Watch The Politician

The Politician is a television series created by Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk. It premiered on Netflix on September 27, 2019, and has since released two seasons, with each season consisting of eight episodes. The show features a star-studded cast consisting of Ben Platt, Zoey Deutch, Lucy Boynton, Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Judith Light, to name a few.

The series follows the life of Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), a wealthy and ambitious high school student who dreams of becoming the President of the United States. Payton, who is already the student body president of his high school, decides to run for student body president again, but this time at the urging of his campaign manager, McAfee Westbrook (Laura Dreyfuss), he decides to embark on a more ambitious plan of running for the New York State Senate.

Throughout the series, Payton discovers the dark side of politics and the lengths that people will go to achieve their goals. Along the way, he navigates a series of challenges, including personal crises, scandals, and power struggles, all while trying to maintain his image as the perfect candidate.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Politician is the exploration of the pressures that teenagers face in contemporary society. Payton, his friends, and his rivals all grapple with issues such as identity, sexuality, mental health, and social justice. The show also examines their relationships with family , teachers, and mentors, many of whom are as flawed and complex as the teenagers themselves.

Despite its focus on the personal struggles of the characters, the show never loses sight of the political context that shapes their lives. The writers deftly weave real-life political issues into the storylines, from gun control and reproductive rights to immigration and climate change. The Politician is unabashedly critical of the political system, showing how it can be corrupted by money, power, and ambition, but it also offers a glimmer of hope that even in the most difficult circumstances, change is possible.

The overarching plot of the show is compelling and keeps viewers engaged throughout. From the first episode, it is clear that Payton's journey to become President is not going to be an easy one. The season is full of cliffhangers and unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode builds on the last, revealing new information about the characters and their motivations, and setting up the conflicts that will be resolved in the finale.

The performances of the cast are excellent across the board. Ben Platt, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Payton, bringing a vulnerability and intensity to the role that makes the character incredibly compelling. Zoey Deutch and Lucy Boynton, who play Payton's friends and love interests, also give strong performances, bringing depth and complexity to their characters. The more experienced actors, such as Jessica Lange and Gwyneth Paltrow, provide steady and lend a sense of gravitas to the story.

The show is visually stunning, with each scene carefully crafted to evoke a sense of realism and tension. The cinematography is lush and cinematic, and the editing is perfectly paced. The soundtrack is also a standout feature, with a mix of classic and modern songs that serve to amplify the emotions of the characters.

Overall, The Politician is an excellent show that tackles complex themes and issues with intelligence and nuance. While it is marketed as a drama-comedy, viewers should be prepared for a series that is more drama than comedy. Its exploration of the political system and the emotional struggles of its characters make it a must-watch for anyone interested in politics or human relationships. The second season ends on a satisfying note, but one can only hope that there will be more to come from this talented team.

The Politician is a series that ran for 2 seasons (15 episodes) between September 27, 2019 and on Netflix