When it comes to political thrillers, one location stands above the rest: Washington, D.C.As the capital of the United States, it's the center of the nation's politics.Nearly every major decision that affects Americans happens within the District of Columbia.
Politics and drama go hand in hand, so Washington is the ideal setting for a television series.Most of these iconic political shows do not shoot in Washington due to filming restrictions, which makes sense—the White House is a place of business, not entertainment.However, the spirit of the capital is found in many political dramas, with several shows streaming on Netflix.
One of our choices has a strong argument for being the most influential show of the last 30 years.Find out the rest of our picks ahead.5 Designated Survivor Kiefer Sutherland becomes the president has major energy, mainly due to its star, Kiefer Sutherland.
In , Sutherland's Jack Bauer worked to protect the president.In , Sutherland's Thomas Kirkman the president after an explosion in the Capitol Building kills every important politician at the State of the Union.Kirkman watched the State of the Union from afar as the designated survivor—a person in the presidential line of succession who can be sworn into office if something drastic happens.
I'd say an attack that wipes out everyone in Congress is pretty drastic.Naturally, a U.S.government show like is set in the nation's capital.
What's even more impressive is that filmed most of the show in Toronto.Besides some establishing shots of Washington, Toronto served as the central hub, building replicas of the White House's interiors in a Canadian warehouse.While it doesn't have the same action as , is a satisfying political thriller with a skillful performance from Sutherland.
Like Designated Survivor Drama Release Date 2016 - 2019-00-00 Network ABC, Netflix Directors Kiefer Sutherland Writers Kiefer Sutherland Cast See All Kiefer Sutherland Adan Canto Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY Powered by Expand Collapse 4 Scandal Kerry Washington is a professional fixer Shonda Rhimes is the ideal creator to develop a political thriller in Washington because of her affinity for drama, romance, and suspense.In 2012, Rhimes parlayed her success from and into a new network drama, .Kerry Washington is Olivia Pope, a professional fixer utilized by politicians to control damage.
If there's a problem, Olivia will make it go away, and her success leads to a crisis-management firm, Olivia Pope & Associates.The irony is that Olivia, a fixer paid to mitigate disaster, partakes in the biggest scandal of them all: an affair with President Fitzgerald Grant III (Tony Goldwyn).is a soapy drama that works best when it embraces spectacle—the more salacious the storylines, the better the show.
Like , wasfilmed outside of Washington, with Los Angeles as the primary site.The exteriors for Olivia's headquarters are the Palace Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.Until the White House allows filming inside its walls, expect political shows to film elsewhere.
Like Scandal TV-14 Drama Thriller Release Date 2012 - 2018 Network ABC Cast See All Kerry Washington Olivia Pope Darby Stanchfield Abby Whelan Katie Lowes Quinn Perkins Guillermo Diaz Huck Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY Powered by Expand Collapse 3 The Diplomat Keri Russell returns to television Do you know who holds the record for the most Critics' Choice Television Award nominations without a win for best actress in a drama? That would be Keri Russell with eight.Russell has been a mainstay on television since her days on but her two most recent shows—and —have garnered her significant acclaim.In , Russell plays Kate Wyler, the new U.S.
ambassador to the U.K.As the newly appointed diplomat, Kate's first job is to prevent nuclear war following a terrorist attack on a British aircraft carrier.With Kate moving across the pond, filmed many scenes in the United Kingdom.
While many of the interiors were shot on a sound stage, filmed the exteriors and inside the lobby of the real U.S.Embassy in London.In season 3, some of the action transfers to Washington, D.C., thanks to the enticing vice presidential storyline.
However, the interiors of these D.C.locations were filmed in New York City.The Big Apple is not Washington, but it's closer than Los Angeles and Toronto, so that's an improvement.
Like The Diplomat TV-MA Drama War & Politics Thriller Release Date 2023 - 2023-00-00 Network Netflix Cast See All Keri Russell Ambassador Kate Wyler Rufus Sewell Hal Wyler David Gyasi Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison Ali Ahn Eidra Park Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming Powered by Expand Collapse 2 House of Cards One of Netflix's most important shows is a tough show to discuss because of Kevin Spacey's involvement.In 2017, Spacey was fired from the show before season 6 following sexual assault allegations.The show still serves as an important moment in television history, as became the first television series produced by a studio for Netflix.
Based on the British novel of the same name, follows the exploits of Frank Underwood, a South Carolina congressional representative, and his rise to political power.After being passed over for Secretary of State, Frank and his wife, Claire (Robin Wright), enact a risky plan to influence political affairs for their personal gain.Frank hides whatever morality he has left as he lies, cheats, and steals his way to the top.
Those first two seasons of are a superb example of how strong writing can make television feel cinematic.While set in Washington, did the majority of its filming 40 miles north of the city in Baltimore, with the fake West Wing and Oval Office located inside a warehouse.My favorite location is the fictional Freddy's BBQ Rib Joint, where the exterior of the building can be found at 2601 Greenmount Avenue in Baltimore.
Unfortunately, it's BYOB—bring your own barbecue.Like House of Cards TV-MA Drama Release Date 2013 - 2018-00-00 Network Netflix Cast See All Kevin Spacey Frank Underwood Michel Gill Claire Underwood Robin Wright Gillian Cole Kate Mara Doug Stamper Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY Powered by Expand Collapse 1 The West Wing Aaron Sorkin changed political dramas forever For my money, the title of the most iconic show set in Washington, D.C., belongs to .Aaron Sorkin's seminal drama takes viewers inside the White House.
The series centers around President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his staff, which includes speechwriter Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), press secretary C.J.Cregg (Allison Janney), aide Charlie Young (Dulé Hill), chief of staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer), and deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford).Subscribe to our newsletter for Washington-set TV insights Want deeper dives into political thrillers, filming-location secrets, and streaming recommendations? Subscribe to our newsletter for curated coverage that expands on Washington-set shows, behind-the-scenes trivia, and thoughtful picks across genres.
Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can unsubscribe anytime.The four shows above do not exist without the success of .
Sorkin's signature dialogue—especially the walk-and-talk—elevated this political drama to new heights.While the interiors of the show were filmed in California, several of the show's exteriors, including Constitution Hall, were shot in D.C.Regardless of location, is considered the gold standard for its depiction of what goes on in Washington.
Like The West Wing Drama Release Date 1999 - 2006-00-00 Network NBC Cast See All Martin Sheen Bradley Whitford Allison Janney Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY Powered by Expand Collapse For more Netflix recommendations, try listening to some video podcasts, including the companion.Plus, check out some Korean dramas if you want to try something other than .Netflix Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams Two or four Live TV No Price Starting at $8/month Stream licensed and original programming with a monthly Netflix subscription.
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