Are Political Television Shows Pro-Government Propaganda or Idealist Fuel?

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In September 1999, the television show West Wing aired on NBC and began a trend of government-centered political dramas. Other shows in that genre also became immensely popular, such as Madame Secretary, Designated Survivor, Scandal, House of Cards, and The Oval. There are also shows where the central theme is not based on Washington drama but rather local government entities, like the show Parks and Recreation. Police procedurals are also a popular genre based on government agencies; Chicago P.D., CSI, Law and Order, Blue Bloods, and even Brooklyn 99. These genres are loved by many, but others have asked the question of whether or not programs like these serve as pro-government or institutional propaganda. 

In a paper written by Ana Milijak in 2016 for the Public Seminar, Ana cites how, in cop shows, officers are depicted as truly good people fighting for justice—with no ethical blunders occurring, and no crossing of any lines. They are all illustrated as stand-up individuals, except when one episode confronts the topic of police brutality, and there is just one bad guy on the force. This does not accurately represent how people feel when interacting with law enforcement. Police procedurals create a fog that leads people to view law enforcement as they see it on television shows, not the reality of how law enforcement treats real Americans.

This same argument could be applied to the question of whether watching political dramas skews one’s view of the government. Can people start to view the government more positively because of the functional governments shown on television? Further, is that a good or a bad thing? It could be viewed as a negative if the fictional government never acknowledges the real United States government’s systemic downfalls, and viewers begin to believe that those systemic issues don’t exist. People may begin to forget the real flaws in the government and its history. 

However, political dramas showing functional governments could also inspire people to believe in how the government functions and become more civically engaged. Specifically, a study was done by the Journal of Broadcasting and Media that showed that political dramas with female leads led to viewers becoming more civically and politically engaged. The study found that viewers of Madame Secretary and Scandal caused viewers to have more political interest and participation. 

Specifically referring to Madame Secretary, the characters in that show uphold the offices they are given in very inspiring manners. So, while watching the show, viewers may perceive the offices, in this instance, the Secretary of State as positions that can enact real change and truly be for the people. This creates a sense of idealism among viewers, and can inspire them to become more active in government because the fictional government on their screens is making a positive change in the world. With leading female characters like Elizabeth McCord (Madam Secretary) in powerful government positions, it exemplifies the fact that anyone can be involved in politics and make positive changes in society. 

Shows that are about government agencies must have a good balance of showing what those agencies do, and why they are good, but also need to reflect the real-life issues attributed to those institutions. Police procedural shows glorify the police while rarely addressing the problems among law enforcement agencies. When they do, they are watered down and do not proportionally exhibit them. Political dramas run the risk of doing the same thing, but they also  can inspire viewers to become more politically active in their community. With the current Presidential administration, Congress, and SCOTUS, it may be a good thing to have an example of what a government with empathetic, qualified, and admirable leaders looks like—even if it is fictional.

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This article was edited by Matthew Santamaria and Sofia Roshan Hope Gellada.