Television dramas have come a long way over the past 20 years, with some entertainment fans now claiming that they would rather sit down and watch a binge-worthy box set than a three-hour film. The stories that are told in these dramas can often twist reality in a way that will make compelling viewing for fans, but real-life characters are sometimes included to add a more realistic element to the story that is being told. But, which television shows have included real-life politicians in their stories?
Peaky Blinders
There aren’t many bigger dramas on the planet than Peaky Blinders, as it has gained widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. The success of the drama has seen it become a cult classic, with flat-peak caps brought back into fashion because of the BBC show. However, throughout its run, it has incorporated multiple politicians in the storylines. The most famous of those is World War 2 leader Winston Churchill. Churchill was introduced to viewers in the first season as he was working with Inspector Campbell.
However, while he was first introduced working against Tommy Shelby, the two of them began to get closer during the most recent season as they worked together to try and derail the threat posed by Oswald Mosely. It is expected that Churchill, played by Neil Maskell, will continue to play an increased role in the show going forward.
Boardwalk Empire
Peaky Blinders isn’t the only gangster drama that has included real-life politicians, as the show that it was initially compared to also followed that same path. Boardwalk Empire received critical acclaim throughout its four-year run on HBO. However, the politicians that were portrayed in the classic were loosely based on their real-life namesakes.
The main character, played by Steve Buscemi, is Nucky Thompson, who is loosely based on Enoch Johnson. Johnson was the sheriff of Atlantic City and was part of the government for 31 years before he was imprisoned for his role in the prohibition era. Meanwhile, real-life politician Louis Kuehnle is also in the show, and he is played by Dabney Coleman. Kuehnle is still considered as one of the trailblazers of Atlantic City as he was the Republican leader that was in control of the area during the early 1900s.
Brexit: The Uncivil War
While other dramas such as Peaky Blinders and Boardwalk Empire incorporate politicians into the stories that are going on, there are some dramas that base its story on real-life political issues. The most recent of those is Brexit: The Uncivil War, which follows the lead up to the 2016 Referendum, which eventually led to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.
There is a who’s-who of real-life politicians involved in this drama, with Benedict Cumberbatch playing the main role of Dominic Cummings. Meanwhile, Richard Goulding played current British prime minister Boris Johnson, and Oliver Maltman and Paul Ryan played Michael Gove and Nigel Farage, respectively.