Succession, ‘America Decides’ (Season 4, Episode 8)
The series Succession shows us the political power of large corporations and the media in an episode full of drama and satire. In this episode, the election count is followed from the offices of ATN, the news channel owned by the protagonist’s family. With the brothers supporting different candidates, business interests prevail over political interests. This episode is a critique of the democratic system and the manipulation of the media.
The Wire, ‘Margin of Error’ (Temporada 4, Episodi 6)
This episode of The Wire follows Tommy Carcetti, an idealistic politician who encounters the dirt and dirty tactics of real politics. With a photo manipulated to damage his image, Carcetti must fight corruption and the reality of politics. This episode shows how political and business interests can collide and highlights corruption and manipulation in an election campaign.
The Minister, ‘Episodes 2’ (Temporada 1, Episodes 2)
The Icelandic series The Minister presents us with a candidate who wants to change the political system and make the citizens believe in the system again. In this episode, after the elections, the protagonist proposes that the citizens draft the agreement to form a coalition government. With this measure of direct democracy, the series questions the political system and highlights the importance of citizen participation.
Borgen, ‘The Choice’ (Temporada 3, Episodi 10)
Borgen is a reference political series in Europe, and this episode closes the third season with a difficult decision for the protagonist, Birgitte Nyborg. After an unexpected election, his party is in a decisive position to form a government and must choose between power and principles. This episode shows the forces at play within the party and raises the question of whether it is better to follow principles or seek power.
Baron Noir, ‘Chouquette’ (Temporada 2, Episodi 5)
Baron Noir is a French series that deals with political corruption. In this episode of the second season, the protagonist has managed to recover his political career, but corruption remains a central theme. With alliances and manipulations, this episode highlights the deep ramifications of corruption within the political party.
Total Control, ‘Episodes 4’ (Temporada 1, Episodes 4)
Total Control is an Australian series featuring a protagonist who is not a politician, but a citizen who becomes a popular heroine and is offered a seat in the Senate. In this episode, the protagonist discovers the extent to which she is deceived by the Prime Minister and decides to fight for justice and the rights of her Aboriginal community. This series stands out for its hope in politics to achieve real changes and denounces the cynicism of professional politicians.
The Black Viper, ‘Ready and Dishonest’ (Season 3, Episode 1)
The Black Viper is a classic comedy that shows us the protagonist’s contempt for people and the manipulation of voters to get the desired results. In this episode, the protagonist cheats to ensure the outcome he wants, while controlling the elections of a small town. This episode highlights political manipulation and politicians’ contempt for citizens.
Parks & Recreation, ‘Win, Lose or Draw’ (Temporada 4, Episodi 22)
Parks & Recreation is a political comedy that stands out for the good intentions of its protagonist, Leslie Knope. In this episode, the characters experience the chaos of counting votes in a municipal election. But what matters most to the protagonist is not to disappoint her team, which has accompanied her in the project. This episode highlights the importance of believing in the project and shared values.
The West Wing, ‘Election Night’ (Temporada 4, Episodi 7)
The West Wing is a series that combines the political epic with the personal relationships of the characters. In this episode, we follow the counting of votes and the hours of uncertainty during an election night. President Bartlet experiences moments of vulnerability and confronts his own insecurities. This episode mixes dramatic and comedic plots, and reminds us of the importance of teamwork and values in politics.
