If you're dipping into American politics for the first time but want to follow the November presidential election, these Netflix series offer insightful entertainment to build your understanding—all from your couch.
We're inching closer to election day. On November 3, millions of Americans—who haven't already voted by mail—will head to the polls to choose their next president. In this pivotal 2020 year, overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the stakes are high: Will Donald Trump secure a second term, or will former Vice President Joe Biden, Barack Obama's running mate, take the White House?
These questions will dominate conversations worldwide, including in France. To grasp the nuances of the US electoral process without leaving home, dive into these standout Netflix series that illuminate the political arena.
Kicking off with the gold standard, House of Cards stars Frank Underwood, a cunning political veteran played with chilling precision. As narrator, he breaks the fourth wall, revealing his ruthless maneuvers and alliances to claw his way to the presidency.
The series, a massive hit across six seasons, ended amid sexual harassment allegations against Kevin Spacey. Yet it remains a sharp, unflinching mirror to real US political intrigue.
Scandal, spanning seven seasons, chronicles crisis manager Olivia Pope and her elite team of lawyers, litigators, ex-spies, and detectives. They specialize in burying scandals and navigating high-stakes fixes.
This gripping drama pulls back the curtain on White House operations, exposing the inner workings of America's political powerhouse.
For a thriller edge, Homeland captures post-9/11 America's paranoia. Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) returns after eight years captive in Iraq, under CIA scrutiny from agent Carrie Mathison, who fears he's been radicalized by al-Qaeda. The series concluded in 2020 after eight riveting seasons.
The Politician, Netflix's 2019 debut season, follows Payton Hobart, a spoiled yet driven scion of wealth with presidential dreams. First, he eyes his high school student council presidency and a spot at Harvard.
Designated Survivor's three seasons open with a Capitol attack killing the president, vice president, and Congress. Housing Secretary Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), the lone 'designated survivor,' steps up as commander-in-chief.
