10 Gripping Political Dramas To Get You Hyped For Election Season

From speeches and debates to strategies and surprises, there’s just something about election season that pulls you in.  If you’re looking for something to scratch that political itch, here are 10 political dramas that’ll hook you faster than a campaign promise on election day.

The Diplomat (2023 -)

Ever get hooked by a show right from the first episode? That’s exactly what happens with The Diplomat. Keri Russell is fantastic as Kate Wyler, a no-nonsense diplomat who suddenly gets tossed into the spotlight as the U.S. Ambassador to the UK. Think of it as a high-stakes chess match where every move could start or stop World War III. Just to keep things spicy, Kate’s also got a rocky marriage with Hal, a diplomat with secrets she’s not yet privy to. The show really captures the madness of mixing huge international stakes with all the messy personal stuff.  

The West Wing (1999-2006)

Yes, it’s old school, but The West Wing is still one of the best out there. It’s like a warm blanket for political fans, showing us the kind of government we wish existed. President Bartlet and his team navigate crises while delivering razor-sharp dialogue we all wish we could think of on the fly. It’s a bit idealistic, but that’s the charm. Martin Sheen’s Bartlet is everyone’s dream president — brilliant, moral, and armed with a sense of humor. The way it makes seemingly boring topics like tax policy thrilling is magic. The cast chemistry is gold, and it’s honestly more educational than high school civics.

House of Cards (2013-2018)

Frank Underwood is the politician who manipulates every one around him and isn’t afraid to break the fourth wall to fill us in on his next sinister move. House of Cards feels like Shakespearean drama brought into the modern-day political scene—dark, twisted, and totally captivating. Frank and Claire Underwood make the Macbeths look like amateurs. It’s over the top, sure, but let’s be real — sometimes real-life politics isn’t much better.  

The Girls on the Bus (2024)

Here’s a show that really gets campaign life. The Girls on the Bus follows four female journalists on the trail, blending the vibes of Almost Famous and All the President’s Men — with some modern-day Twitter drama mixed in.  It nails the chaos of political reporting: the brutal hours, tight deadlines, and those rare highs when you finally get a big scoop. What stands out is how it shows the friendship between the women—technically rivals, but they’ve still got each other’s backs. All while dealing with online trolls and difficult editors. It’s also a great look at how social media has changed political journalism.

Designated Survivor (2016-2019)

Imagine if the housing secretary — basically an unknown — suddenly became president. This outlandish premise of Designated Survivor works better than you’d expect. Kiefer Sutherland steps into the shoes of Tom Kirkman, just your average guy, who suddenly finds himself sitting in the Oval Office after a disaster wipes out most of the government. Sure, the conspiracy parts are pretty far-fetched, but seeing a regular person step up to impossible challenges keeps it interesting. And there are definitely some jaw-dropping moments that make it one of the more entertaining political series.  

Madam Secretary (2014-2019)

Think of this one as the optimistic cousin of other political shows. Téa Leoni plays Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst who becomes Secretary of State — exactly the kind of leader everyone wishes we had. She’s smart, kind, and stands her ground. The show tackles real issues without feeling too heavy or preachy, from preventing wars to handling her kids’ chaos at home. It makes diplomacy look both crucial and exciting. If you like your political drama with a dash of hope, this is it.

Scandal (2012-2018)

Scandal is scandalous — just how we like it. Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope runs around D.C. in perfect outfits, fixing impossible problems while her personal life falls apart. Everything moves at lightning speed — snappy dialogue, crazy twists, and plenty of backstabbing. Is it realistic? Not really. But who cares? It’s a wild ride. Olivia and her “gladiators” handle crisis after crisis, ending up knee-deep in secret organizations and conspiracies. It’s political drama on steroids, and lots of fun to watch.

White House Plumbers (2023)

White House Plumbers proves that truth can be stranger (and a lot funnier) than fiction sometimes. Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux brilliantly portray a bumbling pair who end up bringing down Nixon’s presidency. The fact that it’s based on real events makes it even more entertaining. Imagine the Dumb and Dumber of political operatives, only their blunders had major consequences for American history. It’s a hilarious but also a bit nerve-wracking ride, with that perfect ‘70s feel.

Gaslit (2022)

Gaslit offers a fresh take on Watergate. Julia Roberts stars as Martha Mitchell, the outspoken wife of Nixon’s Attorney General, who tried to blow the whistle before anyone else did. She’s out there speaking the truth while everyone else wants her silenced. There are funny moments, but it also gets chilling when you see the lengths people went to discredit her. Roberts is fantastic in this role, giving Martha real depth. It really makes you think — what if people had just listened to her?

The Night Agent (2024)

The Night Agent has that edge-of-your-seat tension you remember from 24, mixed with the political intrigue you’d expect from The West Wing. Peter Sutherland, just trying to get through his quiet night shift, ends up stumbling into a web of chaos that no one could predict. One moment it’s calm, and the next it’s a full-blown mess. The action is intense, and the twists come at you when you least expect them. Gabriel Basso brings a relatable vibe to the role—like any of us might feel if we were suddenly tossed into a conspiracy nightmare.