In an expert bit of newsjacking, ShowMax has published a listicle on its blog with 5 shows it says proves politics has always been a dirty game.
Naturally, all five the shows it selected are available on ShowMax.
“Before [Donald] and Melania get settled into the White House, and as liberals and his opponents prepare themselves for Trumpocalypse, here are five shows about the shock, horror and downright dirty tricks in politics,” ShowMax said.
The Borgias
Rodrigo Borgia trades on people’s fears, resorts to bribery, extortion and torture to help him ascend the ranks to become Pope in Renaissance-era Italy.
“Also watch The Tudors if the election has made you hanker for some not-strictly-true-to-history political intrigue and backstabbing,” ShowMax said.
The Ides of March
“Has watching the Trump camp’s victory dance made you wonder about how Hillary’s staff are taking the result?” asks ShowMax.
This movie starring Ryan Gosling as a campaign staffer for a presidential candidate, who fights a battle between his ego and his ideals, with tragic consequences, gives sharp insight into the battles of American politics as they’re fought on the ground.
Parks and Recreation
“Is it #toosoon to see a woman in a position of power changing things for the better in a TV show?” ShowMax wondered.
Well, take comfort in the fact that Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope has a very small realm of influence – over the Parks Department in Pawnee, Indiana – and there are plenty of people who try to trip her up. But her zeal, her ideals and her sheer capable-ness means she usually trumps their attempts, as she tries to overcome her own opaque optimism.
Madam Secretary
If you’re #stillwithher, ShowMax says you’ll love escaping for a few hours to binge-watch this show about Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord, a savvy politician who kicks butt and takes names in DC.
See how the modern-day US’s convoluted political protocols often keep the good guys from getting things done, and how the US’s role in international affairs calls for delicate diplomacy.
The Fence
Before Trump turns the US-Mexico border into a massive wall, watch this humorous 35-minute documentary about the 700-mile fence that forms the current border, with commentary from both sides of the immigration debate.
This documentary will bring home, just as this election has done, the stark difference between fact and public opinion.
Notable omission: Game of Thrones
Honestly we’re surprised this didn’t make ShowMax’s list, but if you’re limiting your selection to five shows (or three shows, a movie, and a short doccie in this case), then something has to go.
Game of Thrones has all your dirty politics needs covered, along with a healthy dose of graphic sex and violence.
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