TV Shows That Let Characters Run Fake Campaigns

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TV shows often feature made-up political campaigns as a way to delve into what makes characters tick and reflect issues we face in real life. These storylines let writers explore how people are convinced to vote and what it costs individuals to run for office. Whether it’s a local election or a race for the highest office, these campaigns create exciting drama and plenty of laughs. This list looks at different shows where characters run for office to gain power or make a difference in their communities.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Leslie Knope enters the race for Pawnee City Council, hoping to make a positive change in local government. She assembles a campaign team made up of her friends and colleagues from the parks department. The story follows her through debates and local controversies in her Indiana town, showing how difficult it is to juggle work and a serious political campaign. Ultimately, she wins by a small margin, which sets the stage for the rest of the series.

‘The West Wing’ (1999–2006)

The later seasons of this show center around the competition to become the next President after Josiah Bartlet leaves office. We see Matt Santos, a rising congressman, fight against more experienced politicians for his party’s nomination. The series offers a realistic glimpse into the world of political campaigns, from life on the road to preparing for debates. It also examines the challenges of staying true to your beliefs while trying to win an election. The show builds to a dramatic election night that decides who will become the next President.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

Selina Meyer’s main goal throughout the series is to win the presidency, and her campaigns are filled with constant crisis management and the often-ruthless actions of her team. The show realistically depicts how exhausting political campaigns can be, from fighting for the nomination to navigating the national convention. It highlights the contrast between how a candidate presents themselves to the public and the messy, chaotic truth behind the scenes. Ultimately, the story culminates in a landmark election that leads to a significant constitutional problem.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Connor Roy, despite lacking any political background, impulsively decides to run for President. He bankrolls his campaign with his family’s fortune, focusing on unconventional ideas like eliminating income tax. The show depicts his family’s disbelief as he pursues this serious endeavor. Connor’s run is a commentary on how vast wealth can enable anyone to seek public office, regardless of their qualifications, and underscores the power of money and media support in today’s political landscape.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Tommy Carcetti runs for Mayor of Baltimore, frustrated with how the city is being managed. His campaign is a tough fight, forcing him to deal with racial tensions and build relationships with different political groups to win over voters. The story realistically portrays the often-unpleasant side of politics and the sacrifices leaders make to get ahead. Although Carcetti wins, he quickly discovers that actually being mayor is much harder than running for mayor. The narrative examines the tension between wanting power and truly wanting to make things better for the city.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–PRESENT)

Sideshow Bob often pretends to run for office as a way to get power or get back at the people of Springfield. In one memorable storyline, he ran for Mayor against Quimby as a conservative candidate. These episodes playfully poke fun at elections and how commercials can sway voters. Throughout the show’s many seasons, other characters like Homer and Mr. Burns have also tried running for office. These attempts usually end with things going back to normal, either through a funny defeat or disqualification.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005–PRESENT)

Frank decides to run for local office simply to protect his own business from rules and regulations. The rest of the gang jumps in, but instead of focusing on real issues, they create nasty ads and try to ruin the reputations of Frank’s opponents. The whole campaign is a mess – there are no actual plans or ideas, just a selfish pursuit of personal benefits and silly complaints. It perfectly shows how ridiculous the characters are as they try to game the system for themselves. As usual, their scheme backfires spectacularly, leading to public humiliation.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

Claire Dunphy jumps into the race for town council after becoming concerned about safety in her community. She quickly finds herself up against a seasoned politician who isn’t afraid to play dirty. The story follows how Claire’s campaign impacts her family, straining her relationships with her husband and kids. We see her working hard to connect with voters through door-to-door visits and participating in a debate that takes a funny turn. Ultimately, the storyline highlights the challenges everyday people face when trying to get involved in local politics.

‘South Park’ (1997–PRESENT)

South Park often uses fake elections to make fun of real-world politics. It started with a ridiculous school mascot election featuring two terrible candidates, reflecting how frustrating national elections can be. Later, the show followed Mr. Garrison’s presidential runs, which were also over-the-top parodies of current events. Through these storylines, South Park points out how people often don’t care about politics and how silly political arguments can be, often exaggerating things to show how divided voters have become.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

Frank Underwood masterminds a plan to become president, bypassing the usual election process. Once in office, he’s forced to run a full campaign to stay in power and build his lasting impact. The show reveals the often-brutal realities of political campaigns, including how information is twisted and fear is used to sway voters. At its core, it’s a story about Frank and his wife Claire, and their relentless drive to hold onto power, highlighting the cutthroat world of high-level politics.

‘The Politician’ (2019–2020)

Payton Hobart is a privileged student with presidential ambitions, and the show follows his journey starting with the surprisingly cutthroat world of high school elections. These aren’t just typical school votes – the series portrays them with the seriousness and drama of a national campaign, complete with polls, digging up dirt on opponents, and scandals that could ruin everything. The story then expands in the second season to follow Payton’s campaign for a New York State Senate seat.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

Brittany Pierce decides to run for student body president, putting her in competition with her friends in the glee club. Her campaign is unique, featuring unusual promises and fun speeches that both confuse and entertain the students. The story focuses on the rivalry between the characters as they compete for popularity and influence at school. They even use musical performances as campaign events to win over voters. In a surprising turn of events, Brittany wins the election and becomes the school’s leader for the year.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

After a surprise visit from the Vice President, the students at Greendale Community College find themselves in a wild election for student body president. Annie Edison approaches the race with a well-thought-out plan to genuinely help her fellow students, while Jeff Winger joins simply to demonstrate how easily he can sway people with empty promises. Things quickly spiral out of control as more and more unusual candidates join the race and the debates become increasingly chaotic. The episode playfully mocks typical political news coverage and the often-shallow image candidates present to the public.

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Jack Donaghy frequently gets involved in politics, backing candidates who will benefit his company. One storyline shows him supporting a local candidate who proves to be ineffective and easily controlled. The show uses these situations to poke fun at the connections between media companies and politicians during elections. It also includes a plot where a character runs for office simply to settle a minor disagreement about a park. Through these stories, the series satirizes how money and corporate branding can influence public life.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Viv Odusanya is running for student leadership at Moordale High, hoping to make the school a better place academically and socially. She’s competing against other students with different ideas for how to lead. The election centers around important issues like school rules and giving students more say in how the school is run. The story also shows how being a leader impacts Viv’s friendships and personal life, highlighting both the power of students speaking up and the tricky world of high school politics.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (1989–1993)

Zack Morris decides to run for student body president, not because he’s passionate about leading, but to get out of a tough assignment. He goes up against his friend Jessie Spano, who is much more qualified, and uses his usual tricks and charisma to try and win. The election includes posters, speeches, and a debate where the differences between Jessie’s serious dedication and Zack’s desire for an easy way out are clear. In the end, the episode teaches a valuable lesson about taking responsibility and what it really means to be a good leader.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–PRESENT)

Lois Griffin decides to run for school board after getting upset with the schools in Quahog. While she starts with good intentions, her campaign soon turns negative, focusing on attacking her opponent. The show highlights her using increasingly extreme methods to get votes, even making promises she can’t keep. Throughout the series, Peter also runs for office, famously campaigning to be mayor. These storylines cleverly use the characters to poke fun at how silly local politics and voters can be.

‘The Good Wife’ (2009–2016)

After years of helping her husband with his political ambitions, Alicia Florrick decides to run for State Attorney herself. The show follows her as she juggles the demands of campaigning with running her law firm and maintaining a positive public image. It offers a realistic portrayal of the inner workings of a political campaign, including the roles of campaign managers and consultants, and how the intense public scrutiny impacts Alicia’s family and personal values. The story takes viewers through every step of the election, from the initial announcement to the final results.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Mellie Grant secretly begins a years-long journey to become President, starting with a Senate seat. With Olivia Pope leading the charge, her campaign is filled with challenges, including public scandals and personal hardships. The show highlights the cutthroat world of politics, revealing the hidden compromises and intense effort that go into winning elections. We see everything from rigorous debate preparation to carefully planned media appearances, all as Mellie fights to make her mark on history through multiple election cycles.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–PRESENT)

In the episode ‘The Waldo Moment,’ a blue cartoon bear unexpectedly enters a local election as a prank. A frustrated comedian voices the bear, using it to satirize the other candidates on television. Surprisingly, the cartoon bear becomes incredibly popular with voters who are fed up with typical politicians. The story examines the risks of appealing to popular opinion and how entertainment can disrupt the political system. Ultimately, it’s a chilling warning about the growing connection between technology and politics.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

As the fleet travels through space, Gaius Baltar challenges Laura Roslin for the presidency. The central issue of the election is whether to settle on a new planet they’ve discovered. The campaign is a fierce fight for humanity’s future, with both candidates resorting to underhanded methods. It features tense moments of counting votes and claims of cheating, all while resources are scarce. Ultimately, the election’s outcome has tragic repercussions for the characters later on.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–PRESENT)

When the mayor of Bikini Bottom suddenly vanishes, SpongeBob and Patrick decide to run for mayor against each other. Their campaign quickly becomes a hilarious competition of over-the-top promises aimed at winning over the town’s residents. The episode includes a parade and silly public events, all while poking fun at typical political campaigns. Ultimately, SpongeBob and Patrick learn that their friendship is more important than winning the election.

‘King of the Hill’ (1997–2010)

Hank Hill gets involved in local politics when he runs for town council in Arlen. His campaign centers on everyday concerns like saving water and keeping parks nice. The show realistically depicts how local government works and how hard it is to get people interested in community involvement. Hank encounters opponents who are motivated by selfish reasons or unusual ideas. This storyline highlights Hank’s dedication to traditional values and helping his community.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

Moira Rose, feeling a need to be important again, decides to run for town council in Schitt’s Creek. She brings her dramatic acting skills to the campaign, creating lively and over-the-top events. The story follows her attempts to connect with the town’s residents, who are quite different from the people she used to know. As she gets involved, she begins to genuinely care about the town and its problems, and her time on the council becomes a key part of her personal journey and growth in the later seasons.

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)

Larry David finds himself running for president of his condo association, facing off against a neighbor he can’t stand. His campaign quickly becomes a series of complaints about minor rules and everyday annoyances, filled with uncomfortable encounters and his usual disregard for social norms. It’s a humorous exaggeration of how seriously people take small-scale elections and how much ego is involved. As with most things in Larry’s life, his campaign backfires, leading to unforeseen problems and leaving him feeling more isolated than ever.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

As a big ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ fan, I always love when the show heads to Del Boca Vista. This season, Morty Seinfeld decides to run for reelection as president of the condo board, and naturally, it’s a total mess. Jerry ends up going to Florida to help his dad campaign, but things get really complicated when accusations of embezzlement surface – apparently, a gifted Cadillac is at the center of it all! It’s hilarious watching the show poke fun at the surprisingly cutthroat world of retirement community politics and how seriously these elections are taken. The whole thing builds to this incredibly tense board meeting where Morty’s fate – and his reputation – hang in the balance. It’s classic ‘Curb,’ taking something seemingly small and blowing it way out of proportion.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Captain Raymond Holt is running to become the commissioner of the New York Police Department. He’s competing with other experienced officers while still managing his daily work at the precinct. The campaign requires him to give public speeches, participate in interviews, and navigate the complex politics within the police department. The show follows Holt as he attempts to change the system from the highest level, with support from his team who help him prepare for the challenging selection process.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

The Lyon family, who run a huge media company, are constantly battling each other for control. These fights aren’t just business disagreements – they’re played out like political campaigns, complete with press conferences, attacks on rivals, and attempts to win over important people. The show explores how fame and power connect as the Lyons struggle to stay on top. Expect shifting loyalties, backstabbing, and secret deals as they compete for the highest position in the company.

‘Power’ (2014–2020)

James St. Patrick is trying to leave his criminal life behind and become a politician. He starts building a reputation as a community leader and begins campaigning for a high-level position in New York City. The story focuses on how hard it is to escape a troubled past while trying to gain the public’s trust. He has to be very careful about his public image, all while facing enemies who threaten to reveal his secrets. Ultimately, the campaign represents his chance at making amends and creating a better future for his family.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Thomas Shelby leaves behind his criminal life and enters the world of politics, successfully campaigning for a seat in Parliament to represent his Birmingham district. The show follows his adjustment to this new life, showing him interacting with powerful national figures. While appearing to serve the public, he secretly uses his political position to benefit his own business ventures. This move represents a major expansion of both his goals and the risks he takes.

‘The Good Fight’ (2017–2022)

This show follows the stories of people running for office and the teams behind their campaigns. It dives into the tricky legal and ethical issues that come up in today’s elections, and how things like social media and false information can affect a candidate’s ability to connect with voters. The series often reflects real-world political events using a fictionalized American legal system, and explores how far characters will go – and what they’ll compromise – to achieve victory.

‘The Newsroom’ (2012–2014)

The show centers on a news team, but often explores fictional political campaigns through the eyes of the media. The characters grapple with staying unbiased while facing demands for high ratings and the influence of their company. It realistically portrays primary debates and the thorough process of preparing for live candidate interviews. Ultimately, the show offers a critical look at how modern campaigns operate and how television impacts what voters think, emphasizing the vital role of a free press during elections.

‘Designated Survivor’ (2016–2019)

After unexpectedly becoming President following a national crisis, Tom Kirkman decides to run for a full term. What makes his campaign different is that he’s running as an independent – refusing to align with either of the major political parties. The show follows the difficulties of building a campaign from the ground up without any party backing, and the intense pressure he faces from the media and political opponents determined to see him lose. It also realistically portrays the demanding lifestyle of a presidential campaign and how it affects the President’s family.

‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993–1999)

The show centers around a heated political campaign to become the Kai – Bajor’s spiritual and political leader. Kai Winn aggressively pursues the position, using her power and cunning to defeat more reasonable opponents. The story delves into the complicated relationship between faith and politics within an alien culture, and how this election impacts Bajor’s alliance with the Federation during wartime. Ultimately, the election’s outcome will have lasting effects on the entire region’s stability.

‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)

Malcolm decides to run for student body president because he’s unhappy with how the school is run. He builds his campaign around smart arguments highlighting the school’s problems, but he discovers that students respond better to the more popular candidates. The story shows how high school social life works and how hard it is to win when you’re not part of the ‘in’ crowd. In the end, there’s a funny moment that reveals something unexpected about what it takes to be a leader and what school spirit is really about.

‘Futurama’ (1999–PRESENT)

As a huge sci-fi and satire fan, I always loved how this series kept bringing back Richard Nixon – or, well, his preserved head! He’s constantly running for President of Earth, even way into the 31st century. It’s wild seeing him use old political tricks on future voters. The show really skewers political spin and how technology can manipulate people. His campaigns are always hilariously corrupt and full of crazy promises. Honestly, these episodes are just a brilliant, funny look at what politics might become a thousand years from now.

‘American Dad!’ (2005–PRESENT)

Stan Smith is frequently caught up in local elections, working to promote his conservative beliefs within his town. He’s both run for office himself and managed campaigns for others, with mixed results. These storylines are used to satirize the often-heated nature of local politics and the divisions within American society. Stan’s strong convictions and unwillingness to compromise—even on minor issues—usually lead to comical chaos and problems for those around him.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

The Stars Hollow Town Selectman race heats up when Jackson Belleville challenges Taylor Doose, who has held the position for many years. The campaign quickly becomes a big deal in the close-knit town, sparking lively debates and dividing residents. Jackson focuses his campaign on practical solutions and supporting local farms, while Taylor emphasizes rules and maintaining tradition. The story highlights the funny side of small-town politics and the connections between the people involved, culminating in an unexpected election result that shifts the town’s atmosphere.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

The Bluth family gets tangled in local politics when they back a candidate hoping to safeguard their real estate development. Later on, the show explores a storyline where characters try to win positions overseeing the construction of a border wall. Throughout, the series cleverly satirizes how money influences political campaigns and how powerful individuals manipulate candidates for profit. These campaigns are consistently marked by comical blunders, incompetence, and the show’s signature deadpan humor, ultimately exposing the corruption and ridiculousness often found in local government and land development.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

Frank Gallagher decides to run for local office, hoping to access public funds. He uses his usual tricks to convince people he understands their struggles, despite having no real qualifications. The campaign is a mess, highlighting the hardships faced by residents of Chicago’s South Side. Ultimately, Frank abandons the effort when things get too complicated, leaving behind the chaos he created.

‘The Mayor’ (2017–2018)

Courtney Rose, a young rapper, jokingly ran for mayor of his California city to get attention for his music. But he unexpectedly won! The show follows his journey as he goes from performer to politician, learning the ropes with support from his mom and friends. It’s a story about the difficulties of changing things within a complicated government system, all while staying true to yourself. The series highlights how fresh, new perspectives can shake up local politics.

‘Spin City’ (1996–2002)

I’m really hooked on this show about the New York City Mayor’s team! It follows the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to shape his public image and navigate all the political challenges he faces. Even though he’s already in office, we see how they constantly run campaigns and deal with special elections. It’s crazy how they’re always putting out fires from scandals and answering questions from the media, all while trying to keep the Mayor popular. It’s a funny look at how fast-paced city politics are, and the people who make everything happen. What I really appreciate is how it shows how much teamwork and smart strategy it takes to stay in power.

‘Murphy Brown’ (1988–2018)

This comedy, set in a newsroom, follows the staff as they cover made-up political campaigns and the often chaotic media coverage that comes with them. The show’s main character, Murphy Brown, frequently finds herself in the crosshairs of politicians vying for office. Through these interactions, the series offers a humorous look at the complex relationship between the press and politicians in Washington. Real-life political figures sometimes make appearances, interacting with the show’s fictional candidates. Overall, the series was famous for its witty and critical take on American politics and elections.

‘Madam Secretary’ (2014–2019)

In the final season, Elizabeth McCord, the Secretary of State, launches a presidential campaign. The show follows her journey from leading international diplomacy to the intense world of politics, and how it affects both her family and team at the State Department. The story explores the difficulties of running for president as a woman, particularly during the primary elections, and highlights the value of honesty and global knowledge in a leader.

‘The Bold Type’ (2017–2021)

I’m really inspired by Kat Edison’s decision to run for City Council! She’s doing it to be a voice for people who often don’t get heard and to fight for what’s right. It’s amazing to see her campaign run by her friends, and they’re doing things differently by really focusing on reaching young voters through social media. The show really gets into how tough it is to challenge the system as a young, progressive candidate. You see all the personal attacks and how much scrutiny she’s under, but it also shows how much passion she has for making a difference and how powerful people can be when they work together at a grassroots level.

Share your favorite fictional political campaign from these shows in the comments.

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2025-12-29 18:21