10 Political Thrillers To Watch Next If You Loved ‘The Diplomat’

“The Old Man”, starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow, is a gripping crime thriller that centers around Dan Chase (Bridges), a former CIA operative who has been living off the grid for years. When an attempt on his life forces him back into the world he left behind, Chase finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with both his former employers and a relentless FBI agent (played by Lithgow). The series is a tense mix of espionage, mystery, and character-driven drama. The second season of “The Old Man” just wrapped up last month, continuing the story with even more twists and turns, and leaving fans eagerly awaiting what’s next for these complex characters.

“The West Wing” is a beloved political drama that aired from 1999 to 2006, created by Aaron Sorkin. Set in the White House, it follows the lives of President Josiah Bartlet and his staff as they navigate the complex world of politics, policy, and personal challenges. The series is known for its sharp dialogue, fast-paced storytelling, and memorable characters. While it’s an oldie, it’s definitely a goodie—still widely regarded as one of the best political dramas of all time.

Interestingly, some of the same writers and creative team behind “The Diplomat” also worked on “The West Wing”, including Sorkin’s influence on character development and dialogue. Plus, Allison Janney, who plays a major role in “The Diplomat’s” second season, won four Emmys for her iconic portrayal of C.J. Cregg in “The West Wing”, adding another layer of connection between these two standout series.

“Slow Horses” is a sharp and suspenseful espionage thriller based on the book series by Mick Herron. It follows a group of misfit British intelligence agents who’ve been relegated to a low-level department known as “Slough House” after embarrassing failures in their careers. Led by the acerbic and often grumpy Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman), these agents are tasked with menial assignments, but soon find themselves entangled in dangerous covert operations that require their unique skills.

The series has received widespread acclaim for its clever writing, dark humor, and strong performances, particularly Oldman’s standout portrayal of Lamb. It most recently took a home an Emmy award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series. Critics have praised its gripping narrative and character-driven storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers.

“The Night Agent” is a fast-paced political thriller based on the novel by Matthew Quirk. The series follows Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent who works in the White House’s basement answering a rarely used emergency phone line. When he answers a call that sets off a chain of explosive events, Peter is thrust into a high-stakes conspiracy involving government corruption, assassins, and covert operations.

The show quickly became a hit on Netflix, breaking viewership records for the platform. It became one of Netflix’s most-watched original series, surpassing “Bridgerton” in its opening week and drawing in millions of viewers worldwide. The series’ intense plot, compelling characters, and edge-of-your-seat thrills made it an instant favorite for fans of political and action thrillers. The second season is set to debut in 2025.

“Scandal” is a high-octane political thriller that aired from 2012 to 2018, created by Shonda Rhimes. The series follows Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington), a former White House Communications Director who runs a crisis management firm, helping powerful clients navigate scandals and cover-ups. As Olivia becomes more entangled in Washington’s dark underbelly, she faces complex moral dilemmas, personal drama, and political intrigue.

“Scandal” was one of the most iconic shows of the 2010s, known for its fast-paced storytelling, shocking twists, and strong performances. It set a new standard for political thrillers on TV, blending scandalous twists with deep emotional stakes, and became a cultural phenomenon, especially thanks to Washington’s portrayal of the strong, complex Olivia Pope. Its blend of politics, power, and personal conflict made it an unforgettable part of the era’s TV landscape.

“Bodyguard” is a British political thriller that aired in 2018, starring Richard Madden as David Budd, a troubled war veteran turned Specialist Protection Officer (SPO) for the UK government. Budd is assigned to protect the ambitious Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), whose controversial policies and growing political power make her a target for assassination. As the series unfolds, Budd is torn between his duty to protect Montague and his own internal battles, leading to a tense, suspenseful journey filled with twists, turns, and moral dilemmas.

“Bodyguard” was met with widespread acclaim for its intense pacing, gripping plot, and Madden’s standout performance, earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama. The show broke viewership records in the UK and became one of the most-watched series on the BBC, praised for its combination of political intrigue, action, and psychological drama. Its success also led to international recognition, cementing its place as one of the standout thrillers of recent years.

“House of Cards” is a political drama that originally aired on Netflix from 2013 to 2018, based on the 1990 BBC series of the same name. The show stars Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood, a ruthless and calculating U.S. Congressman who, alongside his equally ambitious wife Claire (Robin Wright), manipulates and schemes his way to the highest echelons of power in Washington, D.C. House of Cards was praised for its sharp writing, tense political maneuvering, and complex characters, particularly the compelling performances from Spacey and Wright. It became a groundbreaking show as one of Netflix’s first major original series, helping to establish the streaming platform as a major player in original content.

The series was critically acclaimed, earning several awards and nominations, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. Robin Wright’s performance, in particular, garnered widespread praise, and she became the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama for her role as Claire Underwood. Despite controversy surrounding Spacey in later seasons, “House of Cards” remains a significant cultural touchstone for political thrillers in the streaming age.

“Designated Survivor” is a political thriller that aired from 2016 to 2019, starring Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, a low-level Cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes President of the United States after an attack wipes out the entire government during the State of the Union address. Thrust into the highest office in the land with no preparation or experience, Kirkman must navigate a web of political intrigue, national security threats, and personal challenges while trying to unite a fractured country. The series blends tense political drama with action and personal stakes as Kirkman faces constant moral dilemmas and crises of leadership.

The show received praise for its gripping premise, Sutherland’s strong performance, and its timely exploration of politics and power. While it was lauded for its suspense and timely social commentary, “Designated Survivor” also captivated viewers with its complex characters and fast-paced storytelling. It was well-received, particularly in its first two seasons, and developed a loyal following during its run on ABC and later on Netflix.

“Madam Secretary” is a political drama that aired from 2014 to 2019, starring Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned U.S. Secretary of State. The series follows McCord as she navigates the complex and often dangerous world of international diplomacy, balancing her political duties with her family life and personal convictions. Alongside her team of advisers, including her Chief of Staff Nadine Tolliver (Bebe Neuwirth) and speechwriter Matt Mahoney (Geoffrey Arend), McCord works to resolve global crises while maintaining her integrity in a cutthroat political environment.

“Madam Secretary” received praise for its smart, thoughtful approach to diplomacy and political issues, as well as Leoni’s strong performance as a confident and capable woman in a high-powered role. The series was noted for its optimistic portrayal of politics, with McCord often striving to solve problems through collaboration and diplomacy. It became popular for its mix of political intrigue, family drama, and inspiring female leadership, earning a dedicated fanbase throughout its run.