10 Shows and Movies Like The Thick of It (2005)

Description: Yes Minister is a classic British political satire that, like The Thick of It, exposes the inefficiencies and manipulations within government. Both shows use humor to critique the disconnect between political rhetoric and actual governance. While Yes Minister is more genteel in its approach compared to the profane energy of The Thick of It, both excel in showcasing the absurdity of bureaucratic systems.

Fact: The show was reportedly a favorite of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. It was followed by a sequel series, Yes, Prime Minister, which continued the story. The dialogue was praised for its wit and accuracy in depicting political machinations.

Description: The West Wing shares with The Thick of It a deep dive into the inner workings of government, though it takes a more idealistic and dramatic approach. Both shows feature fast-paced, intelligent dialogue and a focus on the personal and professional lives of political staffers. While The Thick of It is more cynical, The West Wing's portrayal of dedicated public servants offers a contrasting yet complementary perspective.

Fact: Creator Aaron Sorkin wrote many of the episodes while walking on a treadmill. The show won 26 Emmy Awards, a record for a drama series at the time. Martin Sheen's portrayal of President Bartlet was initially intended to be a minor role.

Description: Parks and Recreation, like The Thick of It, explores the quirks and challenges of public service, albeit in a more lighthearted and optimistic tone. Both shows highlight the absurdities of bureaucracy and the dedication (or lack thereof) of government employees. The mockumentary style of Parks and Recreation also mirrors the fly-on-the-wall feel of The Thick of It.

Fact: The show was initially criticized for being too similar to The Office, but quickly found its own voice. Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope, was inspired by real-life female politicians. The fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, has a rich and detailed history created by the writers.

Description: Veep is similar to The Thick of It in its sharp, satirical take on political incompetence and bureaucratic absurdity. Both shows feature rapid-fire, expletive-laden dialogue and a cynical view of government operations. Veep, created by Armando Iannucci, who also created The Thick of It, shares the same biting humor and focus on the personal flaws of political figures.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmy Awards for her role as Selina Meyer, a record for a single role in a comedy series. The show was originally set to focus on a male vice president, but was reworked after Louis-Dreyfus was cast. Many of the writers had real-life political experience, adding authenticity to the scripts.

Description: Scandal shares with The Thick of It a focus on the high-stakes, often chaotic world of political maneuvering. While Scandal is more of a drama with soap opera elements, both shows feature sharp dialogue and a behind-the-scenes look at the personal and professional lives of political operatives. The intensity and fast pace of Scandal echo the frenetic energy of The Thick of It.

Fact: Kerry Washington was the first African American woman to headline a network drama in nearly 40 years. The show popularized the term 'gladiator' to describe Olivia Pope's team. Creator Shonda Rhimes based the show on real-life crisis manager Judy Smith.

Description: The Newsroom, like The Thick of It, delves into the intersection of media and politics, featuring rapid-fire dialogue and a critical look at institutional failures. Both shows are known for their intelligent scripts and ensemble casts. While The Newsroom is more earnest and less profane, it shares The Thick of It's commitment to exposing the flaws in systems meant to serve the public.

Fact: The show's pilot episode features a famous monologue about America not being the greatest country in the world. Jeff Daniels won an Emmy for his role as news anchor Will McAvoy. The series was inspired by real-life news events and figures.

Description: Alpha House is a political comedy that, like The Thick of It, focuses on the absurdities and challenges of political life. Both shows use humor to explore the personal and professional lives of politicians, though Alpha House is set in the U.S. Senate and has a more sitcom-like tone. The show's ensemble cast and focus on behind-the-scenes politics make it a cousin to The Thick of It.

Fact: The show was created by Garry Trudeau, the cartoonist behind Doonesbury. It was one of Amazon's first original series. John Goodman starred as one of the four senators sharing a house in D.C.

Description: The Brink is a dark political comedy that shares The Thick of It's satirical take on government incompetence and international crises. Both shows feature chaotic, fast-paced storytelling and a cynical view of political leadership. The Brink's global perspective and high-stakes scenarios offer a different but equally humorous lens on political absurdity.

Fact: The show was canceled after one season despite critical acclaim. Jack Black and Tim Robbins starred as unlikely heroes in a global crisis. The series was praised for its timely and irreverent take on international relations.

Description: W1A is a British mockumentary that, like The Thick of It, satirizes bureaucratic inefficiency, this time within the BBC. Both shows use a documentary style and sharp wit to critique institutional absurdities. The focus on the frustrations of working within a large, unwieldy organization makes W1A a spiritual sibling to The Thick of It.

Fact: The show is a follow-up to the series Twenty Twelve, which satirized the 2012 London Olympics. Hugh Bonneville stars as the hapless head of values at the BBC. The title refers to the BBC's postal code in London.

Description: Twenty Twelve is a mockumentary that, like The Thick of It, humorously exposes the chaos and incompetence behind major public events—in this case, the 2012 London Olympics. Both shows feature a documentary style, ensemble casts, and a satirical look at the gap between planning and reality. The focus on the absurdities of large-scale bureaucracy is a shared theme.

Fact: The show was so convincing that some viewers thought it was a real documentary. It starred Hugh Bonneville as the beleaguered head of the Olympic Deliverance Commission. The series was praised for its accurate and hilarious portrayal of event planning.