Unforgettable TV Shows You Must Watch If You're Craving The West Wing

The West Wing remains one of the most beloved and iconic political dramas to this day, and fans craving a similar experience have a plethora of recent options to choose from. This critically acclaimed series made its debut in 1999 and captivated audiences for 7 seasons, delving into the complexities of political figures as they navigated the challenges of balancing their professional obligations with their personal lives, while also confronting scandals, threats, and the ever-present pressure to serve the public. Its enduring appeal ensures that fans continue to return to it time and time again, finding endless entertainment in its stories.

Given the show's enduring popularity, it's no surprise that many viewers are eager to discover other shows that can fill the void left behind once they've completed all the seasons of The West Wing. While a well-deserved re-watch is always an option, there are a variety of shows that successfully capture the essence of The West Wing and can provide a similar viewing experience. Here, we present a comprehensive list of 10 recent shows that aptly mirror The West Wing in numerous ways.

10 Gaslit (2022)

Part of what sets The West Wing apart is its approach to addressing various political scandals in each episode. If you enjoyed that aspect of the show, you might be interested in checking out the 2022 miniseries Gaslit. This series delves fully into one of the most notable scandals in politics: Watergate. It aims to offer a contemporary perspective on the scandal by shedding light on untold stories and introducing intriguing secondary characters. Alongside the exploration of political scandal, both shows shine a spotlight on characters like Martha Mitchell, who often go unnoticed and underappreciated by the general public.

9 White House Plumbers (2023)

Similar to Gaslit, White House Plumbers offers a different perspective on the well-known Watergate scandal. While White House Plumbers takes a satirical approach, unlike The West Wing, the two shows share common ground. Both delve into the humorous side of politics and present multi-dimensional characters that embody the virtues, vices, and flaws of political figures. The West Wing captivates viewers with its shocking plotlines, and White House Plumbers successfully delivers a similar impact.

8 The Diplomat (2023-)

7 Billions (2016-)

Looking to satisfy The West Wing craving? Look no further than The Diplomat. With its rapid-fire dialogue and ruthless portrayal of political relationships, this series captures the essence of its predecessor. Furthermore, both shows shed light on the often overlooked individuals behind the scenes of politics, where the limelight is dominated by a singular figurehead. The shared connection between these two shows lies in the brilliant mind of Debora Cahn. As a former writer for The West Wing and the mastermind behind The Diplomat, Cahn revealed in an interview with Tudum that her aim was to create an international version of the iconic series.

The West Wing is known for its rapid, intelligent, fast-paced conversations. Billions, a series delving into the themes of wealth, scandal, and influence, elevates this frenzied and clever dialogue to even greater heights. The characters are engaging and dynamic, possessing sharp minds and articulate tongues, making for an enthralling viewing experience akin to that of The West Wing.

6 Veep (2012-2019)

5 House Of Cards (2013-2018)

Fans of both The West Wing and Veep will quickly notice the striking similarities between the two shows. Both series revolve around the inner workings of the White House, led by charismatic individuals whose success depends on the unwavering support of their dedicated team. The West Wing's witty and humorous dialogue brings to life captivating characters, a quality also evident in Veep's central figure, Selina Meyer. Furthermore, both shows tackle common political issues such as incompetence and selfishness. The fact that the creator of Veep openly expressed his admiration for The West Wing to The Hollywood Reporter comes as no surprise, as these similarities are clearly influenced by his fandom.

5 House Of Cards (2013-2018)

A darker portrayal of the political system, House of Cards presents a compelling option for fans of The West Wing who enjoyed the show's exploration of deceitful narratives. Despite their contrasting approaches, both series boast excellently crafted storylines, captivating characters, and thought-provoking reflections on the divisive nature inherent in American politics.

4 The Blacklist (2013-2023)

3 Succession (2018-2023)

The Blacklist, another show that explores the realities of politics with a dark perspective, is an American thriller that revolves around a former government agent turned fugitive. This intriguing series follows his efforts to assist the FBI in bringing down other criminals. Similar to The West Wing, The Blacklist delves into hidden agendas and unknown motives within its characters, shedding light on the complex nature of political systems. With its captivating episodes, engaging characters, and unique storylines, the show provides an equally enthralling experience as The West Wing.

Succession and The West Wing share a common trait: their exceptional writing and memorable dialogue. Both series showcase sharp wit, delivering quick and engaging exchanges among characters that captivate audiences. Moreover, these shows excel in crafting multifaceted individuals who undergo transformative journeys towards self-improvement and personal growth. The West Wing is particularly acclaimed for its depiction of power struggles and ethical quandaries. Interestingly, Succession also encompasses these captivating elements, albeit in a distinct setting, resulting in an immensely entertaining viewing experience.

2 Madam Secretary (2014-2019)

Both Madam Secretary and The West Wing showcase the lives of influential political figures, although their chosen focal points differ. Madam Secretary delves into the life and professional journey of Elizabeth McCord, the Secretary of State. Both shows feature memorable characters and shed light on the everyday challenges of political involvement. They both navigate complex political climates and a divided America through their storylines, as well as depict the struggle the main character faces while earnestly trying to serve various needs. Similar to The West Wing, this series can be emotionally intense at times, yet it also incorporates the clever and sarcastic exchanges between characters that viewers appreciate.

1 The Politician (2019-)

The Politician and The West Wing share a common theme in their portrayal of the American political system. Although they approach this theme differently in terms of tone and style, both shows are filled with captivating drama and moral dilemmas that challenge the characters and engage viewers. Furthermore, both series shed light on the internal struggles faced by political figures as they attempt to balance personal ambition and beliefs with their commitment to serving the greater good.

Sources: Tudum, The Hollywood Reporter