10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The West Wing (1999)

Description: Commander in Chief shares The West Wing's focus on the presidency and governance, but with the unique twist of America's first female president. Both shows explore the challenges of leadership and balancing personal and professional lives. The idealistic tone and political maneuvering are similar, though Commander in Chief places more emphasis on gender politics.

Fact: Geena Davis won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of President Mackenzie Allen. The show was created by Rod Lurie, a former film critic turned filmmaker. It was one of the first shows to depict a female U.S. president, predating shows like Madam Secretary.

Description: The Good Wife shares The West Wing's intelligent writing and complex characters navigating the political world. Both shows blend personal and professional storylines while exploring ethical dilemmas. The legal cases in The Good Wife often intersect with politics, similar to how The West Wing's policy decisions affect characters' personal lives.

Fact: The show was inspired by several political sex scandals involving politicians' wives. Many West Wing alumni appeared on The Good Wife, including Josh Charles and Stockard Channing. The series finale featured a controversial time jump that divided fans.

Description: Veep offers a comedic counterpoint to The West Wing's idealism, but both shows provide an inside look at American politics. The fast-paced dialogue and focus on the minutiae of governance are similar, though Veep portrays politicians as self-serving and incompetent rather than noble. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and sharp writing.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmys for her role as Selina Meyer. The show was created by Armando Iannucci, who also created the British political satire The Thick of It. Many lines were improvised by the cast during filming.

Description: Homeland shares The West Wing's tense, intelligent approach to political storytelling, though focused on counterterrorism rather than governance. Both shows feature government officials dealing with high-stakes crises and moral dilemmas. The political intrigue and complex characters are similar, though Homeland is more of a psychological thriller.

Fact: Homeland is based on an Israeli series called Prisoners of War. Claire Danes' portrayal of Carrie Mathison won her two Emmys and two Golden Globes. The show famously killed off a major character in a shocking third-season twist.

Description: Scandal shares The West Wing's Washington D.C. setting and fast-paced, dialogue-driven storytelling. While more melodramatic, it similarly explores the intersection of politics and personal lives. Both shows feature strong female characters in powerful positions and examine the moral complexities of political life, though Scandal leans more toward soap opera elements.

Fact: Scandal made Kerry Washington 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 employees. Many storylines were inspired by real political scandals.

Description: While House of Cards is darker and more cynical than The West Wing, both shows provide an inside look at the workings of American politics. They share similar settings (Washington D.C.) and explore themes of power, ambition, and governance. The West Wing's idealized version of politics contrasts sharply with House of Cards' Machiavellian approach, but both offer compelling, intelligent political drama.

Fact: House of Cards was the first original online-only TV series to receive major Emmy nominations. Kevin Spacey's character frequently breaks the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience. The show is based on a British miniseries of the same name from

Description: Like The West Wing, The Newsroom is a fast-paced, dialogue-heavy drama created by Aaron Sorkin. It shares the same idealistic tone, focusing on professionals striving to do their best in a high-pressure environment—this time, a newsroom instead of the White House. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and tackle real-world political and social issues with intelligence and wit.

Fact: The Newsroom was inspired by real-life news events, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the killing of Osama bin Laden. Jeff Daniels won an Emmy for his portrayal of news anchor Will McAvoy. The show's famous opening scene, where McAvoy delivers a rant about America not being the greatest country in the world, was performed in one continuous take.

Description: While a spy thriller rather than a political drama, The Americans shares The West Wing's attention to detail in portraying Washington D.C. and its complex characters. Both shows explore loyalty, patriotism, and moral ambiguity during the Cold War era (The Americans is set in the 1980s). The meticulous storytelling and character development are comparable.

Fact: The show was inspired by real-life Russian sleeper agents uncovered in

Description: Madam Secretary shares The West Wing's idealistic view of public service and government. Both shows feature intelligent, principled protagonists navigating complex political situations. The focus on diplomacy and international relations in Madam Secretary parallels The West Wing's examination of domestic policy, with both shows balancing personal stories with larger political narratives.

Fact: Tea Leoni's character was partly inspired by real-life Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The show frequently consulted with former State Department officials for authenticity. Several cast members had previously appeared in The West Wing, creating a connection between the two shows.

Description: Designated Survivor shares The West Wing's focus on an idealistic leader suddenly thrust into the presidency. Both shows explore how principled individuals navigate the complexities of governing. The crisis management aspect parallels The West Wing's episode 'In the Shadow of Two Gunmen,' where the administration deals with an assassination attempt.

Fact: The concept is based on the real-life 'designated survivor' protocol where one cabinet member is kept away from major events. Kiefer Sutherland's casting marked a departure from his action-hero roles. The show changed showrunners multiple times, leading to tonal shifts.