10 Shows Like A Very British Coup

Description: A classic political comedy that exposes the absurdities and bureaucratic inefficiencies of government, with witty dialogue and a focus on the tension between elected officials and civil servants.

Fact: The show was so popular that it was reportedly a favorite of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who even quoted lines from it in speeches.

Description: A gripping political drama that delves into the ruthless machinations of power, featuring a protagonist who manipulates the system to climb the ranks, much like the intrigue and backstabbing in high-stakes politics.

Fact: The original UK version inspired the more widely known American adaptation. It was based on a novel by Michael Dobbs, a former Conservative Party advisor.

Description: An idealistic yet nuanced portrayal of the American presidency, focusing on the personal and political challenges faced by those in the highest echelons of power, with a strong emphasis on dialogue-driven storytelling.

Fact: The show's creator, Aaron Sorkin, wrote most of the first four seasons himself, often working under tight deadlines to produce the dense, fast-paced scripts.

Description: A sharp, satirical take on the inner workings of government, highlighting the chaos, incompetence, and media spin that often define political life, with a focus on the personal and professional struggles of those in power.

Fact: The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of political PR and spin-doctoring, and it spawned the film 'In the Loop.'

Description: A legal and political drama that explores the intersection of law, politics, and personal integrity, with a strong female lead navigating the complexities of power and public scrutiny.

Fact: The show was inspired by real-life political scandals involving politicians' spouses, such as Hillary Clinton and Silda Spitzer.

Description: A high-octane political thriller that blends personal drama with national intrigue, featuring a protagonist who specializes in crisis management and often finds herself entangled in the darker side of politics.

Fact: The show was the first network drama in decades to feature a Black woman as the lead, played by Kerry Washington.

Description: A behind-the-scenes look at the media's role in shaping political narratives, with a focus on the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices faced by journalists covering high-stakes events.

Fact: The show's creator, Aaron Sorkin, used real-life news events as the backdrop for many episodes, blending fiction with recent history.

Description: A political drama centered on a female Secretary of State who balances diplomacy, personal life, and the moral complexities of international relations, often challenging the status quo.

Fact: The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of diplomatic crises and its strong, intelligent female lead.

Description: A political thriller that explores the sudden ascent of an unlikely leader to the presidency after a catastrophic attack, focusing on the challenges of governance and conspiracy.

Fact: The concept of a 'designated survivor' is a real-life protocol in the U.S. government to ensure continuity of leadership in case of a disaster.

Description: A tense political thriller that combines personal loyalty with national security, featuring a protagonist torn between duty and morality in a high-stakes environment.

Fact: The show set a record for the most-watched BBC drama launch in over a decade, with its first episode attracting over 10 million viewers.