4 political shows like The Diplomat to stream online

The Diplomat, a political thriller with a caustic wit that brings levity and laughs to its serious plot, premiered Thursday, April 20 on Netflix. The series is led by Keri Russell who plays Kate Wyler, the newly appointed ambassador to the U.K. who has to contend with keeping the British Prime Minister from pulling the United States into a war with Iran.

As she does this, Kate strikes up a close relationship with Foreign Secretary Dennison, navigates being on the short list for the vice presidency, and figures out how to work with her husband, Hal, who is also an ambassador and who she intended on divorcing before her appointment.

If you fell in love with the series after its first season run and are looking to tune into other political shows with a similar feel, here are four to check out online!

Political shows like The Diplomat to stream

The West Wing (1999-2006)

Seasons: 7

Where to stream: HBO Max

It’s become cliche at this point to recommend The West Wing whenever a new political drama premieres on TV or streaming, but this series set the bar back in the late ’90s and there’s a reason the Aaron Sorkin creation has lived on in the halls of television history.

The Diplomat centers on an ambassador and is set in the U.K. but Kate’s quickness and that of the rest of the characters is reminiscent of the iconic crew that ran Bartlet’s administration nearly 25 years ago. Team Wyler simply does it with an abundance of expletives and a charming, caustic quality that manages to provide a laugh just like The West Wing.

Also the creator of the series, Debora Cahn, got her start as a writer and producer on the ’90s/early aughts show from its fourth season to its final run. So, of course, viewers can’t help but see the similarities.

Scandal (2012-2018)

Seasons: 7

Where to stream: Hulu

This Shonda Rhimes series was like The West Wing of the 2010s if that show were a political soap opera with an extensive and intense affair being carried on between the President of the United States and a prominent, well regarded fixer by the name of Olivia Pope.

Kate Wyler certainly doesn’t strut or shut people down with Shakespearean-esque monologues the likes of which haven’t been seen since Scandal, but she does share a keen ability to see the root of a problem and a knowledge of how to fix it whilst maintaining the delicate power balance at play between political figures and entire nations.

Both women are formidable and both are highly aware of the stakes at play when considering each move they make to ensure public safety and the greater good.

Veep (2012-2019)

Seasons: 7

Where to stream: HBO Max

Yes, Veep is satire and The Diplomat isn’t, however, it’s funny and does poke fun at the work done to manage political leaders just like the HBO series. Not to mention Kate is on the short list to become Vice President, a position Selina Meyer already holds.

The mundane quality of bureaucracy and the red tape that must be navigated to get anything done is a topic often explored in political shows, it’s a staple of the genre, but what isn’t a staple is the ability to make the games these figures play hilarious. The Diplomat can be just as over the top and silly as a satirical series.

Madam Secretary (2014-2019)

Seasons: 6

Where to stream: Netflix

Madam Secretary is an underrated political drama that tells the story of Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned college professor who must rise to the occasion when the Secretary of State unexpectedly dies and President Dalton asks her to perform her civic duty and fill the role. Like Wyler, Elizabeth is a straight shooter and she has extensive experience in using diplomacy to quell political and global crises that could up end the stability of the administration and the world at large.

Elizabeth is surrounded by some of the brightest minds in Washington and works with her staff to put out fires in each episode. Her series is funny and also walks the line of seriousness as the lead is the most recognizable and powerful diplomat in the American government. Also, Elizabeth’s marriage to her husband Henry is an integral part of the storytelling in the show (though you can expect a deep love story not an embittered one).

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