As an avid Netflix viewer, I have seen a plethora of shows. My favorites, however, by far are those dealing with political issues and foreign affairs. The thrill of FBI shows largely entices me, and seeing the politicians on my screen debate imperative issues always catches my attention. As an international affairs major, I love seeing on my screen the issues and discussions that I study in class. Whether it’s based on a true story or simply a fictional plot, these shows always have me on the edge of my seat. Because of this, I have seen many — if not all — shows that involve the government and public policy. With this in mind, I want to give further insight into what my favorite shows are about and what captivated me to continue following along their story lines.
‘The Diplomat’
Recently released season three in October 2025, The Diplomat has had me largely hooked. It is categorized as an American Political thriller, deeply applauded for its showcase of foreign policy and diplomacy. Starring Keri Russell, she plays Kate Wyler, a former US diplomat who is appointed as ambassador to the United Kingdom in the course of rising international tensions. Throughout the series, Wyler deals with many national security threats, strategic alliances, and tactical strategies in her new position; all of this while coping with a struggling marriage to Hal Wyler, former US Ambassador to Lebanon and Iraq. His lack of position with her recent promotion furthers the struggles within their own marriage. Taking place primarily in London, viewers can see firsthand the roles of an ambassador, including secret talks, public appearances, and many formal dinners. Ultimately, it provides a very interesting perspective on US foreign policy and all things international relations.
The Spy
The Spy is the only show from this list based on a true story. It is based on the life of Egyptian-born Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who infiltrated the Syrian government during the 1960s under the alias Kamel Amin Thabet. He developed extremely close relationships with Syrian political and military elites, leading to very valuable intelligence for the Israeli government. The show is a one-season limited series that primarily dives into Cohen’s years working as a spy from 1961 to 1965. He begins working undercover in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to establish his cover and works his way into entering Damascus, Syria. He establishes his import-export business in Damascus, where he begins to physically send intel back to Israel. Eli Cohen is played by Sacha Baron Cohen, largely recognized from his roles in ‘The Dictator’ and ‘Borat.’ This show provides great insight into the years leading up to the 1967 Arab-Israeli Six-Day War.
The Recruit
The Recruit stars Noah Centineo, commonly known from his role as Peter Kavinsky in ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.’Centineo plays Owen Hendricks, a CIA lawyer who becomes entangled with dangerous groups when an asset blackmails the agency and threatens to expose her role if not released from prison. Hendricks takes on the role of negotiating with the asset; however, while progressively gets more caught up in the politics. In order to subdue to issue, he continues to negotiate with the asset, puts his life at risk, and deals with many threatening individuals. Despite the thrill of this show, a humorous aspect is also incorporated, making it largely entertaining for viewers and lightening the mood at times. Being simply a lawyer, Hendricks is sometimes seen as incompetent and largely disorganized, becoming a liability for the CIA, yet this further feeds into the humor of the show. Hendricks derails assignments and takes complete control over them, yet they were not always unsuccessful.
The Night Agent
The Night Agent is categorized as an American action thriller and shares many similarities with ‘The Recruit.’ Starring Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, Basso plays an FBI agent who works as an operator for the Night Agent telephone line at the White House. After an emergency call, he is rapidly immersed in a conspiracy about a mole holding a high position at the White House. With a strong devotion to the nation, Sutherland sets out to uncover the mole, discover their plans, all while protecting Rose Larkin, played by Luciane Buchanan, who had dialed the Night Agent hotline on behalf of her aunt and uncle. With two seasons currently out and a third on the way, I have been completely hooked by this show from the beginning. It incorporates a riveting love story while continuing the thrill of the FBI and uncovering a national security threat.
Designated Survivor
‘Designated Survivor’ stars Kiefer Sutherland as Thomas Kirkman, who held the position of US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He was named the Designated Survivor for the State of the Union Address while holding a lower position in the White House. He quickly became the President of the United States when an explosion killed everyone in attendance at the address, including the President and everyone else in front of him in the line of succession. Kirkman now has to try and uncover the truth about the explosion while dealing with a lack of experience as the head of state. He faces negotiations with terrorists, oversees the discoveries of the FBI, all while managing his new role. This shows an intricate storyline that was deeply fascinating and largely thrilling to follow along.
Ultimately, these shows have not only helped to shape my interest in foreign affairs but also understand the thought processes behind decisions dealing with foreign policy. As an International Affairs major, these types of scenarios are largely studied and understood in the classroom, but getting to see them on my TV screen was completely exhilarating. These thrillers all hold top spots on my favorite TV show list, and I eagerly wait for new seasons!