Not Ready to Say Farewell to 'The Diplomat'? Watch These Shows Next.
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So, you’ve finished The Diplomat and are wondering what to watch next? Well, congratulations, you’ve come to the right place. Trust us, there are plenty of political dramas to fill the void that Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell have left behind. Or at least help tide you over until Netflix (hopefully) drops Season Two. Some are even completed series—so you can enjoy the full story from start to finish.
If you’re interested in seeing the public and private worlds of politicians collide, political romances, cars explode while people in suits hover around them, or even stories based on historic events, then look no further. Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the best political dramas ever made, just to get you rolling. One of these—like we're sure was the case with The Diplomat—might even become your new favorite. And if you finished this list, make sure to check out Esquire's favorite shows of the year (so far).
Scandal
Scandal follows Olivia Pope (Keri Washington), a former media consultant for the White House. She’s known as the best problem-solver in town, and with the help of a new team, she forms her own crisis management firm. But as they take on high-profile clients, Pope learns they’re not the only ones who need to be fixed.
The West Wing
The West Wing is a political drama that follows the lives of White House staffers. Each member is whip-smart, cutthroat, and deeply dedicated to their career. But the mixing of personal and professional lives puts everything at risk.
House of Cards
House of Cards is a political thriller based on Michael Dobbs’s novel of the same name. It follows Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a corrupt politician, and his wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), who is just as unethical. Together, they use political ties to get revenge on anyone who betrays them.
Bodyguard
Bodyguard follows David Budd (Richard Madden), a war veteran turned Specialist Protection Officer. His life grows increasingly complicated when he’s tasked with protecting Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), whose politics reflect everything he stands against. With her safety in his hands, Budd is torn between his own beliefs and his duty as her bodyguard.
Designated Survivor
Designated Survivor begins with a terrorist attack during the State of the Union. When an unexpected explosion blows up the Capitol Building, including the President and his successors, The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Thomas Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), is named President of the United States. With little practice running, you know, a country, Kirkman is forced to adapt quickly to his new job and lead the nation into its next era.
The Good Wife
The Good Wife follows Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) a woman whose life is turned upside down when her husband, Peter (Chris Noth), is imprisoned for a political sex scandal. With her husband in jail, she’s forced to become the head of their household. In doing so, Alicia dives back into her career as an attorney and rebuilds their lives all on her own.
Homeland
Homeland follows a dangerous game of cat and mouse between Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) an unstable CIA operative, and Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a former prisoner of war. When Brody returns home after being kidnapped by al-Qaeda, Mathison becomes convinced that he’s brainwashed and is planning an attack on the United States. To Mathison, she’s doing everything in her power to protect the country, but their feud becomes the nation’s greatest security risk.
The Crown
The Crown follows the life and politics of Queen Elizabeth II, who becomes a monarch at just 25 years old. The series begins with her marriage to Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947 and tracks Britain’s history up until the 21st century—showcasing the royal family’s many ups and downs along the way.
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