Three eye-opening political dramas to stream on Netflix before the election

Get ready for the November elections with these three political dramas on Netflix

With another election coming up in November, many viewers are probably tired of the political ads and the back and forth between opponents. But voting is an important part of our process, and three of the best political dramas on Netflix show how our input can make a difference.

Educating as well as entertaining, these shows take viewers behind the scenes of fictional presidencies to showcase real stories that can happen or have happened. Here are three political dramas you need to watch on Netflix.

Political drama on Netflix: The West Wing

Undoubtedly, one of the absolute best political dramas streaming on Netflix right now is The West Wing. Yes, it’s about a Democratic presidency, but everyone needs to take a look inside the Jed Bartlett administration, especially those who may be on opposite sides of the political spectrum. And while you might not agree with how some of the topics are handled, you will learn that there is nothing easy about running this country.

Time, TV Guide, Empire, and several other magazines have ranked The West Wing as one of the best television shows of all time. Some of the most timely and important episodes are also the most compelling and cover issues that parties on both sides of the political aisle can agree on.

In the Shadow of Two Gunmen is assumed to be an attack on the presidency. Instead, it’s an attack on a black man for loving a white woman. In Excelsis Deo deals with a deceased homeless Korean War veteran and a hate crime. Noel is a particularly moving episode as one staff member is suffering from PTSD after having been shot at the beginning of the season.

Whatever side you align with, The West Wing is a series that will entertain, educate, and enlighten. There is something you can glean from each episode, and all 156 episodes are streaming on Netflix.

Political drama on Netflix: Designated Survivor

Kiefer Sutherland portrays Thomas Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who, as a designated survivor, becomes the president when an explosion destroys the Capitol Building.

As an independent, Kirkman faces difficulty from both sides of the political aisle, but he keeps his focus on running the country, being transparent with the American people, and doing what is right inside the walls of the West Wing.

The first two seasons aired on NBC, and after cancellation, the series moved to Netflix, which changed its TV-14 rating to an MA rating,  for its final season which aired on June 7, 2019.  All three seasons (53 episodes)of Designated Survivor are available for streaming on Netflix.

Political drama on Netflix: Madam Secretary

For the first five seasons, this series focused on Tea Leoni’s character, Elizabeth as the Secretary of State. Tough topics were covered, and while many will say the series leaned left, there was little discussion about Democrats vs. Republicans. The focus always remained on solving problems, and seeing the inside workings of the State Department, even fictional, is fascinating.

In season 6, Elizabeth McCord has won the presidential election as an independent, and the entire season revolves around her potential impeachment. Yes, a ripped from the headlines type of story, but this shows a side of the process that is a definite eye-opener.

All six seasons (120 episodes) of Madam Secretary are streaming on Netflix.

No matter where you stand politically, these three political dramas are thought-provoking and entertaining, and with a total of 329 episodes, a lot of political ground is covered.   As Jed Bartlett in The West Wing said, “decisions are made by those who show up.” Showing up to the voting booth with more education can’t be a bad thing.

Have you watched any of these shows? Do you have a favorite episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below.