Here are some of the drama series that not only hold up beautifully in 2023, but could actually give any current show a run for its money.
1. The West Wing (1999–2006)
This one technically started in '99, but let's not split hairs. This show is a behind-the-scenes look at the White House under the fictional presidency of Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen). He's got a crew of loyal staffers, like Chief of Staff Leo McGarry and Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman, who help him run the country.
We see issues like gun control, healthcare, and international relations unfold in real-time. There's also a fair share of personal drama, such as Leo's struggles with alcoholism and Communications Director Toby Ziegler's moral dilemmas.
2. House of Cards (2013–2018)
Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is the Majority Whip in the House of Representatives, but after getting passed over for Secretary of State, he's out for revenge. With the help of his equally cunning wife, Claire (Robin Wright), he manipulates his way to the top, destroying anyone who stands in his way. Think blackmail, manipulation, and even murder – Frank's willing to do it all.
The pair rise through the ranks, battling politicians and journalists who dare cross their path. Ruthless doesn't even begin to describe it.
3. 24 (2001–2010)
Kiefer Sutherland stars as Jack Bauer, a Counter-Terrorist Unit agent who has to prevent catastrophic attacks on U.S. soil. Each season covers 24 hours in Bauer's life, making for an adrenaline-pumping, real-time format. In one season, he's stopping a presidential assassination; in another, he's preventing a nuclear bomb detonation.
But it's not all about the mission; we see Bauer deal with his failing marriage, the loss of his wife, and estrangement from his daughter.
4. Homeland (2011–2020)
CIA officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) is sure that Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a Marine Sergeant who's been held captive by al-Qaeda for eight years, is a sleeper agent planning an attack on America. So, what does she do? Well, she surveils him, hacks into his life, and starts a personal relationship with him to find out.
Carrie's own bipolar disorder adds another layer of complexity, making you question whether her instincts are right or if she's spiraling into manic obsession.
5. The Newsroom (2012–2014)
Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) is a cable news anchor who decides he's had enough of chasing ratings. With the help of his new executive producer, MacKenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer), he goes on a mission to deliver 'real' news, free from corporate interests. Despite facing backlash from the channel's management and viewership dips, they persist.
As they cover actual past news events, like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the killing of Osama Bin Laden, their personal lives get entangled with their professional ones, making for riveting TV.
6. The Americans (2013–2018)
Cold War tensions heat up your screen in "The Americans," where Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys play Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, Russian spies posing as a typical American family. Their cover is so good even their own kids have no clue.
As their FBI agent neighbor Stan Beeman starts to get suspicious, the couple has to play it cool, or else their whole life – and their country – could come crashing down.
7. Designated Survivor (2016–2019)
You might know him as Jack Bauer, but in this one, Kiefer Sutherland is Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who's suddenly thrust into the presidency after a devastating attack wipes out everyone above him. Inexperience? Absolutely. Ready for the job? Not even close. Yet, he's got to steady the ship.
As if that's not enough, his family has a hard time adjusting to their sudden move into the White House.
8. Scandal (2012–2018)
Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope, a crisis manager and political fixer who can make anyone's problems go away. Except her own, of course. She's in an on-again, off-again relationship with President Fitzgerald Grant, and let's just say it's complicated.
Scandals unfold, cover-ups are revealed, and loyalty is tested as Olivia's team works to protect the nation's elite while grappling with their own secrets.
9. Boston Legal (2004–2008)
Сourtroom drama with a political edge, Boston Legal focuses on the personal and professional lives of attorneys at a Boston law firm. Led by Alan Shore (James Spader) and Denny Crane (William Shatner), these lawyers aren't afraid to bend the rules to win cases.
The series isn't shy about taking on contentious social and political issues, whether it's capital punishment, sexual harassment, or climate change. Yes, they might get into a bit of trouble (fine, a lot of trouble), but their heart's in the right place.
10. Madam Secretary (2014–2019)
Téa Leoni is Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned Secretary of State. She might not have the political pedigree, but she's got the smarts and determination to go toe-to-toe with world leaders, rogue nations, and even her own staff. While she navigates international diplomacy and office politics, she also has to manage her role as a wife and mother.
From hostage negotiations to moral dilemmas, Elizabeth's workdays are anything but dull.