10 Movies and TV Shows Like *The Newsroom* (2012)

Description: Like The Newsroom, The West Wing is a political drama created by Aaron Sorkin, known for its fast-paced dialogue, idealistic tone, and focus on the inner workings of a major institution (the White House). Both shows explore themes of power, responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in influential positions.

Fact: The West Wing won 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, including four for Outstanding Drama Series. The show's walk-and-talk scenes became a signature stylistic element. Martin Sheen's portrayal of President Bartlet was initially intended to be a minor role but was expanded due to his powerful performance.

Description: While grittier than The Newsroom, The Wire similarly offers a nuanced, institutional critique - in this case of Baltimore's drug trade, police, and media. Both shows feature journalists grappling with ethical dilemmas and systemic problems in their coverage.

Fact: Creator David Simon was a former Baltimore Sun reporter. Many actors were non-professionals from Baltimore. The show's realistic portrayal of urban life has made it a subject of academic study.

Description: Another Aaron Sorkin creation, Studio 60 shares The Newsroom's behind-the-scenes look at television production, rapid-fire dialogue, and idealistic tone. Both shows explore creative professionals balancing artistic integrity with commercial pressures.

Fact: The show was canceled after one season despite critical acclaim. It featured early performances by future stars like Amanda Peet and Sarah Paulson. The fictional show within the show was a Saturday Night Live-style sketch comedy program.

Description: Like The Newsroom, The Good Wife combines legal and political drama with sharp social commentary. Both shows feature intelligent protagonists rebuilding their careers after personal scandals, and both examine how media coverage affects legal and political proceedings.

Fact: The show was inspired by several political sex scandals involving politicians' wives. It spawned a successful spin-off, The Good Fight. Julianna Margulies won two Emmys for her portrayal of Alicia Florrick.

Description: Scandal shares The Newsroom's fast-paced dialogue and focus on media-political relationships, though with more melodrama. Both shows feature crisis management professionals navigating ethical gray areas in Washington, D.C., and examine how personal relationships intersect with professional responsibilities.

Fact: Kerry Washington was the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years. The term 'gladiator' became synonymous with Olivia Pope's crisis management team. Shonda Rhimes created the show as her second major network series after Grey's Anatomy.

Description: While darker in tone than The Newsroom, House of Cards similarly explores media and political power structures. Both shows feature ambitious protagonists who break the fourth wall, though Frank Underwood's ruthless pragmatism contrasts sharply with Will McAvoy's idealism.

Fact: The American version was adapted from a British miniseries of the same name. Kevin Spacey won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Frank Underwood. The show was Netflix's first major foray into original programming.

Description: Madam Secretary shares with The Newsroom a focus on intelligent, principled professionals navigating complex political landscapes. Both shows blend workplace drama with political intrigue and feature strong female leads who challenge the status quo while maintaining high ethical standards.

Fact: Tea Leoni's character was inspired by real-life female secretaries of state. The show often incorporated current geopolitical issues into its storylines. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright made a cameo appearance in the series.

Description: Like The Newsroom, Designated Survivor blends political drama with crisis management, though with a more thriller-oriented approach. Both shows feature intelligent protagonists unexpectedly thrust into positions of great responsibility who must navigate complex political landscapes.

Fact: The concept is based on a real constitutional contingency plan. The show was canceled by ABC but revived by Netflix for a final season. Kiefer Sutherland starred after his iconic role in

Description: This miniseries about Roger Ailes and Fox News shares The Newsroom's examination of media ethics and power, though from a more critical perspective. Both shows explore how news organizations shape public opinion and the personal costs of media battles.

Fact: Russell Crowe underwent significant physical transformation to play Ailes. The series was based on a bestselling biography. It premiered shortly after Ailes' death in

Description: Succession shares with The Newsroom a focus on power dynamics within media organizations, though with a darker, more satirical tone. Both shows explore family legacies in media empires and feature razor-sharp dialogue about corporate and journalistic ethics.

Fact: The Roy family was loosely inspired by the Murdochs and other media dynasties. The show's theme music became instantly iconic. Brian Cox turned down Game of Thrones to play Logan Roy.