Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, The Politician wants to be Wes Anderson meets Election meets Glee, and sometimes it pulls it off. The production is gorgeous, the satire can be sharp, and Ben Platt commits fully to playing an absolutely insufferable protagonist.

But here's the thing: it's exhausting. Everyone is terrible. The suicide plot feels exploitative even when handled with care. The show wants credit for skewering privilege while wallowing in it. And for a satire about politics, it doesn't have much to say beyond 'ambition corrupts' and 'rich people are fake.'

The split between critics (51%) and audiences (80%) tells the story—if you're a teen who loves Murphy's aesthetic and can handle dark themes, you might eat this up. But parents should know this isn't a fun high school romp. It's cynical, morally murky, and requires real maturity to process.

There are better ways to teach your kids about political ethics than watching beautiful people behave terribly for two seasons. If you do watch together, plan on having some serious conversations afterward.

Age Fit

Best for older teens 16+ who have the media literacy to parse satire from glorification. The 14+ rating feels optimistic given the suicide storyline and pervasive moral bankruptcy. Definitely not for middle schoolers, despite the high school setting.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

42

Ryan Murphy's satirical comedy about a ruthless high schooler obsessed with becoming president features manipulative behavior, toxic ambition, and characters who regularly lie, cheat, and backstab. While it's satire, the modeling of cutthroat competition and moral compromise is pervasive. Not emotionally healthy viewing for younger teens.

Imaginative

68

The show takes a creative, stylized approach to political satire, blending dark comedy with musical theater aesthetics and over-the-top scenarios. The premise—treating a high school election like a presidential campaign—is clever and original, though execution can feel more style than substance.

Safe

55

Common Sense Media rates it 14+. The show includes mature themes like suicide (a central plot point), sexual content, drug use, and manipulative relationships. While not gratuitously violent or graphic, the suicide storyline and dark themes make it inappropriate for younger viewers. No surprise extreme content, but definitely requires maturity.

Enriching

58

Offers sharp commentary on privilege, political corruption, and performative activism. Could spark discussions about ethics, ambition, and systemic inequality. However, the satire is so cynical and characters so morally bankrupt that positive takeaways require significant media literacy. More entertaining than enriching for most teens.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Sharp satire of privilege, political theater, and performative wokeness that older teens might find clever
Stylish production with Murphy's signature over-the-top aesthetic and musical theater flair
Could spark meaningful conversations about ethics, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power
Strong performances, particularly Ben Platt as the Machiavellian protagonist
Audience score of 80% suggests it connects with viewers despite mixed critical reception

⚠

What to Watch For

Suicide is a major plot point in Season 1—not handled lightly, but central to the story
Characters consistently model manipulation, lying, and moral compromise without clear consequences
Sexual content, drug use, and mature themes throughout
The satire is so cynical that younger viewers may miss the point and just see bad behavior normalized
Not all Ryan Murphy shows are created equal—this one's more style than substance

Conversation Starters

"Do you think Payton is a villain or just ambitious? Where's the line?"
"The show makes fun of people who pretend to care about causes for political gain. Have you seen that in real life?"
"Would you ever compromise your values to win something you really wanted?"
"How did the show's handling of [character's] suicide make you feel? Was it respectful?"
"The show is satire—what do you think it's actually trying to say about politics and power?"

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