Netflix’s The Politician is the series you need to watch this weekend

By Jennifer McShane
28th Sep 2019

Netflix’s The Politician is the series you need to watch this weekend

Netflix has really come into their own when it comes to original programming. From Mindhunter to gripping documentaries and must-see movies, they know binge-worthy content – and how to reel us in hook, line and sinker.

The next series that’s generating a hefty-amount of buzz on the streaming service is The Politician. The story of a wealthy student from California, Payton Hobart, who wants to become President of the United States of America.

It’s very much-touted as a satire; a tongue-in-cheek take on a political climate in the United States.

The plot

“Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), a wealthy student from Santa Barbara, California, has known since age seven that he’s going to be President of the United States. But first, he’ll have to navigate the most treacherous political landscape of all: Saint Sebastian High School. To get elected Student Body President, secure a spot at Harvard, and stay on his singular path to success, Payton will have to outsmart his ruthless classmates without sacrificing his own morality and carefully crafted image,” writes Netflix, announcing its release.

They are expecting big things from the first season, as according to reports, they have plans for multiple with every season planned to centre around another political race to win to get to the White House.

The stars

Tony winner Platt will play a hopeful president-to-be, while Academy-Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow (in her first major small-screen series) will play his adopted mother. Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy Boynton and actress Zoey Deutch will feature as Hobart’s ruthless classmates, and the formidable Bette Midler and Jessica Lange also set to guest star.

The creators

This all stems from the mind of the brilliant Ryan Murphy, not content with flexing his musical, horror and fashion muscles is attempting satire – note: Glee, American Horror Story and Versace – and a very polished satire at that, alongside his with his long-term collaborator Brad Falchuk (yep, Paltrow’s husband). Earlier this week, Murphy also announced plans for the next series in the American Crime Story franchise.