s most significant political scandals. The series poignantly chronicles her disillusionment with institutions and her husband, leading to devastating personal consequences.
While the political scenarios depicted in Ingobernable may lean toward the fantastical, the character-driven narrative makes it an exhilarating watch. The show kicks off with an explosive event and maintains a relentless pace that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Viewers are kept guessing with shocking twists and turns, even if many of the revelations stray from reality.
Watch on Netflix
12
‘Secret City’ (2016 – 2019)
Directed by Emma Freeman, Tony Krawitz, and Daniel Nettheim
Secret City, based on the bestselling novels The Marmalade Files, The Mandarin Code, and The Shadow Game, is an Australian political thriller series that serves as a hidden gem for genre enthusiasts. Featuring the talented Anna Torv as political journalist Harriet Dunkley, the narrative unfolds in Canberra, a city that seems straightforward but is rife with underlying conspiracy. As Harriet digs deeper, her life faces threats from unseen forces.
Secret City shines due to Torv’s captivating performance, which guides viewers through the intricacies of a complex plot. Although some elements may be predictable, the storyline is structured sufficiently to maintain interest until the conclusion. Even those unfamiliar with the source material are likely to find entertainment in this series.
Secret City
- Release Date
- 2016 – 2018
- Directors
- 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 captivating miniseries based on Sarah Vaughan‘s compelling novel. Featuring Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey, she portrays a Crown prosecutor tasked with bringing a British Conservative MP to justice for sexual assault allegations. This six-episode series unfolds the court case while simultaneously revealing the intricate details of the scandal.
Although Anatomy of a Scandal is fictional, it feels alarmingly realistic. Today’s politicians can no longer conceal their past misdeeds as they once could, with every action scrutinized on social media. The plot twists may be somewhat predictable, but they remain engaging, making this Netflix series a compelling watch for those seeking a short binge.
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‘The Politician’ (2019 – 2020)
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan
The Politician provides a satirical examination of public service careers gone awry. The first season chronicles Payton Hobart’s (Ben Platt) childhood dream of becoming President of the United States. In the second season, Payton delves into the chaotic world of real politics, offering a comedic and dysfunctional portrayal of a political train wreck.
What makes The Politician so compelling is its unpredictable narrative. While the humor may not land every time, the series often delivers sharp social commentary on American politics. The absurdity of childhood aspirations manifesting in reality creates a relatable yet humorous critique of the political landscape.
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‘The Night Agent’ (2023 – )
Created by Shawn Ryan
