10 Best portrayals of a politician in shows

Politics has long been a fertile ground for storytelling on television, providing drama, ambition, corruption, and high-stakes decision-making. Some characters are uncannily based on real-life politicians, making their storylines feel uncomfortably familiar, while others take us into speculative futures, bringing a new twist to political leadership. No matter what they’re walking through—scandal, media firestorm, or behind-the-scenes betrayals—these characters expose the nuances of governing and the cost to oneself.

A masterful political characterization isn't just about sitting in office; it's about power. Politicians with charisma lead from the front, while others secretly control, orchestrating events without appearing in public at all. Whether they battle for justice, maintain their hold on power, or descend into corruption, their characters leave an inescapable stamp on both their fictional domains and viewers.

From tense thrillers to acid satires and even sci-fi dystopias, these depictions encapsulate the very essence of politics in all its guises. Here are 10 of the greatest TV politicians, whose performances and storylines continue to resonate long after the credits roll.

1. Frank Underwood – House of Cards

Kevin Spacey's performance as Frank Underwood in House of Cards revolutionized political thrillers. His charm and Southern hospitality hid his ambition, and his direct address to the camera created an uncomfortably intimate connection with the audience. His calculated moves to seize power—from manipulating Congress to plotting assassinations—displayed the darker side of politics. Though Spacey's real-life controversies have since eclipsed the role, Underwood remains one of television's most nuanced politicians. The show's early seasons, which were based on real political maneuvers, ominously predicted actual scandals, making Underwood's legacy even more haunting.

2. Selina Meyer – Veep

Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Selina Meyer in Veep is a force of comedic nature, portraying an egotistical, quick-witted, and frequently incompetent politician. What is most compelling about Selina is her single-minded drive for power, even as she is beset by deep-seated insecurities and a lack of actual political vision. The later seasons of the show eerily mirrored real-world political farces, making Meyer's satirical missteps seem strangely prophetic. Louis-Dreyfus' subtle performance, walking the tightrope between arrogance, desperation, and comedic timing, earned her several Emmy Awards.

3. Tom Kirkman – Designated Survivor

Kiefer Sutherland's Tom Kirkman begins as a humble Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, abruptly made president following a devastating attack. Unlike typical political characters, Kirkman is the everyman politician who must fight his way through a ruthless environment. His struggle to keep his integrity intact in the face of crises, conspiracies, and backroom power plays makes him one of television's most intriguing politicians. The show's real-world applications—government distrust, political turmoil, and media control—kept it timely. As Designated Survivor moved into thriller territory, Sutherland's down-to-earth acting kept Kirkman a believable, sympathetic figure.

4. David Palmer – 24

Dennis Haysbert's President David Palmer in 24 remains one of the most frequently celebrated leaders on television. In stark contrast to many other politicians, he possessed an unwavering moral compass, a calm demeanor, and resolute leadership qualities in a crisis. His character was further deepened by assassination attempts, continuous political betrayals, and difficult ethical decisions that made everything feel strikingly real in a post-9/11 world. The performance carried such significance that fans and many critics speculated whether it might have influenced the public image of real-life Black presidential candidates.

5. Eli Pope – Scandal

Joe Morton portrays Eli Pope in Scandal, a role that ultimately grants him far greater power in the storyline than that of an elected politician. As the head of the secretive B613, he manipulates Washington's most powerful figures with chilling precision. His monologues, delivered with Shakespearean intensity, make him one of the most mesmerizing political figures on television. Eli's relationship with his daughter, Olivia Pope, adds emotional depth to the way power can corrupt even the closest personal ties. At a time when political chaos surrounded the Scandal, Eli Pope's behind-the-scenes control over presidents, senators, and intelligence agencies proved that sometimes, the most powerful politicians are the ones pulling the strings.

6. Logan Roy – Succession

Brian Cox's Logan Roy in Succession is not a traditional politician in the usual sense. However, his power over the global media makes him more influential than most elected politicians. This ruthless CEO manipulates elections, orchestrates narratives, and dictates political alliances for Waystar Royco. He looms over the U.S. political landscape, much like real-world media moguls. Cox plays that rage with masterful restraint and utter viciousness, effortlessly delivering the most withering insults and engaging in high-stakes mind games.

7. Robert McCallister – Brothers & Sisters

Rob Lowe's Robert McCallister in Brothers & Sisters is a complex, though idealized, portrayal of a Republican senator. He manages to be an upright, principled politician, though not without making great moral compromises in the end for his personal ambition. His relationship with Kitty Walker raises the stakes, exploring how a so-called "political marriage" would function. Unlike many TV politicians depicted through corruption or satire, McCallister's arc is centered on the personal sacrifices made for public service. His story—presidential campaigns, media scrutiny, and health crises—is perhaps one of the last surviving portrayals of a politician trying to juggle integrity with the harsh realities of Washington.

8. Jaha – The 100

Isaiah's portrayal of Chancellor Jaha in the sci-fi series The 100 offers an interesting take on political leadership. At first, he seems to be a highly pragmatic leader—one who saves humankind in space. However, Jaha slowly but steadily transforms into a more complex figure, hovering between hero and tyrant. Floating criminals to conserve air and embracing a kind of messianic, cult-like leadership are actions that truly highlight the moral ambiguities of survival politics. He transcends typical politics because he operates in a post-apocalyptic world where politics is a matter of life and death for all involved.

9. Raymond Tusk – House of Cards

Gerald McRaney's Raymond Tusk in House of Cards demonstrates that elected office is not always where power resides—sometimes, it rests in the backrooms. With his billionaire status as an industrialist and behind-the-scenes power broker, Tusk exerts influence over the White House using backroom dealings and banking muscle. His constant struggle with Frank Underwood illustrates how big business influences politics, making his character a representation of real-world lobbying and political contributions. Unlike classical villains, Tusk operates with methodical efficiency, never raising his voice, even when betrayed.

10. Nathan Petrelli – Heroes

Adrian Pasdar's Nathan Petrelli in Heroes marries political aspiration with sci-fi suspense. A charming senator who possesses a secret superability—flight—Nathan struggles to reconcile public duty with personal conscience. His choices, such as betraying his own kind in order to gain political power, add depth to his character. Heroes employed politics as a stage to examine fear of the unknown, media control, and government conspiracy, making Nathan one of television's most original political characters.