As the momentous 2024 presidential battle unfolds between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, we reflect on a time when the most gripping tales in the White House were purely fictional.

Political shows have long been part of television culture, offering everything from uplifting narratives like “Parks and Recreation” to darker themes seen in “House of Cards.” With such a contentious and dramatic election season, it’s natural to recall the intense political rivalries depicted in these iconic series.

With Election Day approaching, we present a ranking of the 10 finest political TV shows, spanning genres from comedy to drama and even science fiction.

10. ‘House of Cards’

(Netflix, 2013-18)

While some political shows emphasize government’s role in aiding citizens, Netflix’s initial major hit, based on a UK miniseries, takes a darker view. “House of Cards” presents a bleak portrayal of bureaucratic manipulation, depicting how unscrupulous individuals can lie, deceive, and even kill to reach the Oval Office. Despite the controversies surrounding the lead actor Kevin Spacey, the talent of stars like Robin Wright, Mahershala Ali, Corey Stoll, and Kate Mara elevated this series into a remarkable political thriller.

9. ‘Saturday Night Live’

(NBC, 1975-present)

Although most “SNL” episodes revolve around general humor rather than strictly political content, this sketch-comedy staple cannot be overlooked in discussions of political television. From Chevy Chase portraying Gerald Ford to Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris, “SNL” has made a name for itself in political satire. Major political figures are impersonated, offering a mix of deep satire and lighthearted comedy. The show’s impact on modern politics is undeniable, with memorable moments like having Trump host and the iconic line, “I can see Russia from my house!” “SNL” has consistently been intertwined with political discourse.

8. ‘Scandal’

(ABC, 2012-18)

Claiming the title of the most outrageous series here, “Scandal” often feels more like a nighttime soap than a traditional political drama. Yet, it ingeniously weaves together juicy plotlines with poignant critiques of political life, showcasing the inner workings of the White House. Kerry Washington shines as the morally complex political fixer Olivia Pope, and Tony Goldwyn plays the troubled President Fitzgerald Grant, creating a captivating narrative.

7. ‘The Good Wife’

(CBS, 2009-16)

Not all political dramas need to scale national heights. This outstanding series from creators Robert and Michelle King effectively showcases the intricacies of local politics, centering on a Chicago state’s attorney (Chris Noth) who resigns due to a scandal, while his wife, Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies), stands by him. Blending elements of legal thrillers and Chicago political antics, “The Good Wife” ran for seven seasons, impressing audiences with Margulies’ heartfelt performance and clever writing that satirizes political malfeasance. A special mention goes to the Paramount+ spinoff “The Good Fight,” which followed suit with a more absurd twist.

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6. ‘Battlestar Galactica’

(Syfy, 2004-09)

Don’t just focus on the eye-catching robots and large-scale space battles; this series presents one of the sharpest and most insightful narratives in the post-9/11 era. Its modern adaptation of the classic 1970s sci-fi saga deftly reflects the political climate of the Patriot Act era, showcasing how military and political figures, portrayed by Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell, react to a catastrophic attack from their own robotic creations. Intricate, surprising, and frequently profound, it shows the greatest strength of science fiction: uncovering truths about the real world it mirrors. So say we all.

5. ‘The Wire’

(HBO, 2002-08)

At first glance, you might see David Simon’s grand story set in Baltimore as simply a crime drama, but it is actually a profoundly political series that captures the essence of urban politics with alarming accuracy. From corruption to backdoor deals, and every bad behavior related to government officials, “The Wire” delves into the lives of cops, criminals, and politicians who exploit everything happening beneath them. Its execution is so compelling that it can be quite disheartening.

4. ‘The Thick of It’

(BBC, 2005-12; streaming on Peacock)

Before Armando Iannucci introduced sharp political satire to American audiences with “Veep” (more on that later), he created this British comedy featuring Peter Capaldi as the abrasive and foul-mouthed government fixer Malcolm Tucker. Set against the backdrop of tedious British bureaucracy, “The Thick of It,” along with its film adaptation “In The Loop,” was outrageous, profane, and often delightfully nonsensical, capturing the essence of the slow processes inherent in government work.

3. ‘Veep’

(HBO, 2012-19)

Iannucci’s portrayal of American politics comes with fewer accents but is packed with even more absurdity as it follows the escapades of Vice President Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). While many shows portray political figures as villains, in Selina’s world, they are simply buffoons and jerk-offs who “take a dump on the glass ceiling.” Hilarious and often painfully close to reality, the show allows us to laugh at the madness and injustices within the American political and electoral systems.

2. ‘Parks and Recreation’

(NBC, 2009-15)

While darker, cynical political dramas have their place, sometimes you might crave a little optimism regarding politics and government. Enter Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a dedicated parks official from a small Indiana town, whose extraordinary positivity showcases the potential of government to improve society. Beyond being uplifting and enjoyable, “Parks and Recreation” stands as one of the funniest sitcoms of the century, filled with unforgettable characters and hilarious scenarios. Its iconic town meeting serves as a perfect satire of public opinion while setting the stage for some of the show’s funniest moments. Essentially, it proposes that government can actually be effective and amusing.

1. ‘The West Wing’

(NBC, 1999-2006)

No list of political shows can overlook Aaron Sorkin’s iconic series about the White House, celebrating its 25th anniversary this fall. Unlike many productions that steer clear of inflaming political debates, “The West Wing” boldly presents a partisan view with fervor. The significance of congressional decisions and international diplomacy is emphasized through the dialogues of its characters, who represent both sides of the aisle. While the show occasionally veers into preachiness, we can easily overlook this for the powerful speeches delivered by characters like President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen), Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits), and Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda).

Honorable Mention: ‘The Diplomat’

(Netflix, 2023-present)

Though it has only released one season so far (with Season 2 launching Thursday), it’s premature to determine if this Netflix original drama, featuring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, is a classic. However, the storyline is compelling, focusing on the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom (played by Russell) navigating a delicate political situation between the two typically amicable countries. With its clever dialogue reminiscent of “The West Wing,” intertwined with captivating romantic and diplomatic drama, as well as Russell’s stellar performance, “The Diplomat” is an engaging watch and will likely appeal to fans of other shows on this list.