Fictional Television and American Politics

We live in a golden age of fictional television, while our politics has never been so controversial. This book explores that relationship, asking what it is that some of America's most popular TV shows have to say about its politics. Perhaps, like the author, you have gasped at Game of Thrones and balked at Breaking Bad. This book illustrates how, far from being outside of politics, shows such as these are deeply political, helping to fill our world with meaning. To this end, the book analyses Game of Thrones, House of Cards, The West Wing, Homeland, 24, Veep, The Wire, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. These are all politically consequential shows that shape how we feel and think about world politics. This book has three main audiences. First, this book will be of interest to academic researchers, as an innovative monograph developing one of the first studies of fictional television and world politics in the discipline of International Relations. Second, this book is a useful pedagogical tool, introducing students to and encouraging critical reflection on politics and International Relations through engagement with a popular and entertaining medium. Third, however, it will also and perhaps mainly appeal to fans of the shows discussed. If you have ever wondered just how similar Frank Underwood and Donald Trump really are, whether Brodie is a hero or a terrorist, or how you might act in the zombie apocalypse, then this book is for you.