TV Shows That Let Characters Run Fake Campaigns

Television series frequently utilize fictional political races to explore character motivations and mirror real world societal issues. These storylines allow writers to examine the mechanics of public persuasion and the personal sacrifices required to pursue office. From local town board seats to the highest positions in government, these campaigns provide high stakes drama and comedic opportunities. This list examines various shows where central characters launch campaigns to secure power or influence their communities.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Leslie Knope decides to run for a seat on the Pawnee City Council to improve her local government from within. She builds a dedicated campaign team consisting of her coworkers and close friends from the parks department. The storyline follows her as she navigates televised debates and local scandals in her small Indiana town. This arc highlights the challenges of balancing a professional career with intense political aspirations. The campaign concludes with a narrow victory that changes the course of the series for the remaining seasons.

‘The West Wing’ (1999–2006)

The final seasons of this drama focus heavily on the race to succeed President Josiah Bartlet. Matt Santos emerges as a young congressman who must battle established politicians to win his party nomination. The show provides a detailed look at the inner workings of campaign buses and the strategic preparation for national debates. It explores the tension between maintaining personal ideals and the practical requirements of winning a national election. The series culminates in a suspenseful general election night that determines the future of the White House.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

Selina Meyer spends much of the series attempting to secure the presidency through various electoral efforts. Her campaigns are characterized by frantic damage control and the cynical maneuvers of her staff. The show portrays the grueling nature of the campaign trail including primary challenges and convention floor battles. It focuses on the gap between the public image of a candidate and the chaotic reality behind the scenes. The narrative eventually follows her through a historic election that results in a complicated constitutional crisis.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Connor Roy decides to run for President of the United States despite having no prior political or government experience. He uses his massive family wealth to fund a campaign that focuses on fringe issues like the abolition of income tax. The show portrays the dismissive reactions of his siblings and father as they watch his serious public efforts. His campaign serves as a look at how extreme wealth can fuel public ambitions regardless of qualifications. It highlights the influence of money and media loyalty in modern political contests.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Tommy Carcetti decides to run for Mayor of Baltimore after witnessing the failures of the current city administration. He navigates complex racial dynamics and political alliances to build a base of support among voters. The campaign shows the gritty reality of urban politics and the compromises required to gain a seat of power. Carcetti eventually wins the election but finds that governing is significantly more difficult than the act of campaigning. This storyline explores how political ambition can often conflict with the desire for genuine social reform.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–PRESENT)

Sideshow Bob frequently uses political campaigns as a way to gain power or exact revenge on the citizens of Springfield. In one notable arc he runs for Mayor as a member of the local conservative party to unseat Mayor Quimby. The show uses these episodes to satirize the electoral process and the influence of media advertisements on public opinion. Other characters like Homer and Mr. Burns have also launched various runs for public office throughout the long history of the series. These storylines often end with the characters returning to their status quo after a comedic loss or disqualification.

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

Frank Reynolds launches a campaign for local office to protect his business interests from government regulation. The rest of the gang gets involved by creating offensive promotional materials and attempting to smear the opposing candidates. The campaign is characterized by a complete lack of policy and a focus on personal gain and petty grievances. It highlights the absurdity of the characters as they try to manipulate the democratic process for their own benefit. Like most of their schemes the campaign ends in disaster and public embarrassment.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

Claire Dunphy decides to run for a seat on the town council to address a safety issue in her neighborhood. She faces a long term incumbent who uses dirty tactics to undermine her credibility during the race. The storyline explores how a local campaign affects her family life and her relationship with her husband and children. It features various scenes of door to door canvassing and a televised debate that ends in a comedic fashion. The arc shows the difficulties of local civic engagement for an average citizen.

‘South Park’ (1997–PRESENT)

The town of South Park becomes the site of a bizarre election when the school mascot must be replaced. This leads to a satirical campaign between two equally unappealing candidates that mirrors the frustrations of national elections. Later seasons feature Mr. Garrison running a national presidential campaign that parodies real world political events. The show uses these fake campaigns to comment on the nature of voter apathy and the absurdity of political rhetoric. It often pushes the boundaries of parody to highlight the polarization of the electorate.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

Frank Underwood orchestrates a series of maneuvers to move from a leadership position in Congress to the presidency without a traditional election. Once he achieves power he must launch a formal campaign to stay in office and secure his legacy. The show depicts the dark side of campaigning including the manipulation of information and the use of fear to influence voters. It focuses on the strategic partnership between Frank and his wife Claire as they fight to maintain their grip on the White House. The campaign seasons emphasize the ruthless nature of national politics at the highest level.

‘The Politician’ (2019–2020)

Payton Hobart is a wealthy student who has known since childhood that he will one day become the President of the United States. To achieve this he must first navigate the treacherous landscape of high school student body elections. The show treats these school elections with the same gravity and intensity as a national political race. It features polling and opposition research and high stakes scandals that threaten to derail his future. The second season shifts the focus to a real world race for a seat in the New York State Senate.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

Brittany S. Pierce runs for student body president against several of her friends in the glee club. Her campaign is filled with unconventional promises and whimsical speeches that confuse and delight the student body. The storyline explores the competitive dynamics between the main characters as they vie for popularity and power within the school. It includes musical performances used as campaign rallies to sway the undecided voters. The election results in a surprise victory that gives Brittany a leadership role for the school year.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

The students of Greendale Community College participate in a chaotic election for student body president after the dean receives a surprise visit from the vice president. Annie Edison takes the race very seriously and prepares a detailed platform for her fellow students. Her rival Jeff Winger enters the race purely to prove how easy it is to manipulate the crowd with empty rhetoric. The campaign descends into madness as various fringe candidates enter the race and disrupt the debates. This episode parodies the tropes of political coverage and the superficiality of candidate personas.

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Jack Donaghy often becomes involved in political maneuvering to support candidates who favor the interests of his corporation. In one storyline he supports a candidate for local office who turns out to be an incompetent puppet. The show parodies the relationship between media conglomerates and political figures during election seasons. It also features a plot where a character runs for a local position to resolve a petty dispute over a park. The series uses these moments to satirize the influence of money and corporate branding in the public sphere.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Viv Odusanya runs for a leadership position at Moordale High to improve the academic environment and social conditions of the school. She faces competition from other students who have different visions for the student body. The campaign focuses on issues like school discipline and the representation of student voices in administrative decisions. It explores how the pressure of leadership affects Viv and her relationships with her peers. The storyline emphasizes the importance of student advocacy and the complexities of teenage politics.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (1989–1993)

Zack Morris runs for student body president against his friend Jessie Spano to avoid a difficult class assignment. He uses his typical charm and various schemes to gain an advantage over his more qualified opponent. The campaign features posters and speeches and a formal debate held in the school auditorium. It highlights the contrast between Jessie and her serious approach to school issues and Zack and his desire for a shortcut. The episode concludes with a lesson about responsibility and the true purpose of student leadership.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–PRESENT)

Lois Griffin runs for the local school board after becoming frustrated with the quality of education in Quahog. Her campaign starts with good intentions but quickly descends into a smear campaign against her opponent. The show portrays her using increasingly desperate tactics to win over the voters including making false promises. Peter also runs for various positions throughout the series including a memorable campaign for town mayor. These episodes use the characters to mock the absurdity of local political debates and voter behavior.

‘The Good Wife’ (2009–2016)

Alicia Florrick eventually decides to run for State Attorney after years of supporting her husband in his own political career. She must navigate the complexities of being a candidate while managing her law firm and her public image. The show provides a realistic look at the role of campaign managers and the influence of political consultants. It explores how the scrutiny of a campaign affects her family and her personal integrity. The storyline covers the entire process from the initial announcement to the final vote count.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Mellie Grant launches a long term plan to move from the role of First Lady to being a senator and eventually the President. Her campaign is managed by Olivia Pope and involves navigating numerous scandals and personal tragedies. The show emphasizes the high stakes of national politics and the secret deals made behind closed doors. It portrays the intense preparation for debates and the strategic use of media interviews to shape public perception. The narrative follows her through multiple election cycles as she fights for her place in history.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–PRESENT)

The episode titled The Waldo Moment features a blue cartoon bear that enters a local political race as a joke. The character is voiced by a disillusioned comedian who uses the bear to mock the other candidates during televised events. To the surprise of everyone the cartoon bear gains massive popularity among voters who are tired of traditional politicians. The storyline explores the dangers of populist rhetoric and the ways in which entertainment can subvert the democratic process. It serves as a dark cautionary tale about the intersection of technology and politics.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

Gaius Baltar runs for the presidency of the fleet against the incumbent Laura Roslin during their journey through space. His campaign focuses on the controversial issue of whether the human survivors should settle on a newly discovered planet. The election is depicted as a high stakes battle for the future of the human race with both sides using questionable tactics. It includes scenes of tallying paper ballots and accusations of voter fraud in a desperate environment. The results of the campaign have devastating consequences for the characters in the following seasons.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–PRESENT)

SpongeBob and Patrick participate in an election for the position of mayor of Bikini Bottom after the current mayor disappears. The two friends compete against each other with increasingly ridiculous campaign promises that appeal to the local sea creatures. The storyline features a parade and various public stunts designed to garner attention from the voters. It parodies the tropes of political campaigns through the lens of the show and its underwater setting. The episode ends with the characters realizing that they prefer friendship over political power.

‘King of the Hill’ (1997–2010)

Hank Hill becomes involved in a local campaign when he decides to run for a position on the Arlen town council. He focuses on practical issues like water conservation and the maintenance of local parks. The show portrays the mundane aspects of local government and the difficulty of convincing neighbors to care about civic duties. Hank faces opposition from characters who want to use the position for personal gain or to push strange agendas. The arc reinforces Hank and his commitment to traditional values and community service.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

Moira Rose decides to run for a seat on the town council of Schitt’s Creek to regain a sense of importance. She uses her background as a soap opera actress to bring flair and drama to her campaign events. The storyline follows her as she tries to connect with the local residents who are very different from her former social circle. It explores her personal growth as she learns to actually care about the needs of the town. Her time on the council becomes a central part of her character development throughout the later seasons.

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)

Larry David becomes embroiled in a campaign for the presidency of his local condominium association. He runs against a neighbor he dislikes and uses his platform to complain about petty rules and social grievances. The campaign is filled with awkward confrontations and Larry and his inability to follow basic social protocols. It parodies the intensity of small scale political battles and the ego of those involved. Like most things in Larry and his life the campaign results in unintended consequences and social isolation.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Morty Seinfeld runs for reelection as the president of the condo board at Del Boca Vista in Florida. The campaign becomes a major plot point as Jerry travels south to help his father maintain his position. They face accusations of embezzlement involving a gifted Cadillac that threaten to destroy Morty and his reputation. The storyline satirizes the politics of retirement communities and the intensity of senior citizen elections. It concludes with a dramatic board meeting where the fate of the presidency is decided.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Captain Raymond Holt enters a race to become the commissioner of the New York Police Department. He must compete against several other high ranking officers while maintaining his duties at the precinct. The campaign involves public speeches and formal interviews and internal political maneuvering within the department. The show explores the obstacles Holt faces as he tries to reform the system from the top down. His team at the precinct supports him by helping him prepare for the rigorous selection process.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Lucious Lyon and his family members frequently engage in internal campaigns to control their massive media empire. While these are corporate battles they are framed with the same intensity and public relations strategy as political races. Characters hold press conferences and launch smear campaigns and seek endorsements from influential figures. The show portrays the intersection of celebrity culture and power as the Lyons fight for dominance. These campaigns often involve betrayal and secret alliances that change the hierarchy of the company.

‘Power’ (2014–2020)

James St. Patrick attempts to transition from a life of crime to a legitimate career in politics. He positions himself as a community leader and begins the early stages of a campaign for high office in New York. The storyline explores the difficulty of burying a dark past while seeking public trust. He must manage his image carefully while dealing with enemies who want to expose his secrets. The campaign serves as a way for him to seek redemption and a new identity for his family.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Thomas Shelby moves from the world of organized crime into the realm of formal politics by running for a seat in Parliament. He uses his influence and wealth to secure a victory and represent his local district in Birmingham. The show portrays his transition as he navigates the halls of power and deals with national political figures. He uses his position to further his business interests while pretending to serve the public good. The campaign marks a significant shift in the scale of his ambitions and the dangers he faces.

‘The Good Fight’ (2017–2022)

The series features several plotlines involving characters running for office or managing high level political campaigns. It focuses on the legal and ethical challenges that arise during modern electoral contests. The show explores the impact of social media and fake news on the ability of a candidate to communicate with voters. It often mirrors real world political developments through its fictionalized version of the American legal system. The characters must decide how much of their integrity they are willing to sacrifice to win.

‘The Newsroom’ (2012–2014)

While primarily about a news team the show frequently covers fictional political campaigns from the perspective of the media. The characters struggle to provide objective coverage while dealing with the pressures of ratings and corporate interests. It features detailed scenes of primary debates and the process of vetting candidates for live interviews. The show critiques the way modern campaigns are run and the role of television in shaping voter perceptions. It highlights the importance of a free press in a functioning democracy during election cycles.

‘Designated Survivor’ (2016–2019)

Tom Kirkman must run for a full term as President after initially inheriting the office following a national tragedy. His campaign is unique because he runs as an independent candidate who refuses to join either major political party. The storyline explores the challenges of building a campaign infrastructure from scratch without party support. He faces intense scrutiny from the media and opposition from established politicians who want him to fail. The show depicts the grueling nature of the campaign trail and the impact on the family of the president.

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

The series features a political campaign for the position of Kai which is the spiritual and political leader of the planet Bajor. Kai Winn uses her influence and manipulative skills to secure the position against more moderate candidates. The storyline explores the intersection of religion and politics in a complex alien society. It shows how the campaign affects the relationship between Bajor and the Federation during a time of war. The results of the election have long term consequences for the stability of the entire region.

‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)

Malcolm runs for student body president after becoming frustrated with the way the school is being managed. He uses his high intelligence to craft a campaign that points out the flaws in the current system. However he soon finds that his logical approach does not resonate with the student body as much as the popular candidates. The episode explores the social dynamics of high school and the difficulty of being an outsider in a popularity contest. It ends with a comedic realization about the nature of leadership and school pride.

‘Futurama’ (1999–PRESENT)

Richard Nixon and his preserved head runs for President of Earth multiple times throughout the future setting of the series. He uses his knowledge of past political tactics to win over the voters of the 31st century. The show satirizes political rhetoric and the use of technology to influence the electorate. Nixon and his campaigns are often characterized by blatant corruption and absurd promises to the citizens of the world. These episodes provide a comedic look at how political themes might evolve over a thousand years.

‘American Dad!’ (2005–PRESENT)

Stan Smith often gets involved in local political campaigns to ensure that his conservative values are upheld in his community. He has run for positions himself or managed the campaigns of other characters with varying degrees of success. The show uses these storylines to parody the intensity of local politics and the polarization of American society. Stan and his extreme dedication to his cause often leads to chaotic results and damage to his neighborhood. The episodes highlight his inability to compromise even on the smallest civic issues.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Jackson Belleville runs for the position of Town Selectman in Stars Hollow against the long term incumbent Taylor Doose. The campaign becomes a major event in the small town with residents taking sides and participating in heated debates. Jackson runs on a platform of common sense and local agriculture while Taylor focuses on strict rules and tradition. The storyline explores the quirks of small town government and the personal relationships between the candidates. It ends with a surprising victory that changes the town dynamic for a period of time.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

The Bluth family becomes involved in a political campaign when they support a candidate for the local board to protect their housing development. Later seasons feature a plot where characters run for positions on the board of a planned border wall. The show parodies the way private interests fund and manipulate political candidates for financial gain. The campaigns are filled with misunderstandings and incompetence and the trademark dry humor of the series. It highlights the corruption and absurdity of local land use politics.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

Frank Gallagher launches a campaign for a local office in his neighborhood to take advantage of government funds. He uses his typical manipulative tactics to convince his neighbors that he is a man of the people. The campaign is characterized by chaos and a total lack of qualifications on Frank and his part. The storyline explores the poverty and frustration of the South Side of Chicago through the lens of a fraudulent political run. It ends with Frank and his usual disappearance once the scheme becomes too difficult to maintain.

‘The Mayor’ (2017–2018)

A young rapper named Courtney Rose runs for mayor of his California hometown as a publicity stunt to promote his music. To his surprise he actually wins the election and must learn how to govern the city he grew up in. The show follows his transition from an entertainer to a public servant with the help of his mother and friends. It explores the challenges of making real change in a bureaucratic system while maintaining your identity. The series focuses on the potential for local politics to be revitalized by new and unconventional voices.

‘Spin City’ (1996–2002)

The series centers on the staff of the Mayor of New York City as they manage his public image and daily political battles. While the Mayor is already in office the show frequently depicts the various reelection campaigns and special elections that occur in the city. The staff must deal with constant scandals and media inquiries while trying to keep the Mayor popular with the voters. It provides a comedic look at the fast paced world of urban politics and the people who run the campaigns. The show emphasizes the teamwork and strategic thinking required to stay in power.

‘Murphy Brown’ (1988–2018)

The characters in this newsroom comedy frequently cover fictional political campaigns and participate in the media circus surrounding them. Murphy Brown herself often becomes a target of political figures during their campaigns for office. The show uses these interactions to comment on the relationship between journalists and politicians in Washington. It features guest appearances from real world political figures who interact with the fictional candidates. The series was known for its sharp satire of the American political landscape and the election process.

‘Madam Secretary’ (2014–2019)

Elizabeth McCord serves as the Secretary of State and eventually decides to run for the presidency in the final season. The show depicts the transition from a diplomatic role to the grueling environment of a national political campaign. It focuses on the impact of the race on her family and her staff at the State Department. The narrative covers the primaries and the challenges of being a female candidate in a high stakes election. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and international experience in leadership.

‘The Bold Type’ (2017–2021)

Kat Edison decides to run for a seat on the New York City Council to advocate for marginalized communities and social justice. Her campaign is managed by her friends and focuses on using social media to reach younger voters. The show explores the difficulties of running as a young person with a progressive platform in a traditional system. It portrays the personal attacks and public scrutiny that come with entering the political arena. The storyline highlights her passion for change and the power of grassroots activism.

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