Paradise Aside, Here Are 5 Best Political Thrillers of All Time

One of the genres that have the superpower to keep fans on the edge of their seats waiting for the next twist is definitely political thrillers. Another ability they have is to make you think you understand what is going on and try to predict where the story is going, only to break your mind by going in a completely different direction.

That was basically the case with Hulu 's new show Paradise, starring Sterling K. Brown. The show was a mix of everything: the political thriller wrapped in a post-apocalyptic mystery with a twist of heartfelt drama.

However, political thrillers can be completely different in their premise, for example, covering the story from the perspective of the powerful side, or from the pov of those whose lives depend on the decision the elite makes.

So here are 5 shows that we think are the best in the genre, even though Paradise did set the high bar.

1. House of Cards (2013-2018)

Despite the controversy surrounding Kevin Spacey's allegations, which led to his firing from the project, and criticism of the show's portrayal of real-world political issues, House of Cards remains a landmark show in the genre. It masterfully explores the ruthless rise of Frank Underwood, a cunning politician, and his equally ambitious wife, Claire.

But House of Cards is not just a political thriller; it also offers a deeper look at corruption, power dynamics, and the influence of money and personal relationships in politics. The show takes a hard look at government corruption and explores all the dirty secrets that come with such high-stakes positions.

2. Homeland (2011-2020)

For 9 years, Homeland had viewers in a chokehold with its gripping tale of international terrorism and U.S. intelligence operations. The story begins with CIA agent Carrie Mathison, who suspects that U.S. Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody has been turned into a terrorist after years of captivity.

What sets Homeland apart is its exceptional acting, particularly Claire Danes' portrayal of Mathison, and the way the show captures the changing dynamics of global politics.

“It’s one of those shows where as you watch the episodes you know you are viewing groundbreaking television-performances, build up of suspense, real-world issues, it just really hits home on all fronts,” one Redditor said.

3. The Americans (2013-2018)

The Americans is another excellent spy drama with political thriller elements that explores the Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. But not in a clichéd way. The show follows Keri Russell's Elizabeth and Matthew Rhys' Philip, two Soviet KGB officers living undercover as a married American couple in a Washington, D.C. suburb.

Set in the 1980s, the show is a story about deception, loyalty, and the personal cost of espionage. But despite the importance of such a powerful backdrop, it is the personal struggles of the main characters that remain at the forefront of the story.

4. Bodyguard (2018)

Starring Richard Madden, Bodyguard is a tense and emotionally charged political thriller that delves into the complexities of PTSD. The story follows David Budd, a war veteran turned Specialist Protection Officer, as he navigates the volatile world of British politics while protecting the ambitious and controversial Home Secretary, Julia Montague. No wonder it was the most watched show in the UK when it was on.

“What I really liked was how all the people in the most powerful positions are women, and it's mostly treated like a normal thing. Everyone seems so blase about it, and I guess that's part of why some who watched say it's "unrealistic." That may be so, but the makers' aim was not to be realistic to begin with,” Redditor kookycandies said.

5. The Diplomat (2023-)

Another masterpiece starring Keri Russell is The Diplomat. She plays Kate Wyler, a seasoned diplomat who is unexpectedly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. As she navigates the personal and professional challenges of this powerful position, she also has to deal with a complex marriage to fellow diplomat Hal. A rather eccentric character himself…