It’s tough to avoid the current political climate thanks to daily headlines that feel straight out of a reality show. TV series don’t have to address a specific current event, but they can be inspiration for core themes concerning politics, feminism, ideology or any number of things. To put it simply, shows this year talked about President Donald Trump… even if they didn’t do it directly.
“Supergirl”
The CW show is blunt about its ties to feminism. However, “Supergirl” stepped up its game in Season 2 with not-so-subtle jabs at the Trump presidency and the conversation around it, including one villain calling her a “nasty woman” and throwing “nevertheless she persisted” in as serious dialogue.
“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”
The mid-season premiere kicked off with a what-if arc called “Agents of Hydra,” which put the characters in a world where the supervillains were in control. Marvel drives home the comparisons to real world events by referencing the administration, with lines like “nevertheless she persisted” and “make society great again.”
“Designated Survivor”
It was a coincidence that the show about a White House in turmoil premiered before President Trump took office, but the drama has run with the changes. The show has countered the Trump presidency by writing a POTUS with American values front and center, while also showcasing politicians that put party and political linings over country.
“Gotham”
You wouldn’t think a show about Bruce Wayne’s pre-Batman days would be political, but the mayoral race in Gotham City prompted the show creators to throw in a Trump reference or two. In a campaign ad, Oswald Cobblepot (aka the Penguin) said that “he alone” can “make Gotham safe again” in a not-so-obvious jab at Trump’s now-famous slogan.
“The Affair”
The Showtime drama is about the lives of its characters in relation to each other, not the outside world. However, Season 3 has introduced real-world topics into the story. At one point, Helen Solloway (Maura Tierney) describes her reasons for not wanting to interact with somebody: “He voted for Trump.”
“The Good Fight”
“The Good Wife” spinoff changed dramatically the moment Trump was elected. The writers and producers wanted to address the changes in the Trump era, and have done that with episodes about fake news, a firm that was looking to hire more Trump-friendly representation, and one about censorship that was inspired by a “Law & Order: SVU” episode based on the President that has yet to air.
“Homeland”
The female president in “Homeland” tackled some all too real controversies. In Season 6, she fought fake news and disinformation campaigns against certain countries. And President Elizabeth Keane (Elizabeth Marvel) faced off with a right-wing radio host modeled.
“Veep”
A show as clearly about politics as “Veep” is can’t get away with sidestepping a jab at the Trump presidency, even if they didn’t set out to. When Selina (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) monitors the first open election in the Republic of Georgia, you can’t help but think about Russia. That doesn’t even take into account a pee joke that had to be cut because creators knew it would be compared to Trump.
“Scandal”
“Scandal” probably couldn’t have made it through its most recent season without commenting on today’s political climate. What better way to do that then to have a literal Trump stand-in? Hollis Doyle (Gregg Henry) is a Republican billionaire who doesn’t like what he calls “border crossers.” Sound familiar?
“Madam Secretary”
The drama starring Tea Leoni generally remains bipartisan in its portrayal of politics. However, when you have the fictional Secretary of State dealing with a fictional Filipino president that sexually assaults women, has shady dealings with other countries and complains about fake news, the show appears to be saying something.
“House of Cards”
The parallels between Trump and the show’s President Underwood are pretty funny, but this latest season had the POTUS’ family part of a misinformation campaign and fake terror plot and become the people of interest in a special committee investigation into their dealings. And they’ve also closed the borders and are the subjects of massive White House protests. Enough said.
