Sayak Basu
It would be naive on our part to presume that when a political party comes to power in any country, it is only because the people love them dearly and have voted for them in large numbers (considering it is a democracy). There is an entire machinery at work, oiled by pockets that run deep. And it is with or without the support of such influential people that political careers are created or broken. One of the most burning questions the world is facing right now is whether Donald Trump will be reelected as the American President in 2020. But before looking at odds in his favor, we have a show on our hands which discusses one of the most important people behind Trump coming to power in the first place. ‘The Loudest Voice‘ is a Showtime original miniseries based on the book of the same name by Gabriel Sherman. Through the show, we are made to understand how big a role Fox News had played in getting Trump elected. The then Chairman and CEO of Fox News, Roger Ailes was constantly pushing Trump’s policies and views as the guiding light to help America reassert itself as the most powerful nation on the earth.
In ‘The Loudest Voice’, we follow Ailes as he becomes one of the most influential people within the Republican Party and helps in Trump getting elected as the US President. The series reveals to us how the former Fox News CEO started off his political career after a meeting with Richard Nixon. Ailes’ rise and rise to power came to a screeching halt after numerous allegations of sexual harassment surfaced. Academy Award-winning British actor Russell Crowe is playing Ailes in the series. The actor, who shot to superstardom with his role in Ridley Scott‘s ‘Gladiator‘ (2000), had to sit through hours of makeup to look the part. Besides Crowe, another British star, Naomi Watts is a part of the project as well and can be seen in the role of Gretchen Carlson, the Fox News television commentator who first opened up about Ailes’ misdemeanors with women.
‘The Loudest Voice’ is a show about a powerful man using his position to leverage undue advantage for himself and his political beliefs. If you are interested in shows that question the morality of actions taken by powerful people, then you have come to the right place. Here’s the list of best shows similar to ‘The Loudest Voice’ that are our recommendations. You can watch several of these series like ‘The Loudest Voice’ on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime.
6. The Assets (2014)
A book called ‘Circle of Treason: A CIA Account of Traitor Aldrich Ames and the Men He Betrayed’ is the inspiration behind this ABC original miniseries. The secret service is the last line of defense for any country and it is headed by the head of the government himself. When a person working for the secret service betrays his office and sells information out to the enemies, it a major security breach. In this series, we are made to witness a KGB double agent’s activities from within the CIA. The misuse of power becomes a strong theme in this series, something which finds resonance in ‘The Loudest Voice’ as well. It is deeply troubling to see that there are people with ample opportunities to do good but still choose not to. They use their abilities to cause further damage to society. Despite being based on a real-life espionage story, ‘The Assets’ did not manage to make a mark upon the critics or audiences; but the show does deserve a watch since it deals with one of the biggest acts of espionage that has ever happened on American soil.
5. House Of Cards (2013-2018)
The now-disgraced Kevin Spacey has played some iconic roles throughout his long and illustrious career, but nothing comes close to the ruthlessness and manipulative nature of his character in ‘House Of Cards‘, Frank Underwood. The series is inspired by a British series of the same name, which is further based on a book written by Michael Dobbs. Underwood lies and deceives his way to becoming the leader of the free world. Very few shows have delved into the intricacies of the White House like ‘House Of Cards’. Even former American President Barrack Obama is a big fan of the show. Both Spacey and Robin Wright have given career-defining performances in ‘House Of Cards’, and both went home with Golden Globe Awards for the same. Power corrupts, and ultimate power corrupts ultimately — this saying fits perfectly with both ‘The Loudest Voice’ and ‘House Of Cards’.
4. The West Wing (1999-2006)
Even if Martin Sheen chose to retire after ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979), the world would still have fondly remembered him. However, the actor has proved his merit once again in this series where he plays the role of US President Josiah “Jed” Bartlet. Created by the famous screenwriter Aron Sorkin, ‘The West Wing’ follows the presidency of Bartlet as he leads a Democratic government and tackles various problems and oppositions that come in his way. ‘The West Wing’ is a show about dealing with power, and while some fail at it, others might succeed.
However, ‘The West Wing’ hasn’t been free from controversy. Many Republicans have called it ‘The Left Wing’ because of the liberal steps taken by Bartlet’s government while left-wingers have said that ‘The West Wing’ reveals the patronizing nature found amongst liberals. The show managed to grab three Golden Globe Awards and 26 Primetime Emmy Awards. At the Emmys, ‘The West Wing’ was adjudged Outstanding Drama Series for four years in a row.
3. The Wire (2002-2008)
Regarded by many to be among the greatest shows of all time, ‘The Wire’, through its five-season-run, chronicles the various aspects of corruption that have engulfed a city. Baltimore is the city where the show is set, and the Baltimore we get to see here is one where the law has run its course, and there are only a few good people left who are trying to bring order back to society. From drug dealers to government officials to the newspaper companies, nothing or nobody in Baltimore has managed to avoid the grips of greed. The show, in very realistic and intricate terms, brings to us the depravity in modern society. ‘The Wire’ has developed a strong cult following since its release, but despite gaining immense praise from the media and love from fans, the show has never managed to win big awards; probably because of its dark and grim subject matter.
Read More: TV Shows Like Dear White People
2. Tanner ’88 (1988)
Director Robert Altman is quite famous for his sense of humor which makes light of serious institutions like the government and the army. Altman deftly proves his merit in this miniseries created by Garry Trudeau. ‘Tanner ’88’ is a mockumentary series that follows an unknown politician’s run for the presidential candidacy in the Democratic primaries of 1988. Jack Tanner is the leading character of the show, and it is an unscripted speech that fetches him the popularity required to run for the candidature. ‘Tanner ’88’ uses humor to showcase the intricacies of running for the highest office in America. While ‘The Loudest Voice’ shows how outside influence can play a crucial role in getting a candidate elected, ‘Tanner ’88’ gives us a view of the inner workings of a political campaign. The series gained appreciation from critics over a certain period of time, and not immediately upon its release.
Read More: TV Shows Like You
1. Succession (2018-)
‘Succession’ is a story about a media baron who is living on borrowed time, while all of his children are waiting eagerly for their father to pass on his empire. The central character of the story is Logan Roy. He has four children, each of whom expects to be a major shareholder in the company. While ‘The Loudest Voice’ showcases the influence a powerful media personality can hold, ‘Succession’ brings to light the inner turmoils that come with being in such a position of power. The series boasts of well-written characters, crisp direction, and an engaging narrative. ‘Succession’ bagged the Best International Programme Award at the 2019 BAFTA TV Awards.
Read More: TV Shows Like Bodyguard
